Pop goes the PSU

[Pooky]

So my brother changed the switch on his PSU to 115v and then proceeded to plug in the computer. A very loud bang occurred which was followed by a burning smell emanating from the back of the computer.

Is this just a matter of replacing the Power Supply and hoping it didn't fry anything else? Or is there some kind of fuse one can replace?

 

[Captain Beer]

Why? What was the point changing the switch to 115v?

 

[froot]

Why? What was the point changing the switch to 115v?

A moment of stupidity?

There's a chance that he could have blown more components, so replace and psu and check if the computer still works. My friend did that by accident and blew his motherboard too (thank goodness most PSUs have an automatic voltage switch).

 

[Pooky]

Why? What was the point changing the switch to 115v?

There's a problem in which his monitor somehow doesn't receive a signal from the computer - I'm not too sure why, it's pretty erratic. He was fiddling about trying to fix it and changed that switch for some reason.

A moment of stupidity?

There's a chance that he could have blown more components, so replace and psu and check if the computer still works. My friend did that by accident and blew his motherboard too (thank goodness most PSUs have an automatic voltage switch).

Okay thanks will try that.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Do PSUs even still have those switches? Don't think mine has one.

 

[Pooky]

Do PSUs even still have those switches? Don't think mine has one.

The one on my computer doesn't have one and it's way older than my brother's.

 

[d0b33]

Do PSUs even still have those switches? Don't think mine has one.

Cheap PSUs still do.

 

[NomNom]

Sounds like a cheapy PSU, so most likely more than the PSU went, good luck though.

 

[sajunky]

In this case I wouldn't be make predictions. Typically when breakdown voltage is reached one of chopper transistors will be blown saturating transformer in the period of microsecond (so it would not able to transfer power to the output), bringing down fuse, possibly rectifier diodes. Before fuse is blown, the only danger to PC components is coming from standby 5V section, it will more likely pass spikes to the output, as it operates from the beginning (generating output before break down happens). 50/50 chance for any brand/cheapo, no matter, really...
Modern PSU have preregulator, it is part of surge protection or for PFC, these don't have a switch.

 

[cerebus]

All you can do is replace it and see if it all works. There is a fairy high chance something else went, possibly the mobo. But let's hope for the best.

 

[sajunky]

When purchasing not be misleaded that PSU without switch will be a good one.
The very cheapo ones also don't have a switch. When there are sold for non-American market, they don't need extra switch, saving few cents of production cost.