What does daisy chaining mean for power supplies?

The colloquial term daisy chaining has established itself as a description for the direct connection of technical devices in series. In this blog article, you will learn what you should consider if you want to operate several power supplies in a daisy chain.

Daisy chaining refers to a wiring scheme in which several devices, such as power supplies, are connected directly in parallel. This type of wiring is also referred to as "looping through". The English term “Daisy Chaining” is used colloquially, since the structure is vaguely reminiscent of a daisy chain. The principle can be used both to achieve a higher total current and to transmit analog signals or digital data. If the wiring of a power supply system is planned according to this principle, it is not wired in a star configuration. Instead, the current is looped through to the load in a linear or ring-shaped manner on one line.

Is daisy chaining recommended for power supplies? Before setting up a power supply system using the daisy chain method, it is essential to check the data sheet for the relevant type of power supply. Some power supplies do not allow direct connection of outputs. If this warning is ignored, there is a safety risk. It can lead to overloaded circuits and even fire hazard.