Damaged Seasonic ATX Power Supply - Transformer ID - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: ajacocks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 06:54:21 am
content: I received a Seasonic Focus GM 550 watt ATX power supply a couple of months back. I only recently got to the project that I had ordered it for, only to discover that one of the transformers was partially ripped off of its base.I’d assume that this is due to rough handling in shipping, but the box looked fine, from the outside. I wish I had checked it sooner!So, I’d now like to replace the damaged part. I’ve attached a photo of it, but the part is marked Seasonic, though I doubt that they actually made it. On the label, it says:LEQ301941 W D B 2525BHI-POTMy understanding is that LEQ is the acoustic level of the part. Is 1941 the winding count? I’d also assume that W D B specifies the trope of transformer, but I am definitely not sure.Any help would be greatly appreciated!- Alex

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 08:24:31 am
content: I assume this is a custom part where only the manufacturer knows what the figures and letters mean.Where does you decoding attempt come from?Why not desolder the entire part first and see whether it can be fixed?I did the same with a working light that most probably has been dropped.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 09:14:47 am
content: ATX PSU worth perhaps $10, lots of used from discarded computersTroubleshooting of mains SMPS requires special equipment an experience.You will see its Impossible to get a replacement custom transformer, or to unvarnish, unwind, rewind and repair the original transformer.Since Safety is involved, suggesting that you junk it and just replace.From an old retired EEjon

author: ajacocks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 02:48:53 pm
content: Unfortunately, this is a new, and high quality PSU, so it’s worth at least attempting to repair. The coils on the transformer are physically ripped off of the base, as it appears that the glue that the manufacturer used was insufficient to keep the transformer in place during shipping.So, that precludes me being able to count windings, or similar.- Alex

author: Brianf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 03:04:22 pm
content: Quote from: ajacocks on January 02, 2023, 06:54:21 amNope. Just because a search on LEQ throws up pages talking about acoustic levels does not mean that it applies to this transformer.

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 03:05:11 pm
content: Maybe there is a chance to re-attach the coil wire to the pins, soldering extensions where necessary.I‘d say forget about rewinding the transformer.Did you already ask the manufacturer for spare parts or specifications?

author: TheMG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 04:54:37 pm
content: Obtaining a replacement part is very unlikely, as it is most certainly a custom part as the transformers in most power supplies are.If it were me I would attempt to reconnect the windings and glue the base back together. Keep in mind you will need to remove some of the enamel coating to be able to solder to the windings as they are Litz wire, with individually insulated strands despite the fact they appear copper colored.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 05:46:41 pm
content: Shipping damage: Take phots, get seller or freight carrier to raise a claim.Jon

author: ajacocks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 06:56:54 pm
content: Yep, I would normally make a claim for shipping damage, but I have had the PSU for several months, so it’s outside of the returns window. My fault, for sure.I will indeed contact Seasonic, to see if they will tell me what the transformer is, but limited hope there. I may try to buy a known bad identical PSU, and hope that this transformer is salvageable.Thanks!- Alex

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 08:15:03 pm
content: So what? That pot core is lighter than the main transformer, and shouldn't have broken loose, especially since there was no visible packaging damage. IANAL (and especially not a US one) but IMHO either Seasonic or the seller*owes you a free repair under warranty, or a replacement PSU or a refund. If they don't offer a solution reasonably quickly, take it up with your credit card company.* No-one can tell when it broke loose - it could well have been during shipping from Seasonic to the seller.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2023, 12:29:38 am
content: Loose transformers in shipping mean bad assemby or poor packing.Agree if ebay or freight firm will not reimburse, Seasonic or the vendor should cover this, thell them you will post a very bad review on forums or so caller "social media"poor quality...made in China..what a surprise!Jon