What is the operating temperature of a power supply?

Most power supplies operate in the ambient temperature of about 25°C, and are therefore tested and rated at this temperature by manufacturers. However, due to heat dissipation by components such as the video cards and CPUs, the operating temperature of the power supply will definitely increase and its actual wattage lowered.

What is operating temperature?

The operating temperature is the range of ambient temperature within which a power supply, or any other electrical equipment, operate in. This ranges from a minimum operating temperature, to a peak or maximum operating temperature, outside which, the power supply may fail.

How should a power supply be operated under temperature test?

The unit under temperature test should be operated under normal load conditions in accordance to supply voltage concerning worst-case condition until the temperature has stabilized. Common power supplies support a wide input voltage range to cover worldwide AC mains networks.

Do power supplies need to be housed outside?

Power supplies need to be housed outdoors, where the extreme heat of the summer and the extreme cold of the winter will both be present. Power supplies heat themselves up at different rates and intensities, and environmental influences will impact how quickly a power supply is exposed to high temperatures.

What is a maximum operating temperature?

Maximum operating temperatures apply to components/materials including those that carry, support, or contain hazardous voltage or current. As an example, a plastic enclosure has two temperature ratings, maximum surface temperature, and its own maximum operating ambient air temperature.

How does temperature affect a power supply?

Chemical processes accelerate, and mechanical connections can even loosen. The longer a component is operated at high heat, the more elevated temperatures can reduce its lifespan. Reduce the power supply load: Power supplies typically have specified loads according to an ambient temperature range.