How many volts can a 12 volt power supply put out?

It could be over 13 V at 110 V in at no load (0 amps out) alone, and then higher yet at higher input voltage. Such a supply could easily put out 15 V, for example, under some conditions. Devices that needed the "12 V" were designed to handle that, so that was fine.

What is the current rating of a power supply?

The current rating of a supply is what it can deliver, not what it will always force thru the load somehow. In that sense, unlike with voltage, the current rating of a power supply must be at least what the device wants but there is no harm in it being higher. A 9 volt 5 amp supply is a superset of a 9 volt 2 amp supply, for example.

What is a universal input power supply?

More and more supplies are being made like that, and are called universal input. This generally means they can run from 90-240 V AC, and that can be 50 or 60 Hz. Some power supplies, generally older switchers, have a minimum load requirement. This is usually 10% of full rated output current.

How many volts does a 12 volt DC supply make?

For example, such a "12 V" DC supply might make 12 V at 110 VAC in, but then would make over 13 V at 120 VAC in. Another issue with unregulated supplies is that the output voltage not only is a function of the input voltage, but will also fluctuate with how much current is being drawn from the supply.

Can a 12V power supply be used with a 16V supply?

BUT trying to operate a 12V rated device from a 16V supply (25% high) is risky and may cause damage to device or supply. Current: the same or higher current. eg consider a 12V, 2A device and a 12V 20A power supply. 12V is the "electrical pressure". 20A is the electrical current that the supply CAN provide at that pressure.

What is the minimum load requirement for a power supply?

Some power supplies, generally older switchers, have a minimum load requirement. This is usually 10% of full rated output current. For example, a 12 volt 2 amp supply with a minimum load requirement of 10% isn't guaranteed to work right unless you load it with at least 200 mA.