AC/DC Power Adapter Safe Handling of AC Adapters Vol. 5 "Do Not Use Indoor-Only Products Outdoors"

AC/DC Power Adapter What happens if you use it indoors? We introduce safe handling methods for AC/DC Power Adapter. Part 5 features "Do Not Use AC/DC Power Adapter Outdoors!"

AC/DC Power Adapter“Do Not!” Series Part 5: "Do Not Use Indoor-Only Products Outdoors!"

Originally, we had planned a different topic for this installment, but recently something has been bothering us... and that is the "outdoor installation (use) of AC/DC Power Adapter"! (ﾟдﾟ) A picture is worth a thousand words, so please take a look right away.

Case 1: When trying to buy a drink from a vending machine in a certain park...

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

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

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

Case 3: This is also along the Kanda River, and those who know will recognize it?? (We have no intention of causing business interference...)

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

In Case 1, there was an "Indoor Use Only" mark, and in Case 2, there was a warning label stating "Indoor Use Only," yet both were being used outdoors, exposed to rain. In Case 3, in addition to "outdoor installation," the condition suggested that even a durability test of the wiring material had effectively been conducted.

In all cases, the products were being used in environments not intended by the manufacturer. Furthermore, despite warning labels on the unit and label (we have not confirmed the warning label in Case 3, but it is highly likely that some form of indication exists), if a problem occurs under such circumstances, it becomes difficult for us to provide support.
(We believe that customers reading this article are using products correctly, but we would like to take this opportunity to provide a reminder.)

Additionally, AC adapters used in such environments may appear to have only minor mud splashes on the outside, but serious internal damage may have occurred. To help you understand this point, we would like to share actual internal photos from a past investigation request for your reference.

<Reference 1> Output stopped due to internal short circuit on solder side of PCB (1)

Photo of adapter (1) where output stopped due to internal short circuit on solder side of PCB

<Reference 2> Output stopped due to internal short circuit on solder side of PCB (2)

Photo of adapter (2) where output stopped due to internal short circuit on solder side of PCB

<Reference 3> Water intrusion reached component side of PCB, component leads corroded and disconnected

Photo of adapter with water intrusion reaching component side, causing corrosion and lead disconnection

As mentioned previously in Part 3 of the "Do Not!" series, "Do Not Get It Wet!", many AC/DC Power Adapter cases are not completely sealed. Therefore, we kindly ask for your understanding that they should not be used, stored, or installed in locations where they may be exposed to rain or water.

Introduction to UNIFIVE's Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter Series

UNIFIVE offers a lineup of waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter compliant with IP65 waterproof and dustproof ratings.

For details about 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/