Linear Or Switch Mode Psu's

[jizzer]

Hi,

What type of psu's do you favour for powering 12vdc cctv cams the switched mode type or linear any thoughts

[Guest Director of COP Security]

It depends on the size of the PSU.

Anything under 1 amp and a switch mode is wasted, but over 1 amp linear psu's tend to run hot and heat is a killer.

Watch out for poor switch mode psu's as they can be very noisy (high frequency noise), this is not easily detected without an oscilloscope and can lead to all sorts of problems.