Red switch on the back of the PSU

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Sanddome

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Sep 29, 2013
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Hi, i recently started to build a new computer from scratch. And i noticed that there was a red switch on the back of my PSU that switches the number from 115/225. Paying no attention i switched it to 225 ( I live in the US ) i was curious to see if the PSU would power without it being connected to the motherboard, as i plugged it in i noticed that the lamp nest to me dimmed and that made my heart jump a little. I did some research and found out that if i set it to 225 it would fry my computer. Now the PSU wasn't connected to anything and it didn't turn on does this mean that my PSU is perfectly fine or did I fry it by accident?

My PSU is. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276573&CatId=1483

There is no red switch in the picture but there is on my psu
Thanks!
 
Solution
RealBeast
It is probably okay, but don't do those kind of experiments with your other parts. :) You can safely test it by setting it to 115, flip the switch to I (if it has an on/off switch on the back side), then with a bent paper clip short pin 16 and 17 -- the green power on to a black ground. If the fan starts up and it doesn't have an odd (burnt bakelite) odor it's okay. It is safe to do this with the green wire, but don't do it with any of the yellow or red wires, those are the 12V and 5V power wires.

Yes the little red switch usually says 115/225 for the two different voltage levels that are used (actually 120/240V) -- and everywhere in the US is the lower value other than double circuit lines for AC units, electric ovens and such.
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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It is probably okay, but don't do those kind of experiments with your other parts. :) You can safely test it by setting it to 115, flip the switch to I (if it has an on/off switch on the back side), then with a bent paper clip short pin 16 and 17 -- the green power on to a black ground. If the fan starts up and it doesn't have an odd (burnt bakelite) odor it's okay. It is safe to do this with the green wire, but don't do it with any of the yellow or red wires, those are the 12V and 5V power wires.

Yes the little red switch usually says 115/225 for the two different voltage levels that are used (actually 120/240V) -- and everywhere in the US is the lower value other than double circuit lines for AC units, electric ovens and such.
 
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Solution
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Sanddome

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Sep 29, 2013
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Honestly replacing the PSU is not an option right now but do you think it would still work? The wires weren't connected to anything and it didn't even turn on the lights just dimmed do you think its fine?
 
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Sanddome

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Sep 29, 2013
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Well Thanks for the fast answers :D really great site :D I think i'm just gonna hope for the best im really scared of doing the paper clip thing (I have little experience) but thank you so much for all the answers :D
 
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Sanddome

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Sep 29, 2013
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Thank you all so much I found out that there was no burning smell after 4 tries :D and that my fans were spinning (in the wrong direction too!) Again thanks all for the fast replies have a good one!
 
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