Power supply questions.

[Av8r1]

I'm looking for a 13.8v 15 amp power supply for my radio. My question is does the power supply have to be those exact specs. I mean does it have to be rated exactly 13.8v and 15amps?

And also should the power supply be a switching supply?



Thanks much!

[SmallTruckBigRadio]

I'm looking for a 13.8v 15 amp power supply for my radio. My question is does the power supply have to be those exact specs. I mean does it have to be rated exactly 13.8v and 15amps?
And also should the power supply be a switching supply?
Thanks much!

STBR in blue
I'm looking for a 13.8v 15 amp power supply for my radio. My question is does the power supply have to be those exact specs.
Rated exactly 13.8v and 15 amps? NO, but not less than 12, and not less than required by the equipment. If the equipment requires 13.8V / 15A, you'll do fine with a supply with those exact specs, but you'll not have room to expand.
13.8v is a standard industry term to reference what most people call 12 volt systems.
In the case of CB radios, and amplifiers, having a slightly oversized power supply is the way to go.
Running a 15 amp power supply, at 13-15 amps will mean that it will run hot, and the 13.8 volts will probably be dipping to 12 volts and possibly less as it struggles to keep up.
Allowing 10-20% power supply oversize will keep the heat lower, and the voltage up.
Also, being this is a CB Radio Talk forum. I am assuming that you are considering running a CB Radio, and possibly an amplifier. I would pursue a power supply that is big enough to handle all your present and future wattage hopes.
You should also look into the possibility of running your equipment, if it is rated for it, at higher voltages like 15 volts or even 20 volts. I say "if it's rated for it" because if it's not, it will be damaged. Check out some of the amplifier wattage output ratings at 13, 15 and 20 volts to see how much power you will gain at the higher voltages.

I recommend that you consider plans for now, plans for expansion, and contact Mudduck with EastCoast amplifiers. He has impressed some very picky folks with his power supplies, and if he knows you're a forum member, he'll roll out the red carpet for you. 13.8 volts X 15 amps = 207 watts max capability, but Mudduck and others will better understand exactly how much a radio system demands as it "swings".

And also should the power supply be a switching supply?
I will have to defer this question to someone else.