Potential of the terminals on a DC power supply

But if not, just measure it with a voltmeter.In summary, the conversation discusses the polarity and ground potential of a 12VDC transformer being used at school. It is suggested to check the manufacturer's documentation or measure with a voltmeter to determine the exact polarity and ground potential.
  • #1
pkc111
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TL;DR Summary
Hi there
On a 12VDC transformer we use at school. Is the positive terminal +6V above ground potential and the negative terminal -6V below ground potential?
Thank You
Summary: Hi there
On a 12VDC transformer we use at school. Is the positive terminal +6V above ground potential and the negative terminal -6V below ground potential?
Thank You

Hi there
On a 12VDC transformer we use at school. Is the positive terminal +6V above ground potential and the negative terminal -6V below ground potential?
Thank You
 
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  • #2
What does the manufacturer’s documentation say?
 
  • #3
pkc111 said:
Summary:
On a 12VDC transformer we use at school. Is the positive terminal +6V above ground potential and the negative terminal -6V below ground potential?
Maybe, maybe not. One clue might be if there's a third terminal labelled GND.
 
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1. What is the purpose of terminals on a DC power supply?

The terminals on a DC power supply serve as connection points for external devices to receive electrical power from the power supply. They are typically labeled as positive (+) and negative (-) and provide a constant voltage output for powering electronic circuits.

2. How do I determine the potential of the terminals on a DC power supply?

The potential of the terminals on a DC power supply can be determined by measuring the voltage output using a voltmeter. Place the positive lead of the voltmeter on the positive terminal and the negative lead on the negative terminal to get an accurate reading of the potential difference.

3. Can the potential of the terminals on a DC power supply be adjusted?

Yes, the potential of the terminals on a DC power supply can be adjusted by using a variable power supply. This type of power supply allows you to manually adjust the voltage output to a desired level, providing more flexibility for different electronic devices.

4. What is the difference between AC and DC power supply terminals?

The main difference between AC and DC power supply terminals is the direction of the current flow. AC power supply terminals alternate between positive and negative, while DC power supply terminals always maintain a constant polarity. Additionally, AC power supply terminals may have a third terminal for grounding, while DC power supply terminals typically only have two.

5. Can I connect multiple devices to the terminals on a DC power supply?

Yes, you can connect multiple devices to the terminals on a DC power supply as long as the total power consumption does not exceed the capacity of the power supply. It is important to make sure that the voltage and polarity of the devices match the output of the power supply to avoid damaging the devices.

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