Safe Handling of the AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount - Part 5: "Indoor-only Devices Should Not Be Used Outdoors"

What happens when you use the AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount indoors? We are introducing safe handling methods for the AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount. Part 5 features "Do not use the AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount outdoors!"

AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount"Don't Do It!" Series Part 5: "Indoor Use Only Devices Should Not Be Used Outdoors!"

Originally, we had a different topic in mind, but recently something has been bothering us... What is it? It's the outdoor installation (use) of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount! (ﾟдﾟ) Photos speak louder than words—so please take a look.

Case 1. Tried to buy a drink from a vending machine in a park and...

Photo of indoor-use adapter being used in a park vending machine

Case 2. While looking at an outdoor sign...

Photo of indoor-use adapter being used in an outdoor sign (1)

Case 3. This one is also along the Kanda River—you might recognize it if you're familiar?? (No intention of business interference...)

Photo of indoor-use adapter being used in an outdoor sign (2)

Case 1 had an “Indoor Use Only” label, and Case 2 had a warning sign stating “Indoor Use Only,” yet both were being used outdoors and exposed to the elements. In Case 3, not only was it installed outdoors, but it appeared that durability tests had also been conducted on the wiring.

In each case, the product was used in an environment not intended by the manufacturer, and despite warning labels on the devices themselves (warning label in Case 3 is unconfirmed but highly likely), it would be difficult for us to support users if issues arise in such conditions.
We believe our valued customers reading this article are already following proper usage guidelines, but we would like to remind you just in case.

Even if an AC adapter used under such conditions appears to only have some mud splashes externally, there may be serious damage inside. To help you understand, we are sharing internal photos of actual devices from past investigations as reference.

[Reference 1] Output Shutdown Due to Internal Short on Solder Side of PCB ①

Photo of adapter stopped functioning due to internal short on PCB solder side ①

[Reference 2] Output Shutdown Due to Internal Short on Solder Side of PCB ②

Photo of adapter stopped functioning due to internal short on PCB solder side ②

[Reference 3] Water Ingress Reaching Component Side of PCB, Corrosion and Disconnection of Component Leads

Photo of adapter with water ingress reaching component side of PCB, resulting in corrosion and disconnection

As previously mentioned in Part 3 of the “Don't Do It!” series—“Don’t Get It Wet!”—most AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount are not fully sealed. Therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from using, storing, or installing them in places where they might get wet from rain or other sources.

Introduction to UNIFIVE's Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount Series

UNIFIVE offers a lineup of waterproof AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount with IP65 rating for waterproof and dustproof protection.

For more information on our Products, please refer to the link below or feel free to contact our sales team.

https://www.unifive.com/en/products/standard/category/waterproof-ac-adapter/