Electric power supply distributors maintain inventories for quick shipments. Some of the common products include converters, AC/DC, switching, linear, regulated and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Technology continues advancing the need for power sources. Size, power, dependability and price weigh in on this competitive marketplace.

Electronic mechanisms and devices rely on electrical power. A power supply transfers some form of electric energy to a desired load. Typically, a wall outlet’s AC power converts a power supply to regulated DC power. Common applications and environments include industrial, laboratory, PC, telecommunications, OEM, office and medical fields. When buying from a power supply distributor consider the following:

1. Understand the power supplies application and environment from the distributors of electrical power supplies.

2. Look for the power supplies' certifications, approvals or codes such as UL, TUV, IEC, ANSI, ISO and others.

3. Get the right power supply to fit your business plan, such as DC-DC, AC or UPS models.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find DC to DC power suppliers

These power supply converters provide low to medium voltage conversion within a 0.2 to 150 watt range with higher ranges well over several hundred watts.

I recommend: See DC-DC converters, switching and modular regulated power supplies with a wide range of DC volts at Acopian Technical Company. Read the description of DC-DC products from the list at Lambda Americas Inc., then type model number to check stock to buy at the bottom of the page. Go to Calex Mfg. Co, Inc., and select the type of DC/DC converter you need from surface, PCB, chassis or DIN mounts to custom solutions.

Locate AC power supply distributors

These power supplies typically use 110 to 230V inputs and have the widest range of applications.

I recommend: Go to Electro Industries, Inc., for AC/DC power supplies with models ranging up to 60 volts and 25 amps for many applications in industry and servicing. For enclosed AC/DC switching power supplies see the nice selection of enclosed models with available bulk quotes at Power Sources Unlimited, Inc. Click “Return to Products Menu” to find other product offerings that include AC/DC encapsulated modules, desktops and DIN rail power supplies. Select the supply type you need under “Product Info” that includes industrial applications, international and desktop power supplies at Marlin P. Jones & Assoc., Inc.

Buy an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

This type of power supply connects to an outlet on one end and a device on the other. Its main function focuses on continual power through outages, surges, and other anomalies through battery power backup.

I recommend: For the master distributor of Eaton Powerware UPS products go to H.M. Cragg Co., and see the 3 Phase UPS or click on the “Single Phase UPS.” For DC, off-line, line-interactive and on-line SolaHD UPS go to Sola/Hevi-Duty. Click “Products” to view the models, contact the company for pricing.

Choose your products from these power supply distributors

Each power supply distributor carries a nice selection for many applications.

I recommend: Select linear, switching or unregulated at Galco Industrial Electronics, Inc. Click on the type of power supply needed from DC/DC converters, PoE power supplies or 12 to 48V DC at Hyperlink Technologies, Inc. Go to Glob Tek, Inc., and scroll down the page or click a power supply by type that includes switchmode, DC/DC, constant current and linear.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the three basic models of power supply distribution when ordering. Buy a standard already made model, a custom model for more specific applications or a standard model with modifications. Naturally, standard power supplies offer cost advantages over custom-made models.