You've probably heard of 12 vdc , but do you know what it means and what it's used for? 12 VDC is a direct current electrical voltage which is widely used in the field of electronics and electrical engineering . It has many advantages over the alternating current that comes out of our power outlets , but it also requires a specific device to produce it. In this article, we will explain to you what 12 vdc is, what its advantages are and how to choose the power supply for your needs. Follow the leader !
What is 12vdc?
12 vdc is an abbreviation of 12 volts direct current . It is an electrical voltage that is used to power many devices and equipment, such as LED lights, fans, surveillance cameras, phone chargers, etc. 12 VDC is a stable and safe voltage, which does not vary depending on the frequency of the electrical network .
What are the advantages of 12 vdc?
12 VDC has several advantages which encourage you to use it for your electrical installation:
- It allows powering devices that operate at low voltage , reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
- It reduces the risk of electrocution or fire because it does not cause sparks or electric arcs.
- It facilitates the transport and storage of energy , since it can be used with batteries or solar panels.
- It offers better current quality, without noise or interference , which improves the operation and lifespan of powered devices.
But how do we get 12vdc from the alternating current (AC) that comes out of our power outlets? This is where 12 vdc power power supply . These are devices that transform alternating current into direct current , reducing voltage and filtering out interference. There are different types of 12 vdc power supply , depending on the current conversion mode and the level of power supplied.
The different types of 12 vdc power supply sources
We can distinguish two main categories of 12 VDC power supply sources: linear power supply sources and switching power supply sources.
Linear power supply sources
Linear power power supply sources are the simplest and oldest. They use a transformer to lower the voltage of the alternating current , then a rectifier to convert it to direct current. Finally, a regulator ensures the stability of the output voltage. power supply sources have the advantage of being inexpensive, silent and producing good quality direct current, without noise or interference. On the other hand, they are not very efficient, because they dissipate a large part of the energy in the form of heat. They are therefore bulky, heavy and require cooling.
Switching power supply sources
Switching power power supply sources are more modern and more efficient. They use an electronic circuit which cuts the alternating current at high frequency, then transforms it into direct current using a chopper. Then a filter smoothes the current and a regulator adjusts the output voltage. power supply sources have the advantage of being more efficient, because they minimize energy losses. They are therefore more compact, lighter and less heating. On the other hand, they are more expensive, more complex and noisier. They can also generate electromagnetic interference with neighboring devices.
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How to choose your 12 vdc power supply source?
To choose your 12 vdc power supply source, you must take into account several criteria:
- Power power supply source must be capable of providing sufficient current to power all connected devices . Power is measured in watts (W) or amps (A) . You must therefore know the power consumption of each device in watts or amps, then add them up to obtain the total power required.
- Efficiency : this is the ratio between the power supplied and the power consumed by the power supply . The higher the efficiency, the less energy power supply Yield is measured as a percentage (%). You must therefore power supply source with high efficiency to reduce your electricity bill and your environmental impact.
- Quality : this concerns the stability and purity of the current supplied by the power supply . The higher the quality, the less current is subject to voltage variations or noise. Quality is measured in decibels (dB) or percentage (%). It is therefore necessary power supply source with high quality to avoid malfunctions or damage to the powered devices.
- The format : this is the shape and size of the power supply . There are different formats, such as flush-mounted power power supply , DIN rail power supply modular power supply power supply , etc. It is therefore necessary to choose a format adapted to the available space and the desired method of fixing.
- The price : this is the cost of purchasing the power supply . It varies depending on the power, efficiency, quality, format and brand of the power power supply . You must then compare the offers and choose the best value for money.
Comparative table of 12 vdc power supply sources
To help you choose your 12 vdc power supply source, here is a comparative table of some models available on the market:
| Model | Kind | Power | Yield | Quality | Format | Price |
| MEAN WELL RS-15-12 | Cutting | 15W | 82 % | ±1 % | Built-in | 9 € |
| SL Power SLS12-017T | Linear | 18W | 60 % | ±0.05 % | Pluggable | 25 € |
| TDK-Lambda ZWS10-12/J | Cutting | 10W | 80 % | ±0.5 % | On DIN rail | 35 € |
| Bel Power Solutions HB12-1.7-AG | Linear | 20W | 50 % | ±0.04 % | Frame | 40 € |
| CUI Inc. VOF-180-12-CNF | Cutting | 180W | 90 % | ±1 % | Modular | 50 € |
12vdc FAQ
What is the difference between 12 vdc and 12 vac?
12 vdc is a direct current voltage, which does not change direction or value. 12 vac is an alternating current voltage, which changes direction and value at a given frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz depending on the country). 12 vdc is more stable and safer than 12 vac, but it requires a power supply source to be obtained from alternating current.
What are the disadvantages of 12 vdc?
12 vdc also has some disadvantages:
- It requires a source of power supply to be obtained from alternating current, which involves additional cost and loss of energy.
- It suffers power losses when traveling long distances or crossing small cables, requiring the use of larger wires or an increase in voltage.
- It is not compatible with some devices that operate on high voltage or alternating current, such as electric motors, microwave ovens, air conditioners, etc.
How to choose components for a 12 vdc power supply ?
To choose components for a 12 vdc power supply , you must take into account the power required by the devices to be powered, the input voltage of the electrical network and the type of power power supply (linear or switching). You must then choose a transformer adapted to the input voltage and the desired power, a rectifier to convert the alternating current into direct current , a regulator to stabilize the output voltage and capacitors to filter the current. Safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards must also be respected.
What does 12 vdc stand for in the description of a fan?
power supply voltage of the fan . This means that the fan must be plugged into a power power supply that provides 12 VDC . This can be an power supply or an internal socket on the computer's motherboard. The 12 vdc also indicates the noise level and consumption of the fan. higher the , the faster and louder the fan spins, but the more efficiently it cools.
How to get 12 vdc with 24 vac?
To obtain 12 VDC with 24 VAC , you must use a voltage converter which lowers the AC voltage and transforms it into DC voltage. There are several types of voltage converters, such as resistive divider bridges, single or double rectifier bridges, linear or switching regulators. must be chosen according to the power required and the desired efficiency. Care must also be taken to respect the polarities and to protect the circuit against overvoltages .
Conclusion
12 vdc is an electrical voltage that is used to power many devices and equipment . It has advantages in terms of security, stability and energy saving, but it requires a source of power supply to be obtained from alternating current. There are different types of 12 vdc power supply , which are distinguished by their mode of current conversion, their power, their efficiency, their quality and their format. To 12 vdc power supply source , you must take into account these criteria, as well as the price and the needs of the devices to be powered. We hope that this article has helped you better understand 12 vdc and make the right choice for your electrical installation .
