BasicB-003-018-011

What is the risk involved in troubleshooting a live power supply?

D
Answer
Basic radio theory
Type
A
Electromagnetic interference
B
Damaging connected equipment
C
Blowing the fuse
D
Electric shock

Answer Notes

A live power supply is actively connected to the mains grid and often converts that energy into high voltages or high currents to operate radio equipment. Touching exposed wires or components while the unit is live can cause severe electric shock, which can be fatal. While you might inadvertently cause a short circuit that blows a fuse or damages connected equipment during live troubleshooting, the primary and most significant risk is always to your own personal safety through electrocution.
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Before checking a fault in a mains-operated power supply unit, it would be safest to first:
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