PSU Cable Cutting

[OliverBGD]

Hi,

I just bought a small factor pc case and my PSU isn't modular so the cables are taking too much space.

I was thinking of cutting the cables which I won't be using, how safe is this and is there a guide somewhere on how to ground the cut cables to prevent electric shock?

 

[[21CW]killerofall]

As long as you don't touch a bare wire, use sissors(or a wire cutter) with a plastic handle, make sure that it is unpluged, and cover the cut ends with electrical tape you should be alright.

 

[Mithent]

I'd leave the PSU completely unplugged for a long time before attempting anything on it, due to the charge stored by the capacitors. Sure, it shouldn't be a problem, but best not to risk it I feel. Don't let bare wires touch, either - if you wrap them all together in electrical tape then the results may be bad.

Also, obviously make sure there's no chance you'll need the cables again; you don't want to install something new in the future and find that you cut off the relevant cable.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Cutting the ends is fine, but don't use just electrical tape. It can easily come un-done. Get some heatshrink and cut it up into 1" sections. Slide 1/2" over each cut wire and melt it on. This ensures that the copper wire has at least a 1/2" of insulation to go through before potentially touching something and shorting out.