w_tom writes:

If any power supply blows up with or without a load, then
power supply was defective by design. Too many 'cost
controllers' pretend to be computer experts. Therefore many
power supplies are missing essential functions - and even self
destruct.

BTW, every PC power supply must not be damaged even when all
output voltages are shorted together. That is not just a
defacto standard. It is required by specification. Spec even
states how big the shorting wire must be. Shorting a power
supply output will not damage any acceptable power supply.
'No load' will not damage any acceptable power supply. But
too many supplies are purchased only on one specification -
price. 'No specifications' is a common symptom of power
supply failure.

One can always dream. I've seen power supplies from supposedly reputable
well known companies blow up under conditions that were not so extreme.
Even if they are claimed to be short circuit protected, there may be
intermediate levels of overload where bad things happen.

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Home Page: http://www.repairfaq.org/
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