How Does A Power Supply Work?

We need the power to run various machines and equipment for proper functionality. A power supply is a device that transmits electricity from source to a voltaic load. Its main purpose is to convert current from the origin to the output at right voltage, frequency and electric charges. Other roles of the equipment are regulating the current to loads at safe levels, breaking the charges in cases of short-circuiting and prevention of noise or surge from reaching the load. Supply gadgets have different specifications according to the voltage. There are two main types of 12v power supply, and they work differently. They are the linear and switch mode supply.

How it works

A12V power supply device will decrease the usual 240 volts from the mains to the useable twelve volts required by most appliances/gadgets.

Linear

In the linear type, the supply uses a transformer to lessen the voltage. The transformer has both primary and secondary windings. The former joins the mains while the latter connects the output. The most critical thing is the ratio between the primary and the secondary loops. The turns determine the fraction at which the voltage will reduce. The reduction ratio from 240 to 12 volts is normally 20 to 1 (20:1). Hence, when the voltage from the mains passes through the device, the windings reduce it based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic mutual induction (the electric energy will transform from one value to another).

Switch

In the switch method, the device works by swiftly putting on and off the power from the source to minimize the voltage. The spontaneous change happens so quickly. For example, it will happen at approximately ten thousand times per second. The proportion between the on and off time determines the voltage reduction ratio. When the device receives power from the mains, it rectifies and controls the alternating signal (AC) to a direct current (DC)voltage. It then switches it on and off by a field-effect transistor (FET). It then moves to a transformer for the isolation of the output and source electricity for safety purposes. It uses the results from the output to control the ratio thus enabling it to stay at permissible levels like the 12v. The transformer is smaller in this technique but experiences some noise or spikes. This method is highly efficient compared to the linear because it doesn't produce more heat and is also lighter.

Conclusion

The 12v power supply is an important device that ensures other machines receives current, frequency and voltage at safe levels by a switch or linear means. The former works by using the primary and secondary windings while the latter uses an abrupt on and off switching approach. The switch mode is better because it's cheap, small, light and efficient.  

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A Guide on Choosing a LED Strip Power Supply

Installation and the complete set up of the LED strip will always require you to take precautions. It is not easy because it is the case with other traditional light bulbs such as the fluorescent and even the incandescent bulbs. You will require a device or rather an inverter that will step down the high voltage of 120 volts or even 240V to the desired voltage of 12v or 24 volts. Though notably, the majority of the LED strips work on a low voltage direct current of 12v power supply! Your location will still determine the nature of the power supply suitable for your LED strip.

The following factors that need taking into considerations while choosing a power supply for a LED strip:

LED strip voltage

It’s a common knowledge that most LED strips work on a 12v power supply. This assumption should not be always trusted! You need to take considerations before making assumptions. You must confirm this in its photo. They will have the specifications written either as the 12v or 24 volts. It should match the specifications of the power supply. If your led strip is a 12 volt, then it must be connected to a 12v power supply. It’s always important to ensure that the input voltage on AC matches your locations voltage i.e. Europe. You can also check the verifications on the product descriptions site before you use it. The majority of the LED strips will specify if it works with a 12v power supply or the rest.

Check the power draw of the LED strip

Here the first thing that you will need to have in mind is that it’s recommended to have a higher power supply that will exceed the power draw, which will ensure a normal working of the LED strip. For instance, when the power draw exceeds the power supply, a lot of abnormal operations will happen in your LED strip. You will be verifying this by checking the wattage or the amperage specifications. If it’s not listed,  you can also opt to calculate it by using the formula P=V*A.  P denotes the wattage, V is the voltage and the amperage denoted by A.

You will also need to check the power supply and see its wattage ratings. It must be capable of supplying the power that will exceed or be just enough for your led strip! For a 12v power supply, it will actually be sufficient and capable of supplying the required power for the LED strip which has an equal power draw. The power supply capacity should be higher than the power draw of the LED strip. It’s important to note that even if the power supply exceeds the power draw of a led strip, it will just supply sufficient power for the led strip without damaging the LED strip.

Method of connection

A 12v power supply will always come with its compatible power connector. You will actually to be keen on specifications. LED strip plugs may not work with the altered specifications! It will only work under the specified connectors. The LED strip reel should also come with a DC plug which is compatible with the 12V power supply. In some as where you might decide to cut up your LED strip into a number of segments, then you really need to find an adapter that will connect the two in both ends.

LED supply is a choice following its durability, abilities and also the design. Majority works under a 12v power supply, but you can also find a 24v. You need to consider the factors aforementioned if you really intend to get the best out of your device. For more information, please click here.