Tag: voltage

Voltage

Power Supply Voltage Drops: The Basics

If you’re noticing decreased efficiency in your electronic systems and equipment, they may be experiencing what’s known as voltage drop. While power supply voltage drops can be damaging, understanding the basics and how to combat them can help you prevent future harm and protect your equipment. Keep reading to make sure you understand what a voltage drop is, common causes, and how to reduce the risk of voltage drops.

What is a Voltage Drop?

A supply voltage drop describes how the energy of a power supply decreases as the electrical current flows through passive elements in an electrical circuit. The potential for voltage drop increases with the length of the circuit. The further the electricity travels from the power supply, the higher the risk of voltage drop, resulting in weaker currents and decreased power.

Excessive voltage drop can be damaging and may lead to disruptions, inefficient electrical systems, and even mechanical harm. These issues can negatively impact your electrical equipment, potentially resulting in higher operating costs and decreased productivity. Understanding some of the most common sources of voltage drops can help you better prepare for and prevent damage to your electrical systems.

Common Causes of Supply Voltage Drop

  • Length of the power cable
  • Cable gauge size
  • Using AC power over DC power
  • Amount of current at the power supply
  • Power line resistance

How to Measure Voltage Drop

While small amounts of voltage drop are expected―especially for lengthy electrical circuits―monitoring for excessive voltage drop can help protect your equipment and prevent harm.

Ohm’s law describes a formula to calculate the proportional relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. The formula to calculate voltage drop is:

V = I x R

Where V represents voltage, I represents current, and R represents resistance. For further assistance in calculating voltage drop, contact a team member at Quail Electronics, Inc.

Minimize Voltage Drop in Your Power Supply

You can use various techniques to compensate for the effect of voltage drop on long circuits or where voltage levels must be accurately maintained.

  • Appropriate Wire Size: The most important factor in avoiding excessive voltage drop is selecting the correct wire size. Choose a wire gauge appropriate for the distance and current you require to best reduce resistance in your system.
  • Increase Conductor Size: One of the simplest ways to reduce voltage drop is to increase the diameter of the conductor between the source and the load, lowering the overall resistance.
  • Routine Inspection: Regularly examining your power cables and electrical systems will help you quickly identify any significant voltage drop. Make any necessary repairs as fast as possible to avoid lasting damage or costly maintenance.
  • Specialized Power Supply Design: Custom-made power cords and connectors can help you easily balance power loads and regulate voltage levels for improved performance.
  • High Voltage Power Cables: Using high-voltage power cords increases the amount of voltage flowing through a circuit and minimizes the amount of current. Higher voltage levels result in decreased voltage drop.

Learn more about global voltage standards with our helpful International Voltage and Frequency Guide.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. Today with Any Questions

With over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is a leading expert in all things electronic. We offer competitive pricing, convenient same-day shipping, and minimal order requirements to get you precisely what you need for your applications. Our trained specialists can answer any questions and help you choose the best types of power cords for your requirements.

For more information about supply voltage drop and how to protect your electrical equipment, contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today, and our team will assist you with any questions.

Universal Adapters 101: What You Need to Know

Power adapters are electrical components that convert power from a wall outlet to a form that works with your plugged-in device. Often, these adapters only have one plug type and can, therefore, only be used in specific locations. However, universal power adapters are compatible with multiple plug types and voltage standards, so no matter where you are in the world, you can use and charge your devices. Take your business on the road with universal adapters!

Read below to learn more about universal adapters and the many different types. Contact us or request a quote to order the right power adapter for your needs.

Why Do You Need a Universal Adapter?

If you’re traveling or conducting international business, staying connected and keeping your devices charged and powered is crucial. However, no matter your plug style, your go-to power adapters will often be incompatible with foreign outlets, as standard adapters only have one type of plug and are incompatible with varying outlet shapes and voltages. Universal adapters solve this problem.

These adapters offer numerous configurations and plug styles, letting you plug into outlets worldwide. There are many types of universal adapters, so you can select the component that best suits the needs of your devices and your travel itinerary. Universal power adapters are must-have components for travel and successful internal business operations.

Types of Universal Adapters

International Power Adapters

Because various countries use different designs and require different standards for electrical outlets, plug attachments are needed in order to use your device without relying on battery power. Compatible international power adapters allow you to plug in your devices to any outlet. At Quail Electronics Inc., we offer a wide range of international power adapters for many countries and locations, including:

  • Continental Europe
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Denmark
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Africa
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • UK
  • And more!

IEC Universal Adapters

IEC adapters are designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. We offer IEC universal adapters with the IEC-60320-C14 plug on one side, and a universal receptacle on the opposite side. Available with an amperage rating of 10A and a voltage rating of 250V, IEC universal adapters can be used to power many devices in countries around the world.

NEMA Universal Adapters

NEMA plugs and adapters are standard for North American applications. Our NEMA universal adapters can adapt various NEMA plugs into universal receptacles and are rated at either 10A—125V or 15A—250V. These adapters help ensure safe and reliable power connections between NEMA configurations and foreign plugs.

Corded Universal Power Adapters

For increased flexibility and more port options, corded universal power adapters are an excellent solution. Our adapters feature two USB ports and four outlets along with a 5 ft. cord to increase the range of use. Rated at 15A-250V, our corded universal power cube adapter has NEMA receptacles for North American use and two USB ports for international use, supporting a range of devices.

USB Power Adapters

USB ports are found around the world, making it easy to charge your USB-compatible devices. We offer a selection of USB universal power adapters to allow you to power up to five devices with one outlet, depending on your adapter model. USB adapters are a convenient and universal power solution for frequent travelers.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. for Universal Adapters and Electrical Solutions

Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be a leading supplier of power cords, power strips, plugs, adapters, and all things electrical. We offer competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items to get you the products you need when you need them. Contact us with any questions and our team will assist you. Request a quote to begin your order today.

Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

SJT wire blueAs my philosophy professor once told me, logic is a fickle thing.  What we often think makes perfect sense never actually does. Those who’ve toiled with justice, love, and the American Wire Gauge system know exactly what I’m talking about.  But no worries; Quail Electronics will explain it all, from wire gauge to the right amperage.  In a previous post, I addressed how the larger the AWG number, the smaller the wire actually is.  This also influences how much amperage is allowed through a wire. Continue reading Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size

If you grew up in Am1 CONDUCTOR_GREEN_YELLOWerica, meters and millimeters are basically a foreign language.  When I used to read a ruler growing up, I didn’t bother using the centimeter side. Actually, I didn’t even know why it was there. Thinking about it, the one on my desk now doesn’t even have centimeters (I should probably fix that). However, if you grew up on the other side of the pond (or anywhere else for that matter), the metric system is alive and well.

Well with International and North American wire size, it can be just as confusing. For North America, I never understood why as the wire got larger, the number got smaller. Why is 18 AWG smaller than a 10 AWG? Well, back in the day the gauge was determined by how many times the wire had to pass through the drawing dies. The smaller wire, such as 18 AWG, is going to have to pass through more times than the 10 AWG. Actually, makes sense, right? Continue reading American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size