Magic Blue Smoke » Transformers

Fluorescent light transformer fails

MagicBlueSmoke — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:50:53 +0000

Failed transformer

This transformer died leaving a horrible smell behind. Fortunately the bulb is still relatively unscathed with just an oddly colored spot. Credit: Justin B.

Part 431KD20 Varistors blow

MagicBlueSmoke — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:11:29 +0000

Part 431KD20 Varistor

These varistors were protecting a transformer when they died. The transformer was protected as the fuse blew – thanks to the varistors. Credit: bhungy

Xbox PCB charred

MagicBlueSmoke — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:39:55 +0000

Xbox with charred PCB

Two views of the same xbox board that not only lost the blue smoke but also lost the black smoke. Credits: Daniel Celion from Sweden.

CCFL output shorted by insect

MagicBlueSmoke — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:28:33 +0000

This picture comes from a Mitsubishi Diamondview 24″ monitor. An insect came in contact with the CCFL output of this inverter and was charred to a crisp. This lead to arcing on the board which destroyed the PCB and the inverter. Credit: PodeCoet.

Transformer on LCD backlight inverter from a Compaq Armada E500

MagicBlueSmoke — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:38:46 +0000

The transformer leads apparently arced over. The owner describes the part as having died with a drawn out crackle and a smell of burning PCB. Credit: Asheem Linaval from CA, USA