Intermediate

Bench Power Supply

Assemble a low-voltage adjustable bench supply using a DC-DC module and protected output terminals.

Safety first, always.

ElectroLab AI teaches theory, low-voltage electronics, and planning concepts. Mains voltage, switchboards, fixed wiring, high-current systems, and legal electrical work must only be performed by licensed electricians where required.

Open Safety Center

Guided visual build

See it, place it, test it, then debug it.

Visual schematic

Load power path

Voltage across the load and current through it set the heat and power demand.

Low-voltage model

TP1: voltage

TP2: current path

TP3: load heat

Power low-voltage projects from batteries or current-limited supplies first. Stop if a part heats, smells, sparks, or behaves unexpectedly.

Interactive build mode

Bench Power Supply step-by-step

Move one build action at a time. Treat each step as a checkpoint before adding the next connection.

Progress

1 / 5

Current action

Choose a DC input adapter and buck/boost module with suitable ratings.

Wiring focus

Stage 1 of 5

DC input

module mount

output wiring

dummy load

labels

Identify the part and orientation before placing the next wire.

Use an approved external DC adapter. Do not build or modify mains-powered supplies unless licensed/qualified where required.

Project test bench

Pre-flight, first power, and fault response.

Treat this like the bench checklist beside the project. Tick what is proven, then use the symptom picker if the circuit does not behave.

Readiness

Do not power this yet

Pre-flight checks

Power source voltage matches the project parts.Positive and negative rails are identified and not swapped.Polarized parts have been checked before power-up.A current limit, fuse, resistor, or safe supply protects the first test.Meter is set to the correct mode before touching probes to the circuit.Input module rating is known.Output polarity labels are fitted.Dummy load is ready before powering valuable devices.

Before power

Measure supply polarity and expected voltage at the rails.

During first power

Use current limiting and watch for heat, dimming, or voltage collapse.

After a fault

Power off, isolate one section, then measure from source toward load.

Build target

Create an adjustable low-voltage supply for electronics testing.

Build steps

1.Choose a DC input adapter and buck/boost module with suitable ratings.

2.Mount the module, switch, display, fuse, and binding posts in an enclosure.

3.Wire input and output polarity carefully.

4.Set voltage with no load, then test with a resistor load.

5.Label voltage/current limits clearly on the enclosure.

What you are learning

1.A bench supply lets you control voltage while testing circuits.

2.Current limiting protects prototypes when faults happen.

3.Fuses and enclosure strain relief reduce risk from mistakes.

Bench tests

1.Measure output voltage across the full adjustment range.

2.Test current limit with a suitable dummy load.

3.Check module temperature after several minutes.

Fault finding

1.Output drops under load: adapter or module current rating is too low.

2.Display wrong: check sense wire and polarity.

3.Module hot: improve ventilation or reduce load.

Upgrades

1.Add banana sockets and USB output.

2.Add a current limit knob.

3.Add reverse polarity protection.

Project safety

Use an approved external DC adapter. Do not build or modify mains-powered supplies unless licensed/qualified where required.