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Two types of Labpacks power supplies - Dial Labpack and Click Interval Labpack - provide AC and DC voltage for experiments. Learn how to use and plug them in, access different terminals, and reset the power supply if necessary.
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Labpacks Physics Equipment
Labpacks • We have two types of power supplies in the lab. • They are called ‘Labpacks’ • They allow you access to AC or DC voltage for experiments.
Which should I use? • The dial type allows you to change voltage in very small increments. • The ‘click’ interval type only allows you to alter the voltage by 2V increments. • If you need fine adjustment choose the dial one – it has a built in rheostat OR use the click one within a potential divider circuit – see separate presentation
Plug it in! • The power supply has to be plugged into the mains socket. • Carefully unwind the wire at the back of the labpack and plug it in. • A socket is switched ‘on’ if the switch is down.
Yellow terminals • These give access to AC voltage. • Each terminal swaps from +V to –V back to +V fifty times a second (mains voltage is at a frequency of 50Hz). • These terminals are fine for lighting a lamp but should not be used for investigations into resistance. • If you plug into these terminals you cannot use moving coil meters within your circuit – you would have to use multimeters on AC settings
Red and Black terminals • These give access to DC voltage. • The red terminal is positive • The black terminal is negative • These terminals can be used for any circuit. • If you plug into these terminals you must ensure that moving coil meters are connected the correct way round within your circuit • You would have to use multimeters on DC settings
The Green Terminal • This is the Earth connection. • You will rarely be expected to use this. • Don’t worry about it.
Reset Button • The reset button is a safety device. • If you overload the labpack by allowing too much current to pass through it (for example by shorting out a circuit!) it will cut the power off and this button will come out. • You will hear a loud click when this happens. • Wait for a minute, disconnect your circuit, and depress this button to reset the power supply. • Next time, take more care!
When the circuit is wired up correctly…. • Turn the voltage dial to 0V • ALWAYS START AT ZERO VOLTS AND STEADILY INCREASE THE VOLTAGE TO THE DESIRED LEVEL • The red pointer is the one that indicates the ‘rough region’ of voltage supplied. • The yellow one is for locking maximum voltage.
The ‘lock’ • If you cannot turn the voltage dial past a particular value, it may be because the dial is locked. • The yellow marker is placed at the maximum voltage position and locked on place by the silver button. • Turn this to release the dial.
Then switch it on! • At the top right hand corner of the labpack is a switch. • Turn it on. • A red light should come on. • If it doesn’t check you have plugged the labpack in correctly and that the mains switch is down. • If it is still off, there may be a problem – or the bulb in the switch may have blown…
Putting the Labpack Away • Switch it off (on its face and at the socket). • Unplug it. • Wind the flex neatly at the back. • Carry it carefully to the trolley and stack it neatly. • Take care these unit cost over £100!