http://www.cmhd.tv/index_blog.php/how-to-jump-start-a-power-supply/1318
 
Again, I present this to you for your scrutiny. This is a general guide for the unfamiliar. It likely won't be news to seasoned vets.

Nice & thanks for the info, Nic!

Nice write up!

billyfromhill

mwparrish

Thumbs up! This is great especially the no paper clip safety tip!

What's wrong with a paper clip? I use one all the time and I've never had a problem.

What's even better than a piece of wire is if you get a 24-pin connector and two pins.  

 
Quoting the article directly:

CMHD.tv Blog
Some users use bent paper clips to achieve the connection, but the lack of insulation could result in a shock to you, someone else, or the equipment. I do not recommend using a paper clip for those reasons.

 
It's a safety measure... sort of like "best practices"... i dunno what i'm thinking with regard to putting an insulator between myself and 'hot-wiring' a 1250W psu. Sure, you can make the argument that you're smart enough not to do something stupid... but that would make you Jesus. We all do stupid stuff. Better to just be safe. 

 
 Very good! Thanks!        

cdragonm

Huh, I've jumps a PSU and turned it on while in contact with the paperclip, I didn't know it was touching me (my foot) and I dind't get even the smallest shock. Of course I have a PSU tester now so no worries.

 
yeah, if you do it right and there's nothing wrong you're fine... if something's wrong and you don't know it or you can't find the right hole...
 
kaboom.

blacksapphire08

cdragonm

Huh, I've jumps a PSU and turned it on while in contact with the paperclip, I didn't know it was touching me (my foot) and I dind't get even the smallest shock. Of course I have a PSU tester now so no worries.

+1, i've done the same, but there is still the risk of shock if a bare wire comes into contact with a person or object. It's possible that the paperclips we used were coated with something that would have insulated it. He's just trying to say that paperclips are not recommended due to the potential risk.

Also consider that I can't very well have people going around doing things that are potentially unsafe while flying under the company flag. That mainly wouldn't be ethical, but it also means that there's a inherent liability placed on the company should anything go wrong. I'm sure there's a possibility that you won't die if you stick a fork in a power outlet, but it's just smarter to not do it.
 
Happy customers are currently alive ones. If zombies integrate into society in a similar manner to "Ugly Americans", I'll revisit my position.