Switching Power Supply best practice

[ncflagg]

I've heard you can damage a switching power supply by powering it on without anything connected. Does this mean you need something connected to every voltage? (I.E. -5 +5 & +12) Or, will hooking up JUST the +5 or the +12 be enough to protect it?

[grantspain]

it should do no damage at all as it will not power up,a switch mode psu normally powers up with just a +5v load(like a halogen bulb)-thats how i test them anyway

[Ken Layton]

It depends on the make and model of power supply. The typical genuine Peter Chou screw terminal supply does not need any load connected to power up or test.

That's a different story for any of the 'computer style' power supplies used in various games. Many must have a load connected to the +5 AND the +12 volt lines.