One of the most critical features in any laboratory is the power supply. They are required for so many experiments and projects, and ensuring you have the right one for your applications and requirements is crucial. A faulty or incorrect type of power supply can be hazardous for yourself and your colleagues, while also impacting your work. There are a range of different power supplies available for labs, and they are necessary for supplying clean currents and stable voltages during your experiments.
At SciChem, we work closely with Lascells who are one of the top manufacturers of laboratory power supplies available today.
What Is A Laboratory Power Supply?
Power supplies are an essential piece of kit for any lab, as they are used to test electrical components and circuits. This kind of equipment is powered using voltage and they are used for many different projects and experiments at all levels. Sometimes referred to as benchtop power supplies, these are portable devices which can be used on a lab surface and moved around as required.
In some laboratories, mains adaptors are used as the main power supply, but this can be a problematic approach. Having a standalone power supply means you can clearly see both the current and voltage for your experiment, delivering a precise and reliable reading every time. Depending on the type of power supply you choose, you can also select specific voltages and currents for each project you are working on.
Types Of Power Supplies
Power supplies come in various different types and each work in a slightly different way. Simple devices are perfect for basic level experiments, and they feature two displays and two dials. You can set specific current and voltage limits for your project and choose from Constant Voltage (CV) mode or Constant Current (CC) mode. Generally speaking, there are two main types of power supplies for a lab; linear and switching.
A linear power supply often experiences high loss of energy and needs regular cooling with a fan. They are larger and heavier than switching supplies because they have a transformer fitted. Switching power supplies are much more efficient, and also smaller and more compact. This kind of equipment can emit a high-frequency noise and is not ideal for working with inductive loads like coils and motors.
Lascells Power Supplies
Lascells are passionate about ensuring science experiments and teaching of science is enjoyable for students and easy for educators. That’s why they focus on creating lab equipment, which is simple, effective, and reliable. They produce a couple of power supply products which are extremely popular in education and school laboratories around the world.
- Lascells Revolution Variable Power Supply: This compact power supply works up to 8A DC with the option for switched, variable or constant DC voltage. The maximum voltage limit is super simple to adjust, and this power supply also benefits from automatic overload protection and digital voltage readout. The lightweight case and compact design makes this power supply ideal for labs with limited space or for portable use.
- Lascells Revolution Switched Power Supply: The Lascells switched power supply has a regulated DC output allowing the supply to remain constant no matter what is connected to the terminals. There is a maximum voltage limiter which is operated using an Allen key, allowing educators to set a maximum voltage for students to use. The compact design is easy to move around the lab as required and also takes up minimal storage space.
What To Consider When Choosing A Power Supply For Your Lab
Knowing the best power supply for your laboratory can be a confusing decision. To help you understand the right option for your requirements, we’re sharing the main things you should consider when comparing power supplies.
- Power and Output: You can choose devices with a range of different power levels. Some can supply a current at any voltage while others support multiple ranges for a continuous transition. If you regularly need to test different devices simultaneously, then a power supply with multiple outlets is essential.
- Safety Features: Look for power supplies with adequate safety features and DUT protection to cover you in case of failure.
- Dimensions: The size and weight of the power supply is important to think about too. If you need to move the equipment around your lab often, or store them away, you should choose a supply which is compact and portable.
- Specifications: There is a lot more to a power supply than just voltage, outputs and current. You should also take into consideration line regulation, readback currency, sense connections, interfaces, noise output, load regulation, and transient response.
For more information on power supplies and assistance finding the right solution for your lab, contact our expert team.
