All -

In consideration of the proliferation of SMPS in electronic
equipment, it is not unrealistic to expect a simple
short-circuit might not meet the intent of GR-1089.  While
many linear supplies will run indefinitely under sc, most
SMPS will go into hysteresis or shut down completely under a
solid sc.  A reasonable test condition is just below the
current limit of the SMPS output.

While I also dislike a PWB trace opening, we are considering
a fault condition and the compliance criteria are related to
failing in a safe manner.  As well, once a trace opens, it
is most likely the assembly/subassembly will be discarded,
rather than reused, since it will not function correctly and
not be considerable repairable.



Regards,

Peter L. Tarver, PE
Product Safety Manager
Sanmina-SCI Homologation Services
San Jose, CA
peter.tar...@sanmina-sci.com



Richard Hughes wrote:


Perhaps some will take issue with me in applying a partial
short in addition to a dead short.  In my defence I will say
that I work for a manufacturer and not a test lab and the
reality is that failed capacitors are unlikely to have a
zero ohm impedance when they fail in real life.  The
question then becomes one of how far should one go to
minimise product liability?


Richard Hughes



In a message dated 11/27/2002, Joe Randolph writes:

The only remaining gray area is whether the failure of a
component or circuit trace is acceptable *provided* that it
is located on the same circuit card where the short was
induced, *and* that no safety hazard resulted.  My
interpretation is that this would be acceptable.


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