12 Volt 5 Amp Power Supply With Mini Light Bar That Draws 6 Amps

[Jim1348]

Hypothetical question here. With a 12 volt 5 amp power supply, if a mini light bar is plugged in that is rated at 6 amps, what is likely to happen? Will the mini light bar work, but just not be as bright? Will it damage the power supply?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K9R65C6/?tag=elightbars-20

I think it is likely to damage the power supply, unless the supply includes over-current protection.

 

[Jennifer Rose Towing]

Could be a few things but bottom line, get something bigger. It may not be able to start it. If it does it should have over current protection and shut down. Being a generic supply, it would likely overheat and be a hazard.

In general, a supply with at least 30% more capacity then you need is a good idea.

 

[C17LVFD]

I’ve seen some computer power supplies converted before, even done one myself… 500 watts is a pretty standard baseline on those, and would be a cheap way to run something with overage coverage as Jennifer mentioned above.

Seth