Your computer’s PSU (Power Supply Unit) may not be getting the required voltage to function properly. As a result, the computer shuts down itself automatically or shows issues that hamper your work. You can test the power supply of the PSU with the help of a multimeter and see for yourself whether there is any voltage abnormality in any of the connectors. I would not say that it is a piece of cake; however, you do not need to be an electrical engineer to test your device’s power supply using a multimeter.
How Do I Test Power Supply with Multimeter?
Multi-meter is a piece of excellent equipment to test the voltage, current, and resistance of electrical circuits. Electronic devices such as TV, computer, refrigerator, etc. may show disturbance from time to time. It can happen for many reasons; not getting enough power supply is one of the top causes of the failure of devices. In this article, you will learn how you can test the voltage flow in and out of a computer system. Follow the instructions provided below carefully-
1. Take All the Necessary Safety Measures
Wear safety gloves and boots as you are going to deal with electricity. You cannot ignore the safety protocol. Voltages coming in and out of the PSU can be devastating for your safety.
2. Plug-Out All the Cables
Make sure that the PSU is completely disconnected from the main power source. Plug out all the cables that go into the PSU. Even, do not take risks with the USB cables; the system should be deprived of any kind of electricity.
3. Short-Out Pins
Take a U-shaped small wire and short pins no. 15 and 16 of the PSU with the 24-pin motherboard connector. This is an extra layer of security to make sure that there is no power flow through the system.
4. Set the Right Voltage
Some countries use 110 volts, and other countries may run on 220 volts. According to your location, set the right voltage from the switch of the PSU.
5. Start the Multi-Meter
After you start the multi-meter, set its voltage range from 200 volts to 300 volts.
6. Feed the Power
Connect the PSU to the main power source. As electricity will run through the power supply unit, you will hear the noise of the fan running inside the PSU.
7. Connect the Multi-Meter With the Motherboard
Set the multimeter’s range from AC to DC; the value should be in the range of 10 volts to 20 volts. Now, connect the black negative probe of the multi-meter to any of the ground probes of the motherboard. Next, connect the red positive probe of the multi-meter to the ground probe that you want to test. This way connect the other probes and see the voltages show up on the multimeter’s screen. You will see different outputs like -3vdc, +3vdc, -5vdc, +5vdc, etc.
8. Check Out the Tolerance
Document the output voltage of the connectors and match them with the tolerant range of voltage supply of a 24-pin motherboard. If you find an abnormality in the values collected, you will need to change the power supply.
9. Re-Connect the Power Plugs
In order to restart your computer, you need to re-connect the power plugs to the power supply unit. Turn off the multimeter before you give power back to the PSU.
Conclusion
Was it difficult? I hope not. If you were able to follow me step by step, you must have become some sort of an electrical engineer by now. With a few twisting here and there, you can test the power of other electronic devices using a multimeter.
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