Beware Chinese Power Supply Modules

[atw58]

I added a 40V center tap transformer to a +-15V Chinese power supply module. There was a little smoke when powered on so I turned it off. Turned it on again to see where the smoke was coming then boom the large electrolytic cap after the bridge diodes blew up. It knocked out both lenses out of my glasses and really bent the frame. What happened? The cap was soldered in backwards. See this old post https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/what-happens-when-you-put-an-electrolytic-capacitor-the-wrong-way/ on the dangers of reversed caps.

Worth remembering when assembling a power supply.

[jh15]

Was it a problem that it was a Chinese power supply or that it was abused?

[ebastler]

That sounds pretty scary. Glad that you were wearing glasses, and that your eyes did not suffer any damage!

Would you have a link to the particular power supply module you used?
And maybe a photo of the damaged module, just out of curiosity? 

[Rick Law]

Was it a problem that it was a Chinese power supply or that it was abused?

Abuse of a child with disabilities I would say.  Growing up with the capacitor installed backward is going to be hard, and then this kid with disabilities has to carry a heavier load in life than designed...

OP with bold+italic added:

I added a 40V center tap transformer to a +-15V Chinese power supply module. There was a little smoke when powered on so I turned it off. Turned it on again to see where the smoke was coming then boom the large electrolytic cap after the bridge diodes blew up. It knocked out both lenses out of my glasses and really bent the frame. What happened? The cap was soldered in backwards. ...

[wraper]

I added a 40V center tap transformer to a +-15V Chinese power supply module.

Regardless of crappy PSU, why would you do so?

Turned it on again to see where the smoke was coming