DC Power Supply Polarity: Can It Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the polarity requirements of a DC power supply for a specific device that lacks clear polarity information. Participants explore whether the device can operate with both polarities and the implications of potential damage if connected incorrectly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a device requiring a DC power supply can function with both polarities due to a lack of information on polarity.
  • Another participant suggests that many devices have a full wave bridge rectifier, which would allow for "polarity insensitivity."
  • A participant provides a link to a similar product, indicating it may help clarify the situation.
  • There is a discussion about the type of power input, with a focus on coaxial barrel jacks and the common convention of positive tips, though this is not universally applicable.
  • One participant notes the absence of any visible polarity indication on the device, raising concerns about the potential for damage if connected incorrectly.
  • Another participant estimates a high probability that the device is positive tip and suggests contacting customer support or inspecting the device for internal components as possible next steps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the certainty of the device's polarity requirements. While some suggest it is likely to be positive tip, there is no consensus on the matter, and uncertainty remains regarding the device's internal configuration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of documentation and the lack of clear labeling on the device, which complicates the determination of polarity. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainty surrounding the device's specifications.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals dealing with DC power supplies, particularly those facing similar issues with unclear polarity information on devices.

Kurdt
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Is a product that requires a DC power supply but doesn't have any info on the polarity able to work with both polarities?

I'd like to find out before I try it, lest I knacker my device.

Thanks :smile:
 
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In general yes, it would have a full wave bridge rectifier at the input, to provide "polarity insensitivity".

What is the device? Can you provide a link to a datasheet or specification?
 
Hey berkeman. Thanks for the reply. The best I can come up with is the following but its not exactly the same.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=252506

Mine has the same basic product code but looks slightly different. I think its an older model.
 
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What does the power input opening look like? Is it a coaxial barrel jack/plug? Those are traditionally positive tip, but not always. There should be some indication of + or - tip, maybe just hard to see if it's molded into the plastic instead of shown on a label. Does the label on the bottom of the product not indicate the polarity of the power input?
 
Just a power jack like these:

http://cwe.com.tw/kmportal-deluxe1/img/pictures/r/R0007_DC-POWER.png

No moulding in the plastic nothing around the power jack except "DC 12V/1.25A", and nothing on the sticker on the bottom. Unfortunately I don't have any of the documents that came with it. I normally keep all of them in a box file and I've been right through and of course the only ones I don't have are for this particular product.
 
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Well, there's about a 95% probability that it's positive tip. You could try contacting their customer support folks to double-check. They should have a diode bridge inside (maybe open it up and check?), or at least a blocking diode to prevent knackering.

Is contacting their support or opening it up an option?
 
Yes I could contact them. Just thought it would be worth a go asking on here :biggrin:

Thanks berkeman.
 

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