You plugged in your device and are concerned about the right power supply. You start wondering if it would work or if it had a risk of being overheated. Some people also claim that their power converters smell like burnt toast. But why do these issues occur? The biggest problem is not picking the right AC/DC Power Converters. The wattage and voltage are the most significant aspects of these power converters. However, there is more to consider. In this guide, we will talk about that.
How do AC-DC power conversion devices work?
AC-DC power converters have rectifiers that convert Alternating Current from the main power source into Direct Current. There is also a filter to remove low and high-frequency noise for a steady electricity supply. Other components in the device manage voltage levels to provide consistent DC power to your device.
Guide to choosing power converters’ wattage and voltage for your electronic devices
A few tips will help you buy the right power converters for electronics.
Understand your device’s requirements
Every device has unique requirements for
- Current draw
- Input voltage
- Power
For instance, a standard Wi-Fi router needs around 1.5A and 12V. To know these details, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions for the device.
Match the exact voltage
While buying AC-DC power converters, never overlook the input voltage details. The input voltage is not the same for every device. So, you must check energy requirements to ensure their compatibility for a particular use.
The DC output voltage is around 1.4 times the AC input voltage. The output voltage ranges from 5V to 48V DC.
If the voltage of the power converter is too high, it will permanently damage the components. On the contrary, too low voltage leads to malfunctioning. That is why you should select the right voltage for your power converter. For example, if you have a 12V device, choose a 12V converter.
Select wattage depending on the safety margin
After identifying the voltage, calculate the wattage. By multiplying Current (A) with Voltage, you can obtain Power Wattage. Add at least a 25% safety margin to ensure longer life and reliability. For example, you need to choose a 35W converter for a 12V device.
Wattage is the most important aspect because it ensures every component has received the desired amount of power. If you have a robust application, it needs more power. So, the wattage from the power converter should be higher. While buying the power converter, check the total rated output power.
Peak load and continuous load
Fans, motors, and other electrical appliances draw more current during startup. Make sure the chosen power converter allows for continuous load and peak load. The peak load is the maximum power delivered by the converter for a short period. But, the continuous load is the highest power it delivers consistently without damage and overheating.
Never overlook the cooling feature of your power converter
High-wattage power conversion devices need better cooling because they produce heat during operation. As excessive heat may affect internal components, the cooling ability is important.
Check for certifications and safety standards
Although voltage and wattage are crucial factors, you must check certifications. The best converter always complies with the best standards. Moreover, certifications, such as UL and CE, indicate that the devices are safe for your use. The AC/DC power supply and converters must have short-circuit and over-current protection.
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