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

What happens when AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount are used indoors? This article explains safe handling of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount. The fifth edition features “Never Use AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount Outdoors!”

AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount “Do Not!” Series Vol.5: “Do not use indoor-only products outdoors!”

Originally, we had a different topic in mind for this edition, but a series of recent concerning incidents brought our attention to “outdoor installation (usage) of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount!” ? Photos convey the message better than words, so please take a look right away.

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

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

Case 2: While looking at an outdoor sign…

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

Case 3: This one is from Kanda River again, and you might know if you know?? (We have no intention of business interference...)

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

In Case 1, there is a “For Indoor Use Only” mark, and in Case 2, a warning label indicates “For Indoor Use Only,” yet both were being used outdoors and exposed to rain. Furthermore, in Case 3, in addition to outdoor installation, it appears that durability testing on the wiring had also been performed.

In any of these cases, the product is being used in an environment not anticipated by the manufacturer, and despite warning labels on the unit or packaging (although unconfirmed in Case 3, it is very likely that some form of warning was present), support becomes difficult if any problems occur under such circumstances.
(We believe those of you reading this article are following correct usage guidelines, but we would like to remind you just in case.)

Moreover, even if an AC adapter exposed to such an environment looks like it only has some mud splashes on the outside, there may be serious internal damage. To help you understand this, we will share internal photos from past investigations for your reference.

Reference 1: Internal short circuit on solder side of PCB caused output loss (1)

Photo of adapter stopped by internal short circuit on solder side of PCB (1)

Reference 2: Internal short circuit on solder side of PCB caused output loss (2)

Photo of adapter stopped by internal short circuit on solder side of PCB (2)

Reference 3: Water ingress to the component side of PCB, causing corrosion and wire breakage

Photo of adapter with water ingress to the component side of PCB, leading to corrosion and wire breakage

As we mentioned in the “Do Not Get Wet!” article in the “Do Not!” Series Vol.3, most AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount are not fully sealed. Therefore, please be sure to understand that these devices should not be used, stored, or installed in places where they may be exposed to rainwater.

Introduction of Unifive’s Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount Series

Unifive offers a lineup of waterproof AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount that comply with waterproof and dustproof IP65 standards.

For product details, 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/