Using computer power supply for security cameras

Perryg114

Senior member
Jan 22, 2001
768
4
81
I need a good 12V power supply to power some security cameras. Usually each IR camera draws less than 500mA. I have been told that for the 12V to regulate properly you have to have some load on the 5V side. Is there a way to crank up the 12V to like 13 or 14V to take care of voltage drop? I have extra computer power supplies so I figure this would be a good application for them. Probably I will mount the power supply in an electrical box with a fan or vent in it so the power supply can stay cool. I may also run my BNC connectors through there so I have a junction box for them as well.

Has anyone done this before and does anyone have any suggestions? Right now I have a rat's nest of plug in power supplies, add this to all the printer, modem, router, switch power supplies and it is really a frigging mess. I mean it looks like a physic major rigged this stuff up right now. The engineer in me has had it with the rat's nest.

Perry
 

Fayd

Diamond Member
Jun 28, 2001
7,970
2
76
www.manwhoring.com
there's things called "power supply testers" that place a small load on all the rails.

use one, then attach whatever you want to the 12v rail.