Differences Between Relays and Contactors

In today’s video we are going to be looking at the differences between several pieces of hardware that often get confused even though they are intended for very different purposes. This hardware includes: power supplies, inverters, transformers and voltage converters. All of this hardware is intended to alter or change the type of power or voltage you might be using. The result you need will directly impact which type of hardware you may choose to use. However, it is very common for people to confuse the different types of hardware. Let’s discuss each type and what it is intended to do… so hopefully by the end of this video you will have a very clear understanding of each... and when you might want to use them.

Let’s first start with power supplies. A power supply can have many different functions, but most of the time, the power supply use intended to take one type of power and convert it to another type of power. The most common example of this is a power supply that takes AC voltage and converts it to DC voltage. While it is very common to use power supplies in industrial applications, one very common place you will see a power supply used is for the gadgets you have around your home such as: your smartphone, laptop or tablet and many other devices we use on a daily basis. You may have noticed that most devices you have come with a power cord with a bulky block on the end of it. This block is where you will typically find the power supply. So most of your devices do not use AC power, which is the type of power being supplied to your home. These devices more commonly use some form or DC power.

Now let’s talk about inverters, an inverter works in a similar manner to the power supply with one major difference, instead of converting AC power to DC power… the inverter does the opposite. tI will change DC power to AC power. DC power is created by devices such as solar panels or batteries, but often we need AC power for the things we commonly use. For example, if you have solar panels on your roof, the power that is being created comes in the for of direct current (..or DC). But, in our homes most of the things that we need to power require alternating current (..or AC). So in order to convert the DC power that is generated by the solar panels... an inverter is used.

Lastly, let’s talk about transformers. For more detailed information about how transformers work, please see our other video which we will link in the description below. Similar to a power converter that is used for changing only DC power… the transformer is intended to be used with AC power. More specifically, transformer converts one type of AC power to a different type of AC power. For example, your home commonly uses 120 volt AC. However, there are some electrical devices we use in and around our homes that need AC power, but cannot operate with 120VAC. So in this case a transformer is used. If you have an automatic sprinkling system, chances are the valves in that sprinkling system require 24 volts AC. To do this, a transformer converts 120VAC that is available in our home, to 24VAC so the sprinkler valves can operate properly. Transformers come in many different shapes and sizes. It is important to note, that transformers can both convert AC power up and down. So if a greater AC voltage is needed, a transformer will be used… and the same can be said when a lower AC voltage is needed.

So let’s quickly recap…. Power supplies most commonly convert AC power to DC power. Power converters are used to change the voltage within the DC range only. ...and UPS’s are intended to continue to supply power in the event of a power failure and are often used with a regular power supply. Inverters are intended to change DC power, back to AC power. …and lastly, transformer are used to change one type of AC voltage, to another type of AC voltage.. Up or down.

Additional Links -

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