Power Supply Protection Features: OCP, OVP, OTP, SCP
A good supply fails safe. OCP, OVP, OTP and SCP are the four protections that stop a fault in the supply from taking out your whole device - and they behave differently when they trip.
OCP - Over-Current Protection
Limits output current when the load draws too much (a short or a stalled motor). The supply folds back or hiccups instead of cooking.
OVP - Over-Voltage Protection
Clamps or shuts down if the output drifts high - critical because an over-voltage rail destroys sensitive electronics instantly.
OTP - Over-Temperature Protection
Shuts the supply down if it overheats, then restarts when cool. Protects against blocked fans or a hot cabinet.
SCP - Short-Circuit Protection
Withstands a dead short on the output indefinitely without failing. Usually combined with OCP.
Auto-Recovery vs Latch-Off
Hiccup/auto-recovery retries periodically - good for transient faults. Latch-off stays off until power-cycled - safer when the fault signals a real wiring problem.
Will OCP damage my load?
No. OCP limits current to a safe value; it is the supply protecting itself and the load from thermal runaway.
Should I want auto-recovery or latch-off?
Auto-recovery for benign transient loads; latch-off where a fault means someone must fix wiring before restart.
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