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Thread: Computer power supply won't work in the cold

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Charlotte County, New Brunswick
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    105

    Default Computer power supply won't work in the cold

    Anyone else have the issue of a computer power supply not turning on because it's too cold? I'm trying tubing for the first time and have a shurflo set up with a temperature controller and it wouldn't turn on. I heated the pump and power supply with a blow dryer and it started. I'm trying a 40W lightbulb now to see if it will keep it warm enough. If that doesn't work, I'm not sure what to do. I don't have another power supply to try. Any suggestions? The whole setup is in a tote box with a lid, not out in the open.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Fairfax, VT
    Posts
    22

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    Is it possible there's a low temp cutoff to prevent the pump freezing?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Charlotte County, New Brunswick
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    105

    Default

    Yes, I have it set to shut off at zero celsius but when I warm the probe in my hand for it to turn on at 3 degrees, it wouldn't. But when I warmed the power supply with the blow dryer, it turned on. I tested it by putting ice on the probe to shut off and it shut off. Warmed in my hand to turn on and it turned on. When the power supply gets cold again, it won't turn on, the fan in it doesn't spin or anything.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Posts
    40

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    That's strange, typically cold doesn't effect things like power supplies. Heat yes, cold no, especially when your talking right around the freezing mark. I suppose it's possible that there is a weak connection or solder joint somewhere in the power supply that when cold enough the metal contracts and looses connection. Then once warm and it expands, the connection comes back. That would be rare though, so it's just a thought. I've had it happen in vehicles.
    Last edited by Ocelotsden; 02-22-2021 at 06:36 PM.
    Hudson Valley, NY
    Backyard hobby syrup maker on about 12 trees

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Rumney NH
    Posts
    125

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    What the amps on the power supply? at least 10amps for cold start-up.
    2017 140 taps 30x8 12x16 shack 28.5 gal
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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Charlotte County, New Brunswick
    Posts
    105

    Default

    I don't know but will check when I go there this afternoon. Thank you for that information.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Charlotte County, New Brunswick
    Posts
    105

    Default

    I forgot to check the amps but the lightbulb trick worked and kept it warm enough to turn on.

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