How To Test A Power Supply? [Step By Step Guide]  

We all know that every computer requires a power supply, but how many of us know how to test a power supply. Well, if you are new to the IT industry and have no idea about trying a power supply, then it is high time to learn something new.

Let me tell you the meaning of the term “power supply.” In simple words, the power supply is nothing but a device that converts electricity into usable power. The power supply is a device that provides power to your PC or laptop. When it comes to PCs, it is used to convert the AC electricity into DC electricity, and when it comes to laptops, it is used to convert the AC electricity into the battery.

We cannot use a computer without having a power supply, so we must know how to test a power supply. There are various kinds of power supplies, but you will find that most of them are not tested. There are so many things to check in a power supply, and it is impossible to review everything. Which PSU Cables Do I Need? [Guide 2023]

That is why I have made this article that will help you to know the basics of testing a power supply. Let’s have a look.

Types of Power Supply

There are many types of power supplies, and you need to know how to test a power supply for each class. The power supplies are broadly classified as AC power supply, DC power supply, and battery power supply. Here is a brief description of all types of power supplies.

AC power supply

An AC power supply is an electrical device that converts AC electricity to DC electricity. In a standard AC power supply, the AC electricity is converted to DC electricity by a transformer, and a diode bridge circuit then rectifies the transformer’s output.

It is essential to know the specifications of your power supply as it determines the quality of your power supply. The specifications are the voltage and the frequency of the power supply.

There are two types of power supplies: single phase and three. Single-phase power supplies are mainly used in the home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwave ovens. The output of the single-phase power supply is 120 V, 50/60 Hz.

Three-phase power supplies are used in industrial applications such as power plants, elevators, and manufacturing industries. The output of the three-phase power supply is 208 V, 50/60 Hz.

If you are unsure about your power supply, it is better to consult your service technician, who will guide you on how to check and repair it.

DC power supply

A DC power supply is a power supply that produces a direct current, and a transformer converts the electricity in a DC power supply from AC to DC electricity.

You can test your DC power supply by using a multimeter. The multimeter will show the voltage and current of the power supply, and you can also check the device’s current consumption.

It is essential to know the specifications of your DC power supply as it determines the quality of your power supply. The specifications are the voltage and the frequency of the power supply.

The output of the DC power supply is 12 V, 50/60 Hz.

Batteries power supply

A battery power supply is a power supply that uses batteries to produce a continuous current, and it is also called a battery-operated power supply.

You can use a multimeter to test the voltage and the current of your battery power supply. It is essential to know the specifications of your battery power supply as it determines the quality of your power supply.

Testing a Power Supply | Step-By-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered how to test a power supply? Several ways can help you determine whether or not your power supply is working correctly. These tests will not only tell you whether your power supply is working fine but also if there is any damage that could be repaired.

Here are some of the most commonly used methods of testing power supplies.

Check continuity

If you have a multimeter, you can use it for this purpose. Connect a tester lead (red and black) to the AC outlet and then connect the other end of the tester lead to the ground of the power supply.

Now check whether the tester lead is making a circuit. If there is continuity, then the power supply is working fine.

Check voltage

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can use the voltage tester available in almost every electronic store.

Connect the negative terminal of the voltage tester to the ground and then connect the positive terminal to the AC outlet. Now turn on the power switch of the power supply and check whether the tester is showing a voltage.

If there is a voltage, then the power supply is working fine.

Checking for spikes

You don’t need to worry if the voltage is stable and there is no spike. But if there are spikes in the voltage, it is a sign of a malfunction in the power supply.

Check for short circuits

If you have a multimeter, you can use it for this purpose. Connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the black information to the ground.

Now check whether there is continuity between the leads. If there is, then the power supply is working fine.

Final Verdict

The power supply is a critical part of your audio system. Understanding how to test a power supply before buying one is essential. It’s also good to know how to test the power supply to prevent expensive mistakes. With all your equipment plugged in, you can plug in an oscilloscope or multimeter to measure the voltage at each device in your system. Ensure that the power supply you purchase has enough capacity to provide the proper voltage to every component in your system. If you run into issues, you can always return to your local electronics store to find a replacement.