Power Supply Protections Explained

Every CORSAIR power supply is meticulously engineered to provide reliable and safe operation. Whether it’s over-current, under-current, over-voltage, over-temperature, or other current and temperature abnormalities, we include a wide array of protections in every power supply we make to ensure reliable operation and the safety of your hardware at all times.

We don’t put these features on the box because it’s not the kind of topic that gets a person’s attention like a Magnetic Dome bearing fan, side-mounted SHIFT connectors, or a native 12V-2x6 connector, but every CORSAIR power supply includes a wide range of safety features to deliver dependable performance. The safety features listed below are built into every CORSAIR power supply, from our entry-level CX models to the premium HXi and AXi series, offering our customers legendary reliability that is a hallmark of CORSAIR power supplies.

• OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION (OVP)

Over-voltage protection for the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V DC outputs is required to comply with the ATX specification. OVP shuts down the PSU in the event that the DC outputs exceed a set level.

• UNDER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION (UVP)

Under-voltage protection for the 12V, 5V and 3.3V DC outputs is required to comply with the ATX specification. UVP shuts down the PSU in the event that the DC outputs drop below a set level.

• OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION (OCP)

OCP is featured on the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V rails. OCP ensures that the output of the DC voltage rails remains within safe operating limits.

• OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION (OTP)

OTP ensures that the PSU will shut down when the internal temperature reaches a set point. This is usually as a result of internal current overloading or a fan failure.

• SHORT-CIRCUIT PROTECTION (SCP)

A short-circuit is defined as any output impedance of less than 0.1 ohms. Amongst other things, SCP ensures that the PSU shuts down should the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V rails short to any other rail, or to ground. It also ensures that no damage should occur to the unit, or your PC’s components in the event of a short.

• OVER-POWER PROTECTION (OPP)

Over-power protection shuts off the PSU when the power drawn is between 115% and 135% of the rated power.