Home Automation FAQ: Can I use a switching power supply?

Home Automation FAQ
Sponsored by Creative Control Concepts

[Show Expert Edit Commands]

	Home Automation FAQ : HA Equipment : Creative Control Concepts/HCS-II : Power Supplies : Can I use a switching power supply?
	Yes, you can. I use one myself. However, beware of a few things: Locate the power supply outside of any enclosure used for your HCS-II. Noise from the switching supply may interfere with it. Most switching supplies require all supplies have at least a 10% load on them before they operate. If you are under that, use a properly rated and sized power resistor to bleed of enough current to kick the switcher on. Some people have reported that they have trouble with certain network modules when they power cycle the system. I have not seen this, but your milage may vary.
	Creative Control Concepts now sells 3.3A and 5A 12VDC switching power supplies for HCS-II systems. They work very well, can handle 120V and 240V at 50/60Hz and have built in short circuit, overload, and overheating protection. More info can be found on the HCS-II Extras Page
	Append to This Answer

Previous:	What are the power requirements of the HCS-II?
Next:	Can I use a 'wall wart' type power supply?

This document is: http://www.automationfaq.com/cgi-bin/fom?file=131

	[Search]	[Appearance]		[Show Expert Edit Commands]
This is a Faq-O-Matic 2.721.

This FAQ administered by Mike Baptiste