I built a couple LT1085-based low voltage regulated power supplies and forgot to add the mica insulators between the regulators and heat sinks. The circuits are completely enclosed and each heat sink has only one regulator. Other than having to remember that these are now live heat sinks, this should not be a problem with LT1085s, right?
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Question is how your enclosure looks like. If it has air vents, then it's not a cool thing to have. Small metallic parts could fall into it and cause short circuits and component failures.
Also, what voltages are present in that enclosure?
Also, what voltages are present in that enclosure?
I have done similar where I wanted the best cooling. If you one day make a mistake and connect such a heat-sink to another potential you know who to blame. You have a fuse at the input I assume?
If your input voltage exceeds 48Vdc you formally enter the "high voltage" range here in Europe as I recall the rules.
Rectified voltages are 21VDC, regulated down to 15V. IEC inputs have 1A slo-blo fuses.
I built small wooden boxes, either maple or oak, with a grid of 1/8" holes on the top for ventilation. There are removable aluminum plates on the bottom for access. No prying hands can reach the innards without unscrewing the bottom plate. I could also apply a "LIVE HEATSINK" label to one of the interior walls to reduce the risk of future mishaps in case I forget.
Good to go?
I built small wooden boxes, either maple or oak, with a grid of 1/8" holes on the top for ventilation. There are removable aluminum plates on the bottom for access. No prying hands can reach the innards without unscrewing the bottom plate. I could also apply a "LIVE HEATSINK" label to one of the interior walls to reduce the risk of future mishaps in case I forget.
Good to go?
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It sounds from your description that it should be OK. You might want to label the heat sinks to remind yourself (and others) that they are live.
Whoops, just saw your comment above...yeah, label the heat sinks.
Mike
Whoops, just saw your comment above...yeah, label the heat sinks.
Mike
I see no safety risk. Worst case you may damage the circuit - thats all. It's for your own use.
Good to go!
What´s wrong with pulling a bolt, sliding in a greased mica and retightening?
You don´t even need to de/re-solder.
5 minute job.
You don´t even need to de/re-solder.
5 minute job.
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