Outdoor power supply voltage and amperage

What is the current rating of a power supply?

The current rating of a supply is what it can deliver, not what it will always force thru the load somehow. In that sense, unlike with voltage, the current rating of a power supply must be at least what the device wants but there is no harm in it being higher. A 9 volt 5 amp supply is a superset of a 9 volt 2 amp supply, for example.

What metric determines the scope of use of a power supply?

Essential metrics of this provision are wattage, voltage, and the amount of current amperage through it, which determine the scope of usage of this unit. The power factor determines wattage, the voltage factor determines the voltage potential that will be provided, and the amperage factor determines the capability of the current.

Why is a 12 volt power supply regulated continuously?

This is done continuously to compensate for input voltage variations and variations in the current the load is drawing. A regulated 1 amp 12 volt power supply, for example, is going to put out pretty close to 12 V over its full AC input voltage range and as long as you don't draw more than 1 A from it.

What is a motherboard power supply?

Power supplies, like the name implies, are the primary supplier of power to your motherboard. They do this by converting the high voltage alternating current (AC) that comes out of the wall socket (in the range of 110V to 240V depending what country you live in) into usable low voltage direct current (DC).

Can a 12V power supply be used with a 16V supply?

BUT trying to operate a 12V rated device from a 16V supply (25% high) is risky and may cause damage to device or supply. Current: the same or higher current. eg consider a 12V, 2A device and a 12V 20A power supply. 12V is the "electrical pressure". 20A is the electrical current that the supply CAN provide at that pressure.

What is a universal input power supply?

More and more supplies are being made like that, and are called universal input. This generally means they can run from 90-240 V AC, and that can be 50 or 60 Hz. Some power supplies, generally older switchers, have a minimum load requirement. This is usually 10% of full rated output current.