PC Power Supply Units (PSUs)

PC power supply units (PSUs) are essential components of computers that provide power to all the other components. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they are safe to use and do not pose any danger to the users.

How can GTG assist you with the tests on PC power supply?

(1) Electrical safety test

• Leakage current test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU does not have any electrical leakage, which could be dangerous to the user. The test measures the current that flows when an AC voltage is applied to the PSU’s input terminals. The maximum allowable leakage current for a PSU is 0.5mA.

• Ground continuity test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU’s ground is properly connected and can handle the current flow. The test measures the resistance of the ground connection of the PSU. The resistance should be less than 0.1 ohms to ensure that the ground connection is reliable.

• Dielectric strength test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU’s insulation is sufficient to withstand high voltages. The test involves applying a high voltage to the PSU’s input terminals and measuring the current flow. The PSU should be able to withstand at least 1500V AC without any breakdown.

• Insulation resistance test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU’s insulation is sufficient to prevent electrical leakage. The test measures the resistance of the insulation between the PSU’s input terminals and the ground. The resistance should be greater than 2 megaohms to ensure that the insulation is sufficient.

• Short circuit test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU can handle a short circuit without any damage. The test involves shorting the output terminals of the PSU and measuring the current flow. The PSU should be able to handle the short circuit without any damage.

• Overload test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU can handle a load that is higher than its rated capacity. The test involves applying a load that is higher than the PSU’s rated capacity and measuring the current flow. The PSU should be able to handle the overload without any damage.

• Over voltage test: the test is performed to ensure that the PSU can handle a voltage that is higher than its rated voltage. The test involves applying a voltage that is higher than the PSU’s rated voltage and measuring the current flow. The PSU should be able to handle the over voltage without any damage.

(2) EMC test

 EMC tests ensure that your PC power supply emits minimal electromagnetic radiation that could interfere with other electronic devices, and also that it can withstand electromagnetic interference from other devices.

• Conducted emissions test: the test measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation that the PC power supply emits through its power cable. The power supply is connected to a spectrum analyzer, and the analyzer measures the electromagnetic radiation at different frequencies. The test is conducted at both low and high frequencies to ensure that the PC power supply complies with regulatory limits.

• Radiated emissions test: the test measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation that the PC power supply emits through the air. The power supply is placed inside an anechoic chamber, which is a room that is designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation. The power supply is connected to a spectrum analyzer, and the analyzer measures the electromagnetic radiation at different frequencies. The test is conducted at both low and high frequencies to ensure that the PC power supply complies with regulatory limits.

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) test: the ESD test checks the PC power supply’s ability to withstand sudden electrical discharges. The power supply is subjected to high-voltage discharges that simulate electrostatic discharges that can occur in real-world situations. The test ensures that the PC power supply can withstand these discharges without damage.

• Electrical fast transient/burst (EFT/B) test: the EFT/B test checks the PC power supply’s ability to withstand sudden voltage spikes that can occur in real-world situations. The power supply is subjected to high-voltage spikes that simulate electrical fast transients that can occur in real-world situations. The test ensures that the PC power supply can withstand these spikes without damage.

• Surge test: the test checks the PC power supply’s ability to withstand sudden voltage surges that can occur in real-world situations. The power supply is subjected to high-voltage surges that simulate voltage surges that can occur in real-world situations. The test ensures that the PC power supply can withstand these surges without damage.

• Voltage dips and interruptions test: the test checks the PC power supply’s ability to withstand sudden drops and interruptions in the voltage supply that can occur in real-world situations. The power supply is subjected to sudden drops and interruptions in the voltage supply that simulate voltage dips and interruptions that can occur in real-world situations. The test ensures that the PC power supply can continue to operate without damage even during such voltage dips and interruptions.

• Harmonic current emissions test: the test measures the amount of harmonic currents that the PC power supply emits through its power cable. Harmonic currents are currents that are not at the fundamental frequency of the power supply. The test ensures that the PC power supply complies with regulatory limits for harmonic currents.

• Flicker test: the test checks the PC power supply’s ability to maintain a stable output voltage during varying loads. The power supply is subjected to different loads, and the output voltage is measured. The test ensures that the PC power supply can maintain a stable output voltage even during varying loads.

• Voltage fluctuation and flicker test: the test checks the PC power supply’s ability to maintain a stable output voltage during varying loads and voltage fluctuations. The power supply is subjected to different loads and voltage fluctuations, and the output voltage is measured. The test ensures that the PC power supply can maintain a stable output voltage even during varying loads and voltage fluctuations.

• Voltage ripple and noise test: the test measures the amount of voltage ripple and noise that the PC power supply emits through its output voltage. The power supply is connected to an oscilloscope, and the voltage ripple and noise are measured at different frequencies. The test ensures that the PC power supply emits minimal voltage ripple and noise that could interfere with other electronic devices.

• Immunity tests: the tests check the PC power supply’s ability to withstand electromagnetic interference from other electronic devices. The power supply is subjected to electromagnetic interference from different sources, and its performance is monitored. The test ensures that the PC power supply can continue to operate without damage even when subjected to electromagnetic interference from other devices.

(3) Energy efficiency test

• Efficiency at different loads: the efficiency of a power supply is measured by the amount of power consumed by the power supply and the amount of power delivered to the computer components. This test measures how efficient the power supply is at different power levels, which is important because most PCs do not operate at maximum power all the time. A power supply that is efficient at lower loads will save you more money on your energy bills.

• Power factor correction (PFC): power factor correction is the ability of the power supply to correct the phase difference between the voltage and current. This test measures how well the power supply converts AC power to DC power. A power supply with poor power factor correction can cause unnecessary heat and energy loss.

•  Voltage regulation: voltage regulation is the ability of the power supply to maintain a steady voltage output under varying load conditions. A power supply with poor voltage regulation can cause instability and damage to your computer components.

• Ripple and noise: this test measures the amount of electrical noise and ripple present in the power supply’s output. A power supply with high levels of ripple and noise can cause instability and damage to your computer components.

• Hold-up time: this test measures how long the power supply can maintain a stable output voltage after a power loss. A power supply with a low hold-up time can cause instability and damage to your computer components.

(4) Mechanical tests

PC power supply undergoes several mechanical tests to ensure its reliability and safety. These tests simulate different operating and transportation conditions and ensure that the PSU can operate under all these conditions without any issues. A PSU that passes all these tests is considered reliable and safe to use.

• Vibration test: the test simulates the mechanical shocks and vibrations that the PSU may experience during transportation. The PSU is placed on a vibration table and subjected to different frequencies and amplitudes of vibration. The test ensures that the PSU can withstand these shocks and vibrations without any damage.

• Drop test: the test simulates the accidental dropping of the PSU during transportation. The PSU is dropped from a specified height onto a concrete surface. The test ensures that the PSU can withstand the impact without any damage.

• Tilt test: the test simulates the PSU’s behavior when it is placed in different orientations. The PSU is placed in different orientations, and its behavior is monitored to ensure that it can operate in any orientation without any issues.

• Shock test: the test simulates the sudden shocks that the PSU may experience during transportation or operation. The PSU is subjected to different levels of shock, and its behavior is monitored to ensure that it can withstand these shocks without any damage.

(5) Environmental tests

• Temperature test: the test involves exposing the power supply to different temperature ranges to ensure that it can function correctly in various environments. The PSU is placed in a thermal chamber and subjecting it to a range of temperatures, such as -40°C to 70°C. This test ensures that the power supply can keep working even in extreme temperatures.

• Humidity test: the test exposes the power supply to different humidity levels to ensure that it can function correctly in various environments. The PSU is placed in a humidity chamber and subjecting it to a range of humidity levels, such as 10% to 90%. This test ensures that the power supply can keep functioning correctly even in humid environments.

How can GTG assist you with the certifications or markings for PC power supply?

(1) TUV SUD certification

TUV SUD is a German certification body that provides testing and certification services for a variety of products, including power supply units. Their certification process includes testing for safety, efficiency, and reliability. TUV SUD certification is recognized worldwide and is a sign of quality and safety.

(2) CE certification

CE certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). It is a sign that the product meets the health, safety, and environmental protection standards set by the European Union. All power supply units sold in the EEA must have CE certification.

(3) UL certification

UL is a global safety certification company that provides testing, inspection, and certification services for a wide range of products, including power supply units. UL certification is recognized worldwide and is a sign of quality and safety.

(4) FCC certification

FCC certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in the United States that emit radio-frequency energy. It is a sign that the product meets the regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit interference with other electronic devices.

(5) CSA certification

The CSA certification, provided by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), is a widely recognized certification mark indicating that a product, including a PC power supply, has been tested and meets the applicable safety standards in Canada. The CSA certification is a mark of compliance with Canadian safety requirements.

(6) RoHS certification

RoHS certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in the European Union that contain hazardous substances. It is a sign that the product is free of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. All power supply units sold in the European Union must have RoHS certification.

(7) CB certification

CB certification is a worldwide certification program that provides testing and certification services for a wide range of products, including power supply units. It is based on IEC standards and is recognized in more than 50 countries.

(8) CCC certification

CCC certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in China. It is a sign that the product meets the safety and quality standards set by the Chinese government. All power supply units sold in China must have CCC certification.

(9) PSE certification

PSE certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in Japan. It is a sign that the product meets the safety and quality standards set by the Japanese government. All power supply units sold in Japan must have PSE certification.

(10) VCCI marking

The VCCI marking is a certification provided by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment in Japan. It indicates that the product has been tested and certified for electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions.

(11) GOST Certification

GOST certification is a mandatory certification for products sold in Russia. It is a sign that the product meets the safety and quality standards set by the Russian government. All power supply units sold in Russia must have GOST certification.

(12) GS mark

The GS mark, also known as the “Geprüfte Sicherheit” mark, is a safety certification primarily used in Germany. It indicates that a product, including PC power supplies, has been tested and meets the safety requirements set by the German Equipment and Product Safety Act (Geräte- und Produktsicherheitsgesetz, or GPSG). The GS mark is recognized and respected internationally, even though it is primarily associated with the German market.

To obtain the GS mark, a product must undergo rigorous testing by an accredited testing laboratory. The tests assess various safety aspects, including electrical safety, mechanical safety, and protection against potential hazards like electric shock, fire, and overheating. Once a product successfully meets these safety requirements, it is granted the GS mark.

(13) ETL mark

The ETL mark is a certification mark provided by Intertek, a global testing and certification organization. The mark indicates that a product, including PC power supplies, has been tested and meets the applicable safety standards in North America. The ETL mark is widely recognized and accepted in the United States and Canada.

(14) Energy Star certification

The Energy Star Certification is awarded to products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star certified power supplies are required to meet a certain efficiency level, which will help you save on your energy bills.

(15) 80 Plus certification

The 80 PLUS Certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications for PC power supplies. It was introduced by Ecos Consulting in 2004 and is now managed by the 80 PLUS Organization. The 80 PLUS certification is a voluntary program initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy efficiency in power supplies. In this certification, the power supply is tested at different loads and efficiencies are measured at each load level. 80 PLUS certified power supplies are required to meet a minimum efficiency level of 80%.

The certification has different levels, such as 80 PLUS, 80 PLUS Bronze, 80 PLUS Silver, 80 PLUS Gold, 80 PLUS Platinum, and 80 PLUS Titanium. These ratings indicate the efficiency levels of the power supply, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency.

Why the biggest brands trust GTG Group?

GTG Group (Global Testing Group) is a certification company that offers testing and certification services to different industries. Our expertise in transformer testing and certification has made us a trusted name in the industry.

(1) Independent and impartial testing

GTG Group is a third-party testing company, which means we are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer. This impartiality can provide camera manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, and ensure that the camera meets the required standards.

(2) Confidentiality and security

GTG Group understands the importance of confidentiality and security when it comes to testing and certification. We ensure that our clients’ data and information are kept confidential and secure at all times. This ensures that our clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets are protected.

Contact GTG Group today for transformer testing and certification to avoid any legal issues that may arise from using a faulty PC power supply units (PSUs).