Convert AC to DC voltage to power equipment in tight spaces—since these power supplies don’t have an enclosure, you can use them inside devices where enclosed power supplies can’t fit. The open construction lets heat out, so they also run cooler than standard power supplies with the same output. However, since they are not enclosed, these power supplies can shock you if you touch their components. They are best for devices with sealed housings, and should not be used in enclosures that are opened frequently.

These use switching regulation, which means they produce the stated voltage despite fluctuations in your input power and the power being drawn by your system. It also means they won’t get too hot.

When these power supplies convert AC voltage to DC voltage, some noise from the AC voltage will carry into the output. While this won't affect most applications, this noise can interfere with other signals in extremely sensitive applications. The lower the output noise, the less interference it creates.

The combination of power factor and efficiency gives you a sense for how efficiently these draw AC power and convert it into DC power, which ultimately affects your operating cost. The closer the power factor is to 1, and the higher the efficiency percentage, the lower the operating cost. The more efficient your power supply, the cooler it runs too.

These power supplies meet U.S. and international safety standards. If you exceed the maximum current, load, or voltage, they’ll shut down to protect both the power supply and the connected equipment.