Power Supplies
At RS Components, we have a wide selection of power supply units (PSUs) for use in various domestic and industrial applications. Our range includes AC-DC power supply adapters and desktop computer power supplies suitable for domestic applications, as well as bench power supplies, DIN Rail and panel mount power supplies and switch-mode PSU.
What is a Power Supply?
Power supplies are a crucial aspect of any electrical equipment, providing reliable power to machinery, computers or other technology devices. This means that even if you need ahigh voltage power to run equipment or need to plug in your computer to charge it, a power supply is necessary. A power supply changes a source's electric current, such as a mains plug, to the correct voltage, frequency and current needed to operate the equipment safely.
How Do Power Supplies Work?
The most basic power supplies serve the function of converting voltage into DC power. A power supply is used to reduce mains or three-phase electricity, often at 240 VAC or 440 VAC down to a usable voltage, such as 12 VDC. The PSU also converts the current rating, in the form of AMPS, to a level that is safe for the device that is to be powered.
Types of Power Supplies
There are three main types of power supply: unregulated, switch mode, and linear power supplies.
An unregulated power supply is the most basic type, they typically output a lot of ripple voltage (i.e. rapidly-varying instability) on the DC output power. If the input voltage varies, the output voltage will vary by a proportional amount. The advantage of an unregulated supply is that it's affordable, simple, and efficient. A linear power supply is similar in construction to an unregulated power supply, with the advantage of an added transistor circuit to regulate the output to a fixed voltage. A switch mode supply, also known as a switching power supply, works by stabilising the mains electricity voltage in order to produce a clean, efficient and stable output voltage.
What is Power Supply Efficiency?
Power supply efficiency is known as the amount of power actually provided to the internal circuitry, divided by the amount of power drawn from the main supply. If a PSU is 50% efficient and is required to provide 50 Watts of power, 100 Watts will be drawn from the main supply. The extra 50 W is lost as heat. A 90% efficient PSU would draw 56 W in the same circumstances.
What Industries Can Power Supplies Be Used In?
Here are some common industries and environments power supplies can be used in:
- Machine and panel building
- Maintenance
- Marine & offshore
- Military & defence
- Automotive
- Electrical wiring
- Domestic
- Food and beverage
- Manufacturing
Buy Power Supplies from RS Components
Established in 1937, and with over 85 years of experience, RS Components has built up unrivalled expertise when it comes to supporting the work of engineers around the world. Leveraging the power of e-commerce marketing, we distribute tools and equipment such as batteries and chargers, computing and peripherals, and those for access, storage and material handling. Working alongside customers in over 160 countries, our ability to provide quality and superb customer services is recognised globally. In addition to our power supplies readily available, you can also shop for transformers and voltage converters whe
