A variable regulated power supply is sometimes called a variable bench power supply. A variable regulated DC power supply controls direct currents (DC) and is exceptionally handy in testing capacity of electrical components, though you'll need to check often for electrical distress if you use regulated power supplies in a testing capacity. Understanding the difference in regulated and variable power supply is a safety issue as well, since voltage in any capacity is potentially dangerous.

In addition to testing variable regulated power supplies, both fixed-voltage and variable regulated power supplies are used in hundreds of other applications including tattoo art, medicine and automotive repair. To find the right variable regulated power supply for your application components, consider the following options:

1. Volt regulated power supply sources

2. Regulated power supply sources for direct currents

3. General use regulated power supply circuits

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

Find volt regulated power supply sources from engineering experts

It's simple to find volt regulated power supply sources online, but look for a unit that is both compact and can handle surges up to six amps. Most six-amp volt supply units can handle general household use as well as some car equipment. Any solid 12-volt regulated power supply source should also come complete with automatic overload and thermal cut off.

I recommend: Power Stream offers a light, compact 12-volt regulated power supply adapter at a reasonable price. Dimension Engineering offers voltage supply for up to 13 volts for battery-charged applications as well as robotics.

Get specific with regulated DC power supply sources

Tekpower, Mastech and Compact are all reputable names in the power supply industry. Turn to vendors of multiple name brands as well as those that have their own product line for trustworthy DC-specific supply units.

I recommend: Find a multitude of regulated DC power supplies at Radios4You. Acifica also offers the trusted Mastech units and has more than a 99.6% approval rating from customers.

Find do-it-yourself regulated power supply circuit instructions online

Want to know exactly what kind of power your regulated power supply circuit is going to pack? Simple circuit diagrams and shopping lists can help you on your way to a do-it-yourself circuit that is inexpensive to build and could be exactly what you need.

I recommend: 4QD-TEC offers its version of a 5v regulated power supply circuit. Electronics in Meccano also offers a regulated power supply schematic complete with DIY instructions, as well as a shopping list of what you'll need to get it done right.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When replacing fuses on any regulated power supply unit, always disconnect the power cord from the AC socket. Under no circumstance should you cut or disable the ground plug of any high-voltage device.