MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series 160W Power Supply with Battery Charger & UPS Function

Overview of MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series combines a regulated main DC output, dedicated battery charging output and backup control function in one compact 160W AC/DC power supply. It is designed for applications that require normal DC operation together with automatic battery-supported backup when AC mains power is interrupted.

During normal AC operation, the PSC-160 supplies power to the connected load while charging the external battery at the same time. If AC input fails, the connected battery continues supplying the load through the built-in battery charger and backup control circuit, helping critical equipment remain operational during temporary mains interruption.

The series includes two main models. PSC-160A is designed for 12V battery systems and provides a 13.8V main output rated at 7.6A, together with a 13.8V battery charging output rated at 4A. PSC-160B is intended for 24V battery systems and provides a 27.6V main output rated at 3.8A, together with a 27.6V battery charging output rated at 2A.

Both models also provide AC OK and Battery Low relay outputs, together with battery cut-off, overload and overvoltage protection. The PSC-160 Series also incorporates built-in active PFC and is available in PCB-only and enclosed configurations, providing flexible integration for security systems, access control systems, alarm systems, emergency lighting, UPS systems and central monitoring applications.

Features

• 160W AC/DC power supply with dedicated main output and battery charging output
• Universal 90–264VAC input with 127–370VDC input capability and built-in active PFC
• PSC-160A provides 13.8V main output for 12V battery systems
• PSC-160B provides 27.6V main output for 24V battery systems
• Automatic battery-supported backup operation during AC mains interruption
• AC OK and Battery Low relay contact outputs for external system monitoring
• Battery cut-off and battery reverse-polarity protection
• Overload and overvoltage protection
• Fanless free-air convection cooling
• Available as PCB type or enclosed type with L-bracket and cover

Need help choosing the correct battery system voltage? Compare PSC-160A and PSC-160B below.

Model Selection Guide for PSC-160 Series

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series includes two 160W power supply models with integrated battery charger and UPS backup function. Selection between PSC-160A and PSC-160B is primarily determined by the required DC output voltage and battery system voltage.

Both models share the same 90–264VAC / 127–370VDC input range, built-in active PFC, AC OK and Battery Low relay outputs, battery backup control, overload and overvoltage protection, free-air convection cooling, and PCB or enclosed installation options. The main differences are output voltage, rated current, battery charging current and battery protection thresholds.

PSC-160A for 12V Battery Backup Systems

The MEAN WELL PSC-160A is designed for 12V battery systems. It provides a 13.8V main output rated at 7.6A together with a 13.8V battery charging output rated at 4A.

The main output voltage can be adjusted from 12V to 15V. Battery Low indication is triggered below 11V, while battery cut-off is specified at 10 ±0.5V.

PSC-160A is generally selected for equipment requiring a 12V battery backup architecture, where the power supply must operate the connected DC load while maintaining an external backup battery.

PSC-160B for 24V Battery Backup Systems

The MEAN WELL PSC-160B is intended for 24V battery systems. It provides a 27.6V main output rated at 3.8A together with a 27.6V battery charging output rated at 2A.

The main output voltage can be adjusted from 24V to 29V. Battery Low indication is triggered below 22V, while battery cut-off is specified at 20 ±1V.

PSC-160B is generally selected where the connected equipment and backup battery architecture require a 24VDC system.

How to Choose Between PSC-160A and PSC-160B

For most applications, start with the required battery system voltage. Choose PSC-160A for 12V systems and PSC-160B for 24V systems.

Then confirm the required load current and battery charging current. PSC-160A provides up to 7.6A main output current with 4A battery charging current, while PSC-160B provides up to 3.8A main output current with 2A battery charging current.

When AC mains power is available, the PSC-160 supplies the connected load while charging the battery. If AC input fails, the connected battery continues supplying the load through the built-in backup control circuit.

Alarm Monitoring and Installation Options

Both PSC-160 models provide AC OK and Battery Low alarm signals as relay contact outputs. The relay contacts are rated up to 30V / 1A and can be connected to external monitoring or control equipment.

The PSC-160 Series is available as a compact PCB type or as an enclosed type with L-bracket and cover, allowing system designers to select the mechanical configuration that best suits the final equipment enclosure.

Need help choosing the correct PSC-160 model? Start with the required 12V or 24V battery system, then confirm load current, battery charging current, backup requirements and preferred mechanical configuration.

Related MEAN WELL PSC Series and Security Power Supplies

For security systems, access control, alarm panels and battery backup applications, the following MEAN WELL power supplies can be compared with the PSC-160 Series according to required output power, battery system voltage, installation format, charging current and monitoring requirements:

• PSC-35 Series – Lower-power PSC Series power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS backup function for applications with lighter load and charging requirements.
• PSC-60 Series – Mid-range PSC Series power supply for 12V and 24V battery backup systems requiring less output and charging capacity than PSC-160.
• PSC-100 Series – 100W PSC Series solution for security and DC backup applications that require lower output and charging capacity than PSC-160.
• DRC-40 Series – Compact DIN rail AC/DC power supply with integrated battery charger and UPS function for 12V and 24V backup power systems.
• DRC-60 Series – 60W DIN rail power supply with battery charger and UPS backup function for applications requiring DIN rail installation.
• DRS-240 Series – Intelligent DIN rail security power supply with integrated battery charger, DC UPS, monitoring and communication functions for more advanced backup power systems.

Need help selecting the right MEAN WELL security power supply?
Compare PSC-35, PSC-60, PSC-100, PSC-160, DRC and DRS Series based on required output power, 12V or 24V battery system, charging current, UPS backup function, installation format and monitoring requirements.

Battery Backup and Alarm Monitoring Functions

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series integrates battery charging, backup control and alarm monitoring for DC systems that require continued operation during AC mains interruption.

Battery Backup Operation

During normal AC operation, the PSC-160 supplies power to the connected load while charging the external battery. If AC mains power fails, the connected battery continues supplying the load through the built-in backup control circuit.

PSC-160A is designed for 12V battery systems, while PSC-160B is intended for 24V battery systems. The datasheet’s suggested application diagram shows the power supply feeding the load and charging the battery during normal operation, with the battery taking over when AC mains fails.

AC OK and Battery Low Alarm Signals

Both PSC-160A and PSC-160B provide AC OK and Battery Low alarm outputs for external monitoring.

These alarm functions use relay contact outputs. The contacts are rated up to 30V / 1A, allowing them to interface with external monitoring or control equipment.

For Battery Low indication:

• PSC-160A: Battery Low is indicated below 11V
• PSC-160B: Battery Low is indicated below 22V

Battery Cut-Off Protection

To help prevent excessive battery discharge during extended backup operation, the PSC-160 Series includes battery cut-off protection.

• PSC-160A: 10 ±0.5V battery cut-off
• PSC-160B: 20 ±1V battery cut-off

The series also includes battery reverse-polarity protection by fuse.

Need wiring and connector details? Continue below to review the PSC-160 mechanical drawing, connector assignment and installation information.

Mechanical Dimensions and Installation

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series is available as a compact PCB type or as an enclosed type with L-bracket and cover, providing flexible integration into battery-backed DC power systems and other equipment requiring compact power supply installation.

Dimensions

The PCB version measures 152.4 × 76.2 × 32 mm (L × W × H), while the enclosed version measures 155.4 × 85 × 37 mm (L × W × H).

Both PSC-160A and PSC-160B use the same mechanical platform, allowing a common enclosure or mounting design for 12V and 24V system configurations.

Connector Assignment

The PSC-160 Series uses CN1 for AC input, CN2 for DC output and battery connection, and CN3 for alarm outputs.

• CN1: AC/N, No Pin and AC/L
• CN2: -V, +V, Battery + and Battery –
• CN3: AC OK and Battery Low relay outputs

The datasheet specifies JST connectors or equivalent for CN1, CN2 and CN3. The mechanical drawing also identifies the grounding point and provides safety clearance requirements for the heatsink areas when the power supply is installed inside the final system enclosure.

Cooling and Operating Environment

The PSC-160 Series uses free-air convection cooling without a built-in fan and operates from -20°C to +70°C, subject to the datasheet derating curve.

Adequate airflow and appropriate safety isolation clearance should be maintained when the power supply is installed inside an enclosure. The datasheet also provides separate derating information for PCB-only and enclosed configurations.

Mechanical Drawing and Installation Reference

The PSC-160 mechanical drawing shows the PCB dimensions, mounting-hole positions, CN1, CN2 and CN3 connector locations, heatsink positions, grounding reference and the assembly arrangement for the optional L-bracket and cover.

For final enclosure design and wiring, refer to the official PSC-160 Series datasheet to confirm mounting dimensions, connector specifications, grounding requirements, safety isolation distances and installation conditions.

Need complete installation details? Review the PSC-160 Series mechanical drawing and datasheet for wiring, connector, grounding, mounting and safety clearance information.

Applications

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series is designed for DC power applications requiring regulated output, battery charging and automatic battery-supported operation during AC mains interruption.

With PSC-160A for 12V battery systems and PSC-160B for 24V battery systems, the series provides a compact power and backup solution for equipment that requires continuous DC operation, external battery charging and basic alarm monitoring.

• Security systems requiring regulated DC power with battery backup during AC mains interruption
• Access control systems requiring continuous DC operation, battery charging and backup power support
• Alarm systems using battery backup together with AC OK and Battery Low relay monitoring
• Emergency lighting systems requiring automatic battery-supported operation when AC input is unavailable
• UPS systems using an external battery to maintain the connected DC load during AC mains failure
• Central monitoring systems requiring regulated DC power, battery charging and basic alarm status signals

Need safety and compliance details for your project? Continue below to review protection functions, safety approvals, EMC compliance and operating environment specifications for the PSC-160 Series.

Certifications and Safety

The MEAN WELL PSC-160 Series is designed as a compact AC/DC power supply with integrated battery charging and backup capability for systems requiring continuous DC operation during AC mains interruption.

According to the official PSC-160 datasheet, the series carries safety approvals including UL62368-1, TUV BS EN/EN62368-1 and EAC TP TC 004.

Safety and EMC Compliance

The PSC-160 Series is specified to comply with:

• UL62368-1 safety requirements
• BS EN/EN62368-1 safety requirements
• EAC TP TC 004 safety requirements
• BS EN/EN55032 (CISPR32) Class B EMC emission requirements
• BS EN/EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-3 harmonic current and voltage fluctuation requirements
• BS EN/EN55035 and applicable EN61000-4-x immunity requirements
• EAC TP TC 020 EMC requirements

Isolation and Electrical Safety

The datasheet specifies the following withstand voltage levels:

• Input to output: 3KVAC
• Input to FG: 2KVAC
• Output to FG: 0.5KVAC

Isolation resistance is specified at 100MΩ between input-output, input-FG and output-FG under the datasheet test conditions.

Protection Functions

Built-in protection functions include overload, overvoltage, battery cut-off and battery reverse-polarity protection.

Overload protection operates at 105–150% of rated output power in hiccup mode and automatically recovers after the fault condition is removed. Overvoltage protection shuts down the output and requires the power supply to be re-powered to recover.

Operating Environment and Final Equipment Integration

The PSC-160 Series operates from -20°C to +70°C with derating according to the datasheet and uses free-air convection cooling.

The power supply is intended as a component for integration into final equipment. System designers should verify grounding, wiring, enclosure design, thermal conditions and EMC performance in the completed system.

Need more product details before sending an inquiry? Continue below to review model comparison, battery backup operation, alarm signals, mechanical dimensions, installation guidance and application information for the PSC-160 Series.