Power Supply Certifications: Which Ones Should You Look For?
When it comes to building or upgrading a computer, one of the most important components to consider is the power supply unit (PSU). A power supply is responsible for delivering the necessary amount of power to all the other components in your computer, making it a critical component that should not be overlooked. However, not all power supplies are created equal, and it can be difficult to determine which ones are the most reliable and efficient. That's where certifications come into play.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different power supply certifications that exist and explain what they mean. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which certifications you should look for when shopping for a power supply.
80 Plus Certification
The 80 Plus certification is perhaps the most well-known certification that exists for power supplies. It was introduced by Ecos Consulting in 2004 and measures the efficiency of a power supply. The certification is determined based on a power supply's ability to convert AC power from a wall outlet to DC power that is usable by your computer's components.
The 80 Plus certification has several tiers, including 80 Plus, 80 Plus Bronze, 80 Plus Silver, 80 Plus Gold, 80 Plus Platinum, and 80 Plus Titanium. These tiers reflect the efficiency of a power supply, with 80 Plus being the lowest and 80 Plus Titanium being the highest. For example, a power supply that is 80 Plus Bronze certified is at least 82% efficient at 20% load, 85% efficient at 50% load, and 82% efficient at 100% load.
The higher the certification level, the more efficient the power supply will be. This means that you'll be wasting less energy and reducing your electricity bills. Additionally, a more efficient power supply will produce less heat, making it easier to cool your computer.
UL Certification
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, which is an independent organization that tests and certifies various products for safety and performance. The UL certification is not specific to power supplies, but rather applies to a wide range of products. However, many power supplies carry this certification.
A UL certification indicates that a power supply has undergone rigorous testing and has met various safety standards. It ensures that the power supply is safe to use and will not pose a risk of fire or electrical shock to the user.
CE Certification
The CE Mark is a mandatory certification that must be affixed to any product that is sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). This certification indicates that the product complies with EU laws and regulations, and ensures that the product is safe to use.
For power supplies, the CE certification is particularly important, as it indicates that the power supply meets certain safety standards. It also ensures that the power supply will not interfere with other electronic devices.
FCC Certification
Similar to the CE certification, the FCC certification is mandatory for any product that is sold in the United States. The certification indicates that the product complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and will not cause interference with other electronic devices.
For power supplies, the FCC certification is important because it ensures that the power supply will not interfere with other electronic devices in your home or office.
Other Certifications
There are also several other certifications that exist for power supplies, although they are not as common as the ones mentioned above. These include the TÜV Rheinland, Energy Star, and RoHS certifications.
The TÜV Rheinland certification is a German certification that measures the safety and quality of electronic products. Energy Star certification indicates that a power supply meets certain energy efficiency standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RoHS certification ensures that a power supply is free of hazardous substances.
Conclusion
When shopping for a power supply, it's important to look for one that carries the appropriate certifications. While it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper power supply that doesn't carry any certifications, this can be a risky move. Without certifications, you cannot be sure that the power supply meets certain safety or efficiency standards.
The most important certification to look for is the 80 Plus certification, as it indicates the efficiency of a power supply. However, it's also important to look for certifications such as UL, CE, and FCC, as they ensure that the power supply is safe to use and will not interfere with other electronic devices.
By taking the time to research and understand these certifications, you can ensure that you're purchasing a high-quality, reliable power supply for your computer.