A smoke test is the first time a new or repaired piece of hardware is powered on. The technician applies voltage while watching, listening, and smelling for burning components, popped capacitors, or arcing. If the board does not literally catch fire or emit the magic smoke, it passes the test and can proceed to actual functional measurements.
Heard on the job
Stand back, I'm flipping the bench supply on for the smoke test.
Insider tip
Always set a strict current limit on your bench supply before performing a smoke test to minimize damage if there is a dead short.
Also heard as
- power-on test