What can happen if a Wall Adapter Fails?

For safety reasons, I need to know what are the REALISTIC chances of

120V appearing at the output of a failed basic 12V wall adapter.

I would have thought most likely the secondary or primary winding would most likely go open-circuit, or the smoothing electrolytic cap or bridge rectifier go open or short circuit....so I'm hoping that at worst you get 0V at the output.

Can someone tell me the chances of a dangerous situation occuring. What safeguard could I incorporate? Would a GFCI protector do the job? Could I build a discreet GFCI into my circuit? Any ideas?

I intend to produce a commercial project powered with a wall adapter that connects upto the human body.

Thanks

Reply to
royalmp2001
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The regulations applicable to mains powered equipment for medical use are very stringent, at least in the U.K. Check your local regulations. I doubt very much that an ordinary wall adapter would meet the requirements.

Reply to
dB

Years ago, the phone company supplied some AC output wall warts to run the dial lights in certain models of their phones. A recall occured because these molded wall warts were, in some cases, overheating and becoming potential fire starters.

Reply to
Lord Garth

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