AC power supply safety is a consideration whether you choose bench top, cabinet-style, DIN rail or rack mount power sources for your business. AC power sources generate current, voltage and frequency outputs used for testing, telecommunications and electrical applications. AC power supply safety also depends on device specifications. Pay attention to common specifications such as minimum and maximum voltage and frequency and power outputs before buying AC power supply products that are compatible to use with motors or electrical connections. In addition, AC power supplies must generate safely through AC power connectors like outlets, fuses, switches, circuit breakers and filters.

Some common features of AC power supplies add protection from short circuits and fire hazards. Most AC power supply companies build devices that help to prevent overheating and power overloads. AC power connectors have safety features such as ground fault interruption indicators to detect circuit problems.

1. Make sure AC DC power supplies from AC power supply providers come in appropriate compartments or packaging components.

2. Review device specifications to determine AC power supply safety.

3. Refer to manuals or other product literature for tips on safely handling AC power connectors.

4. Enroll in training courses that give information on AC DC power supply safety.

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Inspect AC power supplies to determine if they are properly packaged or assembled

AC power sources come as outlets, circuit breakers, receptacles, switches, computer interfaces and more for user protection.

I recommend: AC power supply manufacturer Associated Power Technologies offers manual and automated devices for testing and measurement applications. Find customized AC DC power supplies at Neeltran, which manufactures low- and high-voltage products for laser, laboratory and oil processing applications.

Examine whether AC power supplies have all of the required features and specifications

AC power supply safety also depends on the features and specifications of AC power connectors and other sources. Operating temperature controls and short circuit protection are some of the most common safety features for AC power sources.

I recommend: Compact Power features AC power supply products designed to handle specific output ranges without overheating. ISO-certified Technipower distributes cost-efficient AC power supply sources with adjustable current and voltage outputs and air and water-powered cooling systems.

Follow safety tips for handling AC power supplies

Search for manuals or any product literature that may help you when working with AC power connectors.

I recommend: Download AC power-related data sheets and manuals at Chroma ATE. Manuals that include AC power supply installation and safety instructions can be located at Charles Industries.

Take training classes on AC power supply safety, if applicable

Some AC power supply manufacturers offer training courses on installation and safety practices regarding AC power sources.

I recommend: Online and on-site training, as well as free webinars, are available at HBM. In addition to providing product manuals, Lineage Power offers client training on AC DC power supply requirements and safety.

All electrical devices and appliances need AC power sources, but different devices use different power voltages. Some AC DC power supply products are simple, easy-to-use adapters. Others are complicated equipment requiring experience and training in electrical wiring to install. Use AC power connectors and plugging strips when connecting several devices to a single power outlet.

Electricity from the power company is 120- or 240-volt AC power. Many electrical devices use a large plug or transformer on their power cord to convert the electricity to the lower voltage a specific device uses. An AC to DC power supply also converts the power to DC current. An AC DC portable power supply provides power to electronics located far away from wall outlets.

Uses of power supply devices include:

1. Power cords, plugging strips, adapters and battery backup power for electronic devices

2. Internal and external power supplies for computers, medical devices and other specialized industrial equipment

3. AC DC power supplies and other automotive-related power supply products

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Find AC power supplies for your electronic devices

Buy a replacement power cord for your computer or a charger for a cell phone or PDA. Find a plugging strip or surge protector with enough outlets for all your electrical devices on your desk. Obtain a power supply or adapter so you can use your electrical devices while traveling overseas.

I recommend: Buy external AC power supplies that include desktop power adapters and desktop power supplies that output a number of different voltages at TRC Electronics, Inc. Find the right power adapter or AC power supply for your electronic devices at RadioShack Corporation, where they have over 1,600 power and battery solutions.

Protect your computers and other electronics with AC power supply products

Sensitive electronics such as computers need electricity supplied without interruption or surges in power. Uninterruptible power supply units, also called UPS devices, guard against power surges and contain a battery to keep your computer running long enough for you to save your data when the power goes out.

I recommend: Narrow your search for internal power supply units for your computer at Newegg Inc., where you can browse by type, manufacturer, price or maximum power. Find server and PC power supplies, AC power supply accessories and UPS units at MyPcCase.com, where they also sell PC cases and other computer components. Protect your computer and other sensitive electronics with surge suppressors and UPS units purchased from TigerDirect, Inc.

Obtain specialized AC power supplies for industrial and medical devices

Use specialized AC power supplies and AC DC single, dual and triple output power supplies for medical devices, high-power audio and video recording devices, industrial refrigeration systems, testing equipment and many other industrial uses. The vendors who sell these power supplies provide technical help.

I recommend: Use the power supply finder at Acopian Technical Company to find AC DC power supply by voltage, model number or identify photos of various types. Move your computer's cursor down the list of power supplies at COSEL USA Inc. to see a photo and specific details of each model immediately.

Power, charge and jump start your vehicles with AC power sources

Jump start or charge the battery of your vehicle from a specialized automotive power source if another vehicle is unavailable or inaccessible. Run AC-powered devices from a car's cigarette lighter. Power a CB or radio with an AC to DC power converter.

I recommend: Find small portable generators and other power accessories for automotive products at JC Whitney. Buy travel power supplies at Sports Imports LLC, where they have everything from a small .5 Amp AC to DC converter to a 4-cycle portable generator with 2000-watt power.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase a special AC power cord with interchangeable tips to power or charge multiple devices to eliminate multiple AC power cords when you travel.

Most AC power systems work by using an alternating current (AC). The power systems convert the voltage from AC so that it will power items in need of electricity. Aside from working with alternating currents, some power supplies carry direct current (DC). When a power supply can convert AC power to DC power, manufactures classify it as another category of power converter.

The best use for a power supply will depend upon the type of current that it carries. To help you determine the best AC power types and styles for your needs, you might want to consider the basic types for AC power supplies.

1. Start by learning about a single-phase AC power supply.

2. Learn about three-phase AC power supplies to determine whether they will work better for you than single-phase.

3. Convert AC to DC with an AC DC power supply.

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Understand single-phase AC power sources

A single-phase AC power supply distributes AC for loads that vary in unison. Electricians will commonly use a single-phase power supply for lighting or heating needs. Most of these power supplies operate on a standard frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.

I recommend: All About Circuits provides an AC diagram of a single-phase power supply. The article covers information like the load, current and polarity. Chroma Systems Solutions provides a comparison between single-phase AC power supplies and other AC power supply types and styles.

Consider three-phase AC power connectors

A three-phase AC power supply utilizes a polyphase system to carry electricity. In this type of system, each wire carries an equal voltage of current. Electricians might use this type of power supply for large air conditioners or other large appliances.

I recommend: The 3 Phase Power Resource Site offers a variety of information on three-phase AC power supply products. Its resources cover topics like loads, converters and wire color coding. Wind Stuff Now provides AC diagrams for three-phase power supplies. It also provides information on the basics of three-phase power and covers two ways to wire an AC power supply.

Evaluate the benefits of switch mode and AC DC power supply

An AC to DC power supply, also known as an AC/DC power supply, allows you to convert alternating current to direct current. To convert the voltage, most AC/DC power supplies use a switch mode power supply (SMPS). AC to DC converters are only on type of SMPS. Other types of switch modes include DC to AC, also called an inverter; AC to AC, sometimes called a cycloconverter; and DC to DC.

I recommend: Lazar Rozenblast offers an informative tutorial on power supply design, covering AC to DC power supplies. The website also includes a link to help you determine which type of power supply you need. For more information on AC/DC power supplies, read the article by R.G.Keen on Geofex.com. It includes pictures to help you understand the topics covered in the guide.

Whether you’re looking for basic AC power sources to power your electrical equipment or need specific devices to accommodate different voltages or appliances, it’s vital to obtain the proper equipment to prevent power failure or electrical emergencies. Familiarizing yourself with product terms such as “power inverter,” “programmable AC supply” and “server power supply” will enable you to get the right cords, strips or adapters from vendors and manufacturers.

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Wall plug-in adapters

If your electronics equipment is not equipped with a power cord or if you've misplaced this vital component, purchase a wall plug-in adapter to power your device. Consult the manufacturer website for your equipment to ensure you find the right adapter for your particular product.

I recommend: Find wall plug-in adapters for a variety of electronic equipment in different sizes and voltages through the TRC Electronics website.

Power inverter

If you need AC power on the go, consider keeping a power inverter on hand that can run household electronics from a car battery. After hooking the unit to the battery with jumper cable-like hookups, simply use the outlets on the unit to power computer equipment, chargers or televisions.

I recommend: Tiger Direct offers power inverter models and provides multiple images and discussions of product features.

Server power

Reduce network downtime by ensuring you power your computer equipment with a proper server power unit. Before ordering power units, ensure the unit will work with your equipment and sit securely within your server cabinet or rack mount enclosures.

I recommend: Find server power supply units through MyPcCase.com that are compatible with a range of computer servers and chassis.

Foreign converter kit

Keep your electronics running smoothly when visiting foreign countries. A foreign conversion kit transforms VAC power to voltages compatible with our hand-held appliances, preventing malfunctions and meltdowns.

I recommend: Get features and product specifications for foreign converter kits through the Ambient Weather website.

Amp switching DC power supply

If you happen to need DC power to run equipment like a ham radio transceiver or audio amplifiers, consider using an amp switching DC power supply. The converter transforms power from a regular AC outlet to power for DC equipment.

I recommend: Discover additional features and benefits of amp switching DC power supply converters through the product descriptions on the Radio Shack website.

Power line extension protector

Protect your power line from surges with a power line extension protector. Look for units with a built-in circuit breaker as an additional safety feature.

I recommend: Your Electronic Warehouse offers power line extension protector models with different features and operating voltages.