Xbox 360 power supply

Your Xbox 360 console has an external fan-assisted power supply unit (PSU). The PSU has the same basic design in all countries. The maximum dimensions of the PSU are as follows:

• The 220-240V power supply measures approximately 21.9 x 7.7 x 5.4 cm (8.62 x 3.03 x 2.13 inches).
• The 110-127V power supply measures approximately 21.4 x 7.7 x 5.4 cm (8.42 x 3.03 x 2.13 inches).

Some PSUs are shorter but have the same capabilities. For example, the PSU is slightly smaller in countries that use 110-volt electricity.

• Xbox 360 E console: Uses a 120-watt PSU
• Xbox 360 S console: Uses a 135-watt PSU
• Xbox 360 original console: There are several versions of the PSU for the original Xbox 360 console. Depending on the power requirements of the console, a 203-watt PSU, a 175-watt PSU, or a 150-watt PSU may have been included.

Notes

• Important Microsoft does not license any non-Microsoft accessories that plug into the Xbox console's power socket. Use of any accessory other than the standard Xbox 360 power supply may damage your console and void your console warranty.
• PSUs are designed to be used only in the countries or regions where they are sold because different regions have different power requirements. Using the power supply in a different country may damage the power supply or your Xbox 360 console, and the warranty may be invalidated.
• Unlicensed accessories, such as a non-Microsoft replacement power supply or any accessory that plugs in between the Xbox 360 console and the power supply, should not be used.
• The Xbox 360 power supply contains an internal fuse that helps protect your console from too-high voltage and power surges. However, the PSU is a sealed unit and, therefore, the internal fuse cannot be replaced. The power supply is rated for 245 watts of continuous power and 280 watts of maximum power.
• The 120-watt PSU and 135-watt PSU are interchangeable, and you can use both with the Xbox 360 S and Xbox 360 E consoles.

The PSU has a hard-wired direct-current (DC) power cable that attaches to the console and an alternating-current (AC) power cable that attaches to the wall socket.

DC power cables

• The DC power cable is permanently attached to the PSU and connects to the Xbox 360 console. The DC power cable may have two grey buttons that must be pressed to release the plug from the Xbox 360 console housing.
• The DC power cable is 1.1 metres (approximately 3 feet, 6 inches) long.
• A proprietary power connector is permanently attached to the end of the DC power cable. This proprietary power connector is designed specifically for the Xbox 360 console power socket.

Power connectors for the original Xbox 360 console:

1 - 203-watt connector
2- 175-watt connector
3 - 150-watt connector

The connector on the end of your PSU is keyed to fit into the Xbox 360 console with which the PSU is compatible. If the power cable will not plug into your Xbox 360 console, make sure that the PSU is the correct kind for your console.

AC power cables

The AC power cable is 1.8 metres (approximately 5 feet, 9 inches) long and is detachable from the power supply unit.

The end of the power cable that plugs into the PSU has two or three holes. The number of holes corresponds to the number of prongs on the PSU. You must use only the two-prong PSU with the cable that connects by using two holes and use only the three-prong PSU with the cable that connects by using three holes. If you use a power cable other than the cable that was designed for your PSU, you may damage your PSU or your Xbox 360 console.

The plug at the end of the power cable that connects to your electrical outlet can be one of several types. The plug type depends on the country and region where you purchased your console. See the following table for more information about the different plug types.

To provide sufficient cooling, the Xbox 360 external power supply uses a built-in fan to blow air through the PSU. When you press the power button to start your Xbox 360 console, the PSU fan starts. Typically, the PSU fan makes a "whirring" noise. When your Xbox 360 console is in standby mode or when the console is disconnected from the PSU, the fan does not operate. The speed of the fan increases or decreases when the temperature of the PSU changes. If the fan speed changes, the "whirring" noise that the fan produces increases or decreases.

To help the power supply operate efficiently and safely, follow these precautions:

• Place the power supply in an area where its ventilation openings will not be obstructed.
• Don't put the power supply on a bed, a sofa or any other soft surface that might block the ventilation openings.
• Don't put the power supply in a confined space, such as a bookcase, a rack or a stereo cabinet, unless that space is well ventilated.
• Don't put the power supply near any heat source, such as a radiator, a heat register, a stove or an amplifier.
• Don't stack other electronic devices on top of the power supply.
• Make sure that the power supply is positioned horizontally and lays flat on the four rubber pads on its base.

If the power supply makes excessive noise, you might have a power strip or surge protector that is overloaded. Plug your power supply directly in to a wall outlet and see if the problem persists.

To connect the PSU to your Xbox 360 console:

1. Fully insert the DC power cable into the Xbox 360 console.
2. Firmly plug the AC power cable into the PSU until the plug on the cable is completely seated.
3. Plug the other end of the AC power cable into the wall outlet.

As with other electrical devices, failure to take the following precautions can result in serious injury or death from electric shock or fire or in damage to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Select an appropriate power source for your Xbox 360 console:

• Use only the PSU and the AC power cable that were included with your console or that you received from an authorised repair centre. If you're not sure whether you have the correct PSU, compare the 12V output number on the PSU to the 12V output number that is printed next to the power socket on your console. The number that is printed on the PSU (16.5A, 14A, or 12.5A) must be equal to or higher than the number that is printed on the console. If you need a replacement PSU or AC power cord, go to the Xbox Online Service Centre.
• Confirm that your power point provides the same voltage (V) and frequency [Hz] of power as is indicated on the PSU. If you’re not sure of the kind of power that is supplied to your home, ask a qualified electrician.
• Don't use non-standard power sources, such as generators or inverters, even if the voltage and frequency appear acceptable. Only use AC power that is provided by a standard wall outlet.
• Don't overload your wall outlet, extension cable, power strip or other electrical receptacle. Confirm that these items are rated to handle the total current (in amps [A]) that is drawn by the Xbox 360 console (as indicated on the PSU) and by any other devices that are on the same circuit.
• Use a properly-grounded electrical outlet that accommodates the three-prong grounding plug. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the plug does not fit into your outlet, have an electrician replace the obsolete outlet.

To avoid damaging the power cables and PSU:

• Prevent the power cables from being walked on.
• Protect cables from being pinched or sharply bent, especially where they connect to the power outlet, the PSU and the console.
• Don't jerk, knot, sharply bend or otherwise abuse the power cables.
• Don't expose the power cables to sources of heat.
• Don't wrap power cables around the power supply unit.
• Keep children and pets away from the power cables. Don't let them bite or chew on the cables.
• When you disconnect the power cables, pull on the plug. Don't pull on the cable.
• Don't let the power supply hang from either power cable.
• If a power cord or PSU becomes damaged in any way, stop using it immediately. Go to the Xbox Online Service Centre to order a replacement.
• Unplug your Xbox 360 console during lightning storms or when the console is not being used for long periods of time.