Power Supplies are Rated by Power Output Amperage (milliamps)
These are variable voltage, universal, AC to DC power supplies with selectable DC voltage from 3 to 12 V DC. The units plug into a standard US 110/120V AC receptacle and provide manual speed control for all of our products. Speed is adjusted by varying the voltage and the normal operating range of the cooling and ventilation products is 7 to 9V for most applications or 12V for more demanding and aggressive situations. However, operating our products between 7 and 9V provides for quieter operation of the fans while at 12V most of our products will be audible. The advantage to this feature is that it provides the option to run the cooling products quietly when components are within close proximity of sitting areas or more aggressively when components are tucked away in cabinetry or closets. This is when components require more airflow and when noise is not as big of a factor.
The DC end of the power supply utilizies a 2-pin female receptacle on the end of a 4' cord. The receptacle plugs directly into most of our products but on the other products (mainly the metal, cooling units), a 2.1mm Coax plug is used. The power supplies come with several plugs that are color coded but due to inconsistencies in the color coding, find the plug that fits the best - the correct plug will simply fit snuggly into the DC jack on the fan product. You can also check the packaging as coding should be indicated correctly on the actual package that you receive. Again, you will use the 2.1mm plug.
When using the plug, ensure to align 'Tip' to '+' on the ends of the connectors/plugs. If reversed, the units will not be damaged but they simply will not work. With some products/configurations you may find a situation where you will align '+' to '+'. Another consideration is if the wiring is 2 wire 'siamese' type wire, the wire with the white stripe is positive.
To determine how many units can be powered with a particular power supply, you have to calculate the milliamps of power required for each of the products you wish to power using one power supply. This information is included within each product description (bottom of specs). Calculate the milliamps and then select the appropriate power supply. Click HERE for more information of selecting the proper power supply.
Technical Notes
- Hot Power Supply. Power supplies do get warm in normal applications, however, if the unit gets too hot, you should unplug it and get a larger power supply (greater amperage) as the power supply may be overloaded.
- Testing the Unit. We have 2 types, unregulated but most commonly regulated units. Unregulated units when not when not under load will read between 14 and 18V DC on a voltmeter with slightly higher or lower being normal. Such readings are normal and expected no matter the voltage selected on the power supply. The regulated power supplies will read close to the voltage selected.