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Two Methods:ConstructionUse


Is your power supply not working? Here is a power supply tester you can easily make yourself.

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Method 1 of 2: Construction

  1. 1
    Cut all three wires to a 24 inch (61.0 cm) length. (See Things You'll Need)
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  2. 2
    Strip each wire on both ends.
  3. 3
    Connect the short lead of the LED to a black wire.
  4. 4
    Connect the long lead of the LED to a red wire.
  5. 5
    Cut the black wire in half.
  6. 6
    Strip both ends of the newly cut wire.
  7. 7
    Attach one end of the green wire to the black wire.
  8. 8
    Attach the other black wire to the previous attachment.
  9. 9
    (Optional) Poke two holes in an Altoids tin, one in each end, and put the LED through one and the wires through the other.
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Method 2 of 2: Use

  1. 1
    Turn the power supply off.
  2. 2
    Connect the green wire to the pin with a green wire leading from it, on the main connector of the power supply.
  3. 3
    Connect the black wire to a pin with a black wire leading from it.
  4. 4
    Connect the red wire to a pin with a red, orange or yellow wire leading from it.
  5. 5
    Remove your hands from any bare metal
  6. 6
    Turn on the power supply.
  7. 7
    Check if the LED lights. If not, check your circuitry and try again. If that doesn't work, the power supply may be bad. If the LED lights, quickly turn the power supply off.
  8. 8
    If the LED lit, move the red wire to a different pin that is red, orange or yellow.
  9. 9
    Repeat the last three steps as needed.
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Tips

  • If you are testing another connector besides the main one, the green wire needs to remain plugged in.

Warnings

  • Like anything plugged into the wall, power supplies can BITE! Use caution when attempting this project, The author(s) of this article nor wikiHow is liable for any damages or losses caused by this project.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire strippers
  • One generic LED
  • Electrical Tape
  • Altoids tin (Small) (optional)
  • Red 20 AWG shielded solid core wire
  • Black 20 AWG shielded solid core wire
  • Green 20 AWG shielded solid core wire
  • Soldering Iron (Optional)

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Article Info

Categories: Accuracy | Pictures | Hardware Maintenance and Repair

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