--- title: How to Choose the Right Power Supply description: When choosing the right power supply, the first step should be to define the requirements in a clear and concise manner. image: https://info.premierautomation.com/hubfs/Do%E2%80%99s%20and%20Don%E2%80%99ts%20for%20a%20Lean%20Initiative%20Implementation.png --- - a - [eBay Store](http://stores.ebay.com/premierautomationllc) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - b - [What We Do](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/) - [Solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/) - [Robotics](https://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/) - [Who We Help](http://www.premierautomation.com/who-we-help/) - [Our Story](http://www.premierautomation.com/our-story/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ## We’re here to help in any way we can, contact us today. **Phone:** [412.373.3700](tel:4123733700) **Fax:** 412.373.2900 **Email:** [sales@premierautomation.com](mailto:sales@premierautomation.com) [![premierautomation](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/logo.jpg?width=480&name=logo.jpg "premierautomation")](http://www.premierautomation.com/) - [PanelShop.com](https://panelshop.com/) - [Careers](http://careers.premierautomation.com/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Visitors](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [What We Do](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integrator-overview/) - [Project Methodology](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/project-methodology/) - [Systems Integration](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/system-integration/) - [Repair Services](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/repair-services/) - [Field Services & Commissioning](https://premierautomation.com/what-we-do/field-services-commissioning/) - [Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Overview](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) - [Core Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/core-solutions/) - [Drive Solutions](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/drive-solutions/) - [Power & Distribution](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/power-distribution/) - [Products](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/products/) - [Robotics](https://premierautomation.com/robotics/overview/) - [Resources](https://premierautomation.com/resources/) - [Case Studies](https://premierautomation.com/who-we-help/projects/) - [Literature](https://info.premierautomation.com/literature) - [Blog](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog) - [Visiting Premier Automation](https://premierautomation.com/resources/visitors/) - [Supplier Code of Conduct](https://premierautomation.com/resources/supplier-code-of-conduct/) - [About](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Our Mission](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-mission/) - [Our Culture](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-culture/) - [Our History](https://premierautomation.com/our-story/our-history/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) ![tempBanner.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/tempBanner.jpg?width=1470&name=tempBanner.jpg "tempBanner.jpg") ![blog2.jpg](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/premierautomation-May/blog2.jpg?width=1584&name=blog2.jpg "blog2.jpg") # Innovative Thinking # How to Choose the Right Power Supply Posted on [October 23, 2019](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-power-supply) by [Premier Automation](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/author/premier-automation) ![Specifying motor_vfd-1](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Specifying%20motor_vfd-1.png?width=300&name=Specifying%20motor_vfd-1.png)Some people are increasingly under the impression that their cars are consuming more fuel than the manufacturer’s data initially specified. Is this a deliberate issue or is it because laboratory conditions are different from real-world scenarios? One thing is certain: the problem extends to all branches of manufacturing, whether it's automotive, power electronics or other consumer products. When choosing the right power supply, the first step should be to define the requirements in a clear and concise manner. The following statements can help form a structured guideline that can then be followed: - Need for division of potential - Input and output voltage ranges - Requirements at output current - Space constraints - End product description - Need for following regulations - Environmental conditions for the device’ operation - Reliability requirement of the whole circuit Once these basic objectives have been noted, more pressing concerns can be discussed such as issues with measurement, ripples, noise and inrush current. ### **Measurement Errors** Every measurement changes the actual state of the circuit. This means that when a 4-wire measurement is carried out, the leads’ internal resistance will have impact over the values. This can be ignored for a small-scale system; however, the error adds up in a system such as an operating theater where there are 30 meters of wire and strict current sensitivity is necessary. This means that both load and source requirements need to be known beforehand, and from thereon the medium (electrical cables) have to be chosen carefully. ### **Ripple and Noise** Switched mode converters have revolutionized electrical engineering and have paved the way for the development of DC-grids and power supplies. However, they have also brought a major hurdle with them: the onset of ripples. The presence of solid-state switches within converters give way to ripples and noise that can affect the end-product’s performance. Therefore, it is vital that a converter be chosen that falls within the tolerance range of the product. If necessary, ripples must be reduced. The installation of a parallel capacitor can help reduce voltage ripples, while series inductors can limit current fluctuations. ### **Inrush Current** During the transient state of a converter's operation, a huge amount of current flows in to the circuit before nominal ratings are approached; this is called inrush current. Ambient temperatures can have a significant impact on the inrush current, therefore, the application should be carefully monitored before it is switched on. Usually, devices such as LED lamps, etc. are designed to withstand inrush current, however, this may be disastrous for sensitive equipment. For larger applications, such as in the industry Variable Frequency Drives are used, while for simpler applications soft-starters or the heat-emitting negative thermistor coefficient resistor can be used.  [![our solutions (1)-1](https://info.premierautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/our%20solutions%20(1)-1.png?width=728&name=our%20solutions%20(1)-1.png)](https://premierautomation.com/solutions/overview/) **Interested in learning more?** **Visit our website [www.premierautomation.com](http://premierautomation.com)****, or talk to one of our specialists today.** [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/548870/e95e8e3e-dd0b-47f6-959d-3345ce6f155f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/548870/e95e8e3e-dd0b-47f6-959d-3345ce6f155f)   Share on: - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Categories - [Automation (77)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation) - [Industry Trends (56)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industry-trends) - [Robotics (42)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/robotics) - [Safety (24)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Drives (18)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/drives) - [Motors (18)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/motors) - [Iot (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/iot) - [Lean Manufacturing (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) - [industry 4.0 (15)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industry-4-0) - [Automation Applications (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-applications) - [PLC (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/plc) - [automation solutions (14)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-solutions) - [automationengineer (13)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/automationengineer) - [System Integration (11)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/system-integration) - [HMIs (10)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/hmis) - [Company News (8)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/company-news) - [Motor Control Centers (8)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/motor-control-centers) - [Internet of Things (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/internet-of-things) - [Smart Manufacturing (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/smart-manufacturing) - [productivity (7)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/productivity) - [VFDs (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/vfds) - [Variable Frequency Drives (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/variable-frequency-drives) - [Industrial Revolution (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/industrial-revolution) - [OEE (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/oee) - [efficiency (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/efficiency) - [factory safety (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/factory-safety) - [electricity (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/electricity) - [Power Distribution (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/power-distribution) - [safety in the workplace (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-in-the-workplace) - [system integrator (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/system-integrator) - [Output Load Reactors (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/output-load-reactors) - [Siemens (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/siemens) - [Uncategorized (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/uncategorized) - [3D Printing (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/3d-printing) - [AI (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/ai) - [Insider (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/insider) - [Safety Cable (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-cable) - [Safety Enabling Device (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/safety-enabling-device) - [Service (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/service) - [Stop Buttons (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/stop-buttons) - [Stop Controllers (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/stop-controllers) - [cables (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/cables) - [electricalengineer (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/electricalengineer) - [ethernet (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/ethernet) - [gateways (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/gateways) - [material removal (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/material-removal) - [metals (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/metals) - [profibus (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profibus) - [profinet (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profinet) - [profitability (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/profitability) - [terminalblock (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/terminalblock) - [welding (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/topic/welding) see all ### Archives - [December 2018 (16)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/12) - [January 2019 (12)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [March 2019 (6)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/03) - [June 2016 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/06) - [August 2017 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/08) - [June 2018 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/06) - [October 2018 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/10) - [February 2019 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [May 2019 (5)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/05) - [December 2015 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2015/12) - [July 2017 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/07) - [January 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/01) - [March 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/03) - [May 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/05) - [July 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/07) - [November 2018 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/11) - [April 2019 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [March 2020 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/03) - [February 2021 (4)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/02) - [May 2016 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/05) - [June 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/06) - [October 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/10) - [November 2017 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/11) - [January 2021 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/01) - [November 2025 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/11) - [January 2026 (3)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [February 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/02) - [March 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/03) - [April 2016 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/04) - [April 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/04) - [May 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/05) - [December 2017 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/12) - [February 2018 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/02) - [April 2018 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/04) - [July 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/07) - [August 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/08) - [October 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [December 2019 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/12) - [October 2020 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/10) - [March 2021 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/03) - [April 2022 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/04) - [May 2024 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/05) - [April 2026 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [May 2026 (2)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/05) - [October 2015 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2015/10) - [January 2016 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/01) - [July 2016 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2016/07) - [September 2017 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2017/09) - [August 2018 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/08) - [September 2018 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2018/09) - [September 2019 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2019/09) - [April 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/04) - [May 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/05) - [June 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/06) - [November 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/11) - [December 2020 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2020/12) - [April 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/04) - [June 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/06) - [August 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/08) - [September 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/09) - [November 2021 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2021/11) - [January 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/01) - [June 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/06) - [August 2022 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2022/08) - [May 2023 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2023/05) - [September 2023 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2023/09) - [October 2024 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/10) - [December 2024 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2024/12) - [June 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/06) - [August 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/08) - [September 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/09) - [December 2025 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2025/12) - [February 2026 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/02) - [June 2026 (1)](https://info.premierautomation.com/blog/archive/2026/06) see all Search Blog Search Premier Automation 1100 Rico Road Monroeville, PA 15146 **P** [412.373.3700](tel:1-412.373.3700) **F** 412.373.2900 **E** [sales@premierautomation.com](mailto:sales@premierautomation.com) - [What We Do](http://www.premierautomation.com/what-we-do/) - [Solutions](http://www.premierautomation.com/solutions/) - [Robotics](https://www.premierautomation.com/robotics/) - [Who We Help](http://www.premierautomation.com/who-we-help/) - [Our Story](http://www.premierautomation.com/our-story/) - [Contact](https://info.premierautomation.com/contact) Copyright © 2020 Premier Automation | Innovative Automation Solutions | Pittsburgh. All rights reserved.