Power supplies (abbreviated as PSU) are one of the most essential components for an arcade game, which are electrical products by their very nature. This Tech Tips article has been created to help you identify problems with PSU’s, along with providing advice on fixing them.

NOTE: PrimeTime Amusements is in no way responsible for any damage to any component of yours in any attempted DIY repair. We are simply providing this information as a service, with no guarantee of the outcome.

What Do Power Supplies Do?

When you plug a game into a power outlet, this provides 110/120V of electrical current (in “Alternating Current” or AC form) to the machine. But this current cannot be used in it’s raw state to power the components of the machine; otherwise damage would occur through overloads.

Power supplies take incoming current and filter out some of the noise, convert to DC (Direct Current), divide it into particular positive and negative voltages, provide points for proper grounding and more. The game then uses these electrical flows to power the various cabinet components.

Most modern arcade machines will feature more than one power supply inside, with each supply handling a specific purpose. Typically, one unit will supply and converts power for the general cabinet; then the monitor will have it’s own power supply that is connected to the primary source; then the computer inside of the game will also have it’s own to power the components within that portion of the game.

Troubleshooting Power

In troubleshooting any power related problems, you first need to figure out where the issue is occurring at.

Is there any power to the entire machine?

If not, then check the following:

Ensure there is power in the outlet. Check the power cable you are using, sometimes they do fail. Is there a switch on the back of the game? If so, is it in the ‘On’ position?