ELECOM Power Supplies

FAQ Power Supplies

Question: What is a power supply?

Answer: A power supply is an electrical source for an electrical device. It can either be connected to the electrical source of a building by plug or contained by a battery for portable use. One power supply may have multiple outlet voltage values. Moreover, electricity from a power supply’s outlet is more stable than electricity connected directly to the outlet of a building.

Question: Tips for choosing a power supply

Answer: To select power supply, we should consider following condition.
1) Electrical capacity of power supply including power, voltage and current. Incase power supply cannot supply enough electrical power; it may cause damage to electrical devices.
2) No. of ports.
3) Manufacture standard and safety standard.
4) Shape of plug.
5) Should have surge protection and short circuit protection.
6) Inlet and outlet voltage.

Question: How many types of power supplies are there?

Answer: Power supplies can be separated into two types by outlet voltage.
1) AC outlet Power supplies which are using to regulate voltage and frequency of alternating current. Outlets may have 2 types, 1 phase and 3 phase.
2) DC outlet power supplies which are using to regulate voltage and convert Alternating current into Direct current.

Question: What power supply is used for electrical equipment?

Answer: Power supplies are applicable to all electrical devices. Such as Computer, Electronics device, Television and Battery charger.

Question: What is the difference between AC and DC?

Answer: AC (Alternating current) is an electric system in which the voltage is continuous and alternating with a fixed frequency. Due to this, AC electricity is not lost even when transmitted over long distances through a conductor cable, and it is easy to transform voltage by a transformer. So, it’s used for transmitting high-voltage electricity from a power plant to another area. Also used for supplies to the machine, which needs high electric power.
DC (Direct current) is an electric system in which current will flow one-way from a high-voltage node to a low-voltage node. Due to the fact that DC voltage is easy to use, it is usually used with small electric circuits.

Question: What is the main purpose of using a power supply?

Answer: To transform electricity into suitable form and level with electric device. For example, Convert AC to or adjust outlet voltage. Power supplies also increase stability of current to prevent electrical damage to device if have something wrong as well.