Question Wiring power supply to my 3d printer

[Edswald]

Hello, I recently bought this EVGA 500 W1 Power Supply for the purpose of using it for my 3d printer. The problem I have is all the cords are black so it's hard for me to tell what's positive and what's negative. Im a noob when it comes to electronics so I was wondering if it's safe to use my multimeter to test the wires, also what do you connector should I cut/use to power my 3d printer?

 

[Ralston18]

Hold on doing anything.

What make and model 3D printer?

What you have in mind may not end well for the 3D printer, the PSU, or you.

This power supply?

https://www.evga.com/products/specs/psu.aspx?pn=81e4cda4-e770-4372-91a9-55ab4bb5b12b

What is the reason for installing the EVGA PSU? Is the 3D Printer's current power supply broken or defective?

Unless there is some documentation or other information supporting your plans then I would not install that PSU.

Or any other PSU for that matter unless it is specifically supported via the 3D-printer's manufacturer's technical documentation.

And that documentation would include the necessary connections.

Do not attempt to use/install the PSU.

Provide more information and history about what has happened and the overall dangerous solution that you have in mind.

 

[rgd1101]

your 3d printer don't come with a power supply?

 

[Edswald]

My 3d printer is a tevo tarantula its a kit i built a couple of years ago, in the facebook group I'm in for my printer its common to swap out the original power supply with an ATX power supply as the original power supply is a cheap Chinese 12v supply. I have seen many videos explaining how to achieve this but all of their power supply cords are colored and mine are not so I'm a little confused as to what is what.

 

[Edswald]

Quick update for anyone who might see this in the future, so after pulling out the multimeter I was able to find a youtube video explaining how to check the polarity and voltage of wires, I was able to determine what cables supplied the correct voltage and the correct polarity. After that, it was quite simple as I soldered my 3d printer's mainboard, heated bed to some of the 12v CPU connectors then I used one of the 5v connectors to power my cooling fans on the printer. I just finished up my first test print to report a successful installation. Overall this was a great learning experience as someone who knows very little when it comes to electronics this was a fun project to work on and taught me a little about how to use a multimeter.

 

[Ralston18]

Very good.

If you are just getting into electronics here is a book that you will find very helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-...t=&hvlocphy=9007868&hvtargid=pla-557487475375

Well written, easy to read, excellent photographs and artwork.

Enjoy.