Date   : Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:35:24 -0600
From   : jules.richardson99@... (Jules Richardson)
Subject: PSU Failure

Tim Fardell wrote:
> Alex Taylor wrote:
>> 2008/12/15 Mark Haysman <jumbos.bazzar@...>:
>>> Hi.
>>>
>>> The X2 class capacitors fail, causing that smoke.
>> And it doesn't stop the PSUs from working either, I've had loads do
>> this, and I've often just carried on using them like that. The last
>> one it happened to, I didn't even switch it off when it happened, I
>> just carried on typing.
> 
> This begs the question: what are the capacitors there for?

I believe they're to stop the PSU spitting loads of noise back out onto the 
mains lines, which is why the machine keeps on working after those caps have 
gone bang. I'm not sure what happens if you try to power up a room full of 
beebs with duff caps; maybe the toaster stops working or something.

(and this time I'll do the cut/copy/paste 'to:' field change nonsense 
necessary for replies, and actually send my message to the right mailing list. 
I promise :-)

cheers

Jules