Can someone recommend a good power unit to supply 12vdc for structural lighting?
12vdc regulated power?
Ray Dunakin
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Sorry I didn't see this thread sooner. You bought a precision supply designed to be mounted inside a piece of equipment. You'll have to get an enclosure for it, wiring will be a pain, etc.
Go to The Shack (formerly known as Radio Shack) and buy a 12 volt supply. They have some with cigar lighter sockets on them. Tell the sales droid (you want batteries with that?) that you want something to run your CB radio in the house. That is language he might understand. Don't let him sell you a big wall-wart or line-lump. You want something in a box with a power cord and terminals on the back. They typically come in 3amp, 5amp or 10 amp sizes. I suggest getting the largest you can afford. Normally the terminals are similar to the ones on the back of many track supplies. Should run you
Go to The Shack (formerly known as Radio Shack) and buy a 12 volt supply. They have some with cigar lighter sockets on them. Tell the sales droid (you want batteries with that?) that you want something to run your CB radio in the house. That is language he might understand. Don't let him sell you a big wall-wart or line-lump. You want something in a box with a power cord and terminals on the back. They typically come in 3amp, 5amp or 10 amp sizes. I suggest getting the largest you can afford. Normally the terminals are similar to the ones on the back of many track supplies. Should run you
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424 Posts
Posted By Ray Dunakin on 07 Jan 2010 08:39 PM
Well, the power supply arrived today, and to my dismay there is no power cord included with the unit, nor any instructions. It has a terminal strip marked L, N, Ground, and V- V+ .
The L, N and Ground are for AC, but I have no idea what L and N stand for or which parts of a power cord should be connected to which terminals.
L= line (normally black wire)
N= neutral (normally white wire)
Ground= ground (normally green wire)
I'm not real comfortable with the idea of having these AC terminals exposed, especially so close to the DC output terminals. Is there any way to safely cover the AC terminals after the cord is connected?
Not normally. Some supplies have a plastic strip to cover the terminal strip.
There is also a tiny pot switch marked "V adj". Does this mean I'll have to adjust the output?
Rule of thumb in electronics. If you do not know the answer to that question, don't touch it!
Lastly, the unit's case is metal with lots of holes, presumably for ventilation. I want to put this thing in a weatherproof plastic container. Will that be a problem?
IMHO, not a good plan. These supplies need good air circulation. They are meant to be an internal component of another piece of equipment.
Well, the power supply arrived today, and to my dismay there is no power cord included with the unit, nor any instructions. It has a terminal strip marked L, N, Ground, and V- V+ .
The L, N and Ground are for AC, but I have no idea what L and N stand for or which parts of a power cord should be connected to which terminals.
L= line (normally black wire)
N= neutral (normally white wire)
Ground= ground (normally green wire)
I'm not real comfortable with the idea of having these AC terminals exposed, especially so close to the DC output terminals. Is there any way to safely cover the AC terminals after the cord is connected?
Not normally. Some supplies have a plastic strip to cover the terminal strip.
There is also a tiny pot switch marked "V adj". Does this mean I'll have to adjust the output?
Rule of thumb in electronics. If you do not know the answer to that question, don't touch it!
Lastly, the unit's case is metal with lots of holes, presumably for ventilation. I want to put this thing in a weatherproof plastic container. Will that be a problem?
IMHO, not a good plan. These supplies need good air circulation. They are meant to be an internal component of another piece of equipment.
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