Electrocution: Are there any PSU's that provide mains voltage to a computer?

[KentPhilip]

I was using a volt meter to investigate the output voltages from a possibly-failed Dell DA-2 power supply unit, and my brother chastised me saying that if it had been outputting mains voltage I would have been electrocuted.
He was right - I was holding the bare-metal leads in my hands.

Of course we all know that computer power supplies only provide 6 or 12 volt outputs, which are completely safe. And that implicitly I was trusting my life on this knowledge in this case.

But it occurred to me that perhaps there might be some that take the full 240 volts?

Bzzzzzz!

[Sockpuppet]

Its not voltage that kills you but ampage. Go lick the terminals on your 12v car battery and see what I mean.

[Gentile]

I was using a volt meter to investigate the output voltages from a possibly-failed Dell DA-2 power supply unit, and my brother chastised me saying that if it had been outputting mains voltage I would have been electrocuted.
He was right - I was holding the bare-metal leads in my hands.

Of course we all know that computer power supplies only provide 6 or 12 volt outputs, which are completely safe. And that implicitly I was trusting my life on this knowledge in this case.

But it occurred to me that perhaps there might be some that take the full 240 volts?

Bzzzzzz!

I'm loving your new Avi.

[darmstadt]

I'm loving your new Avi.

Of a poor homeless man who got his head stuck in a bin while everyone stood around filming him and laughing...

[ctdctd]

Of course we all know that computer power supplies only provide 6 or 12 volt outputs, which are completely safe. And that implicitly I was trusting my life on this knowledge in this case.

But it occurred to me that perhaps there might be some that take the full 240 volts?

Bzzzzzz!

The PSU outputs a low voltage to the computery bits so should be safe (ish) - might give a nice bang if you short the cables.
However, some PSU's also have internal wiring to a case mounted power switch - this can be 240V mains and would zap you.

At the very least, I trust you were wearing a high viz jacket

[Paddy]

I was using a volt meter to investigate the output voltages from a possibly-failed Dell DA-2 power supply unit, and my brother chastised me saying that if it had been outputting mains voltage I would have been electrocuted.
He was right - I was holding the bare-metal leads in my hands.

Of course we all know that computer power supplies only provide 6 or 12 volt outputs, which are completely safe. And that implicitly I was trusting my life on this knowledge in this case.

But it occurred to me that perhaps there might be some that take the full 240 volts?

Bzzzzzz!

I don't think there was much chance of getting 230 volts but you could get
a shock if you opened up the PSU. A good auto-range tester would soon tell you if there is a problem however, you may have to test it under load to get the correct reading.

[Gentile]

Of a poor homeless man who got his head stuck in a bin while everyone stood around filming him and laughing...

I don't see anyone standing about laughing. I did read that people phoned the Fire Brigade to get him out, and he was taken to hospital as a precaution to make sure he was OK.

There's no denying the inherent comedy of someone getting stuck in that predicament, though. Especially when the only harm done is a little hurt to the pride of a person that was doing something daft.

[doodab]

I don't see anyone standing about laughing.

Well, somebody filmed it, and a lot of people laughed. I know I did.

[KentPhilip]

I'm loving your new Avi.

Oh thank you
Indeed I have to chastise the CUK community for not having a thread on that particular story - I would have but didn't do.

BTW to change the subject just a tad, tonight I am in Winchester and staying in a "family" guest house.
My room was on the second floor, but by mistake I stumbled drunkenly into the equivalent on the first floor.
Eek!
The door was unlocked, she was in her pajamas, and I nearly got a boner

[OwlHoot]

Indeed I have to chastise the CUK community for not having a thread on that particular story - I would have but didn't do. ..

er, we did