Non-PC use for PC power supply

[kentaro]

I have a spare ATX power supply and, on the surface, it would appear that the DC 12V 10A rating would allow me to use this to power non-PC electrical or electronic items. What I have in mind is using this power supply to operate a small air compressor whose electrical requirements are DC 12V 6A.

Can I manipulate the external leads to "trick" the ATX power supply into powering up by simply plugging it into a wall socket ?

[SteenkyBastage]

hola kentaro, welcome to the forums.

try the paperclip trick. completely remove the PSU from the case, and make sure it's unplugged. if you close one of the pins on the main atx connector with any of the ground pins, it should automatically turn on (you'll see the fan turn on).

this picture (the first one as you scroll down) shows which pins you want to cross to turn the power supply on without plugging it into a motherboard.
here (http://www.hardwareoc.com/dualpsu.php )
need to cross pin 4 (green) with any of those grounds (black).

good luck!

holler if you need more help

[CrystalMethod]

I wouldn't use it for an air compressor that's going to draw 6A . Normally ATX PSU's will only put out 2.5 A, before they start to fry themselves.

[SteenkyBastage]

2.5a?

are you sure? mine reads 5a nominally with 20a max for 12v.

[Samzik]

i say go for it but before u do it u have to check the right wires for the compressor and if its for dc voltage but np should acure if u put the wiers backwards u can make it pump (insted of blowing) or worse kill da compressor. good luck !