I want to dissamble the computer power supply out of its metal case to maximize space and to use the 3 pin male plug in another part of the projector. I read all kinds of warnings on the box that says do not open the box for risk of electric shock etc....
Is there danger even once completely unpluged?
Is it easy to take the 3 pin plug off or is it hard soldered?
Is there danger even once completely unpluged?
Is it easy to take the 3 pin plug off or is it hard soldered?
If you unplug the power supply, there is minimal risk of getting zapped. The only thing left to worry about (and I've never been shocked by these) are the capacitors. They can store a good amount of juice. Nothing that would kill you, but MIGHT zap you. Give it a couple hours or leave it unplugged overnight. Capacitors should be drained by then. The 3-prong plug is probably soldered.
danger?
No, not if it is unplugged. The highest voltage that would be stored for a short while across the capacitors, would be the +12 volts supplied for the drive motors and fans.
The power cord socket probably is soldered to the PCB, and maybe also fastened with screws or rivits. You should be able to remove it without destroying it.
There are two reasons for keeping the metal cage around the power supply:
1) It may lower the electromagnetic noise being broadcast at the swiching frequency (40 kHz?).
2) It may direct cooling air to the parts that get hot.
No, not if it is unplugged. The highest voltage that would be stored for a short while across the capacitors, would be the +12 volts supplied for the drive motors and fans.
The power cord socket probably is soldered to the PCB, and maybe also fastened with screws or rivits. You should be able to remove it without destroying it.
There are two reasons for keeping the metal cage around the power supply:
1) It may lower the electromagnetic noise being broadcast at the swiching frequency (40 kHz?).
2) It may direct cooling air to the parts that get hot.
You mean pull cool air in and exhaust hot out dont you? Right now its mounted at the bottom of a standing projector on the left side panel. Fan sticks out.
So I will try to keep in intact then but can I open the metal case and connect the lcd and ballast to the same connector? Or is this connector setup for 12volts use?
So I will try to keep in intact then but can I open the metal case and connect the lcd and ballast to the same connector? Or is this connector setup for 12volts use?
The 3-prong wire that you plug into the wall is AC (120V 60Hz or what ever your country has). It enters the box and is soldered to the board. At those solder points, it's still AC. It's not until the wires that leave the box (the ones you plug into the hard drive, motherboard, etc) that the voltage is DC at 12V, 5V, 3.3V, and ground.
Can you hook the LCD and ballast up to the same wire? Short answer maybe. Long answer: Wires can only carry so much current before they start to get hot (turn into a toaster). A 300 watt power supply probably draws 3A - 5A from the outlet. A 400 watt ballast probably draws 4A - 6A from the wall. An LCD probably draws 1A - 2A. So you're talking about drawing a possible 13A from the same cord (5 + 6 + 2). Now, granted these are the maximum current draws so you probably aren't drawing nearly that many amps from the wall.
My opinion? The cord can probably handle it. You can try it and if the cord gets warm / hot.... Forget it. Use two cords.
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