neazoi
Advanced Member level 6
Hello I have a 1A 12V jack wall PSU that is non switching.
I figured out that is non-switching because it is heavy and big, compared to other 1A 12V PSUs that I have.
I do not think it is regulated, because the output voltage measured with no load is 18v.
It was taken out of an old linksys router.
I am using it to power this https://www.pcengines.ch/alix.htm
The site states that this PC consumes 5W at 12V which is a current of 0.41A
However, the jack wall PSU becomes quite hot after a few dozens of minutes of powering the PC. Then it stays at pretty much this hot temperature, it does not get hotter than that.
The plastic enclosure of the PSU, is quite hot to the touch but you can leave your hand touching it for as long as you want without get burn. I am telling this, as an indication of how hot it becomes, since I do not have a thermometer.
Do you think that there might be a fire problem if I leave the PC on for months?
After a day of continuous operation I do not see any problem, but what about months of operation?
Is it normal for a 1A transformer to operate such hot when 0.41A is drawn out of it?
It may be the rectifier diodes that get hot though...
I figured out that is non-switching because it is heavy and big, compared to other 1A 12V PSUs that I have.
I do not think it is regulated, because the output voltage measured with no load is 18v.
It was taken out of an old linksys router.
I am using it to power this https://www.pcengines.ch/alix.htm
The site states that this PC consumes 5W at 12V which is a current of 0.41A
However, the jack wall PSU becomes quite hot after a few dozens of minutes of powering the PC. Then it stays at pretty much this hot temperature, it does not get hotter than that.
The plastic enclosure of the PSU, is quite hot to the touch but you can leave your hand touching it for as long as you want without get burn. I am telling this, as an indication of how hot it becomes, since I do not have a thermometer.
Do you think that there might be a fire problem if I leave the PC on for months?
After a day of continuous operation I do not see any problem, but what about months of operation?
Is it normal for a 1A transformer to operate such hot when 0.41A is drawn out of it?
It may be the rectifier diodes that get hot though...