A tattoo power supply is an important piece of equipment for any tattoo artist. It supplies the power to the machine that drives the needle, allowing the artist to create beautiful tattoos. If your power supply isn’t working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems for your tattooing workflow. In this article, we will discuss how to fix a tattoo power supply and get you back up and running in no time!
What is a Tattoo Power Supply?
Tattoo power supplies are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a tattoo artist. They provide the power necessary to operate the tattoo machine and can be responsible for a successful or unsuccessful tattoo session. It can be either an AC or DC power source.
There are three types of tattoo power supplies: digital, analog and wireless. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Digital tattoo power supplies are the most popular type because they are more accurate and easier to use than analog power supplies. They also have a wider range of features, such as adjustable voltage and wattage settings. However, they are more expensive than analog power supplies.
Analog tattoo power supplies are less expensive than digital power supplies, but they are not as accurate or easy to use. They also have a limited range of features.
Wireless tattoo power supplies are the newest type of power supply on the market. They offer all the benefits of digital and analog power supplies, without the cords! Wireless power supplies use radio frequency (RF) waves to transmit energy from the battery to the tattoo machine. They are very convenient, but they can be more expensive than other types of power supplies.
Tattoo power supplies are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The most important thing to consider when choosing a power supply is its compatibility with your tattoo machine. Most power supplies will work with any type of tattoo machine, but it is always best to check with the manufacturer to be sure.
The next thing to consider is the size of the power supply. Power supplies come in different sizes, so you need to make sure that you get one that is big enough to handle the amount of power your tattoo machine needs.
Most tattoo artists use a dual voltage power supply because it can be used with both 110 volt and 220 volt systems. If you are using a single voltage power supply, make sure that it is compatible with the voltage of your tattoo machine.
A good quality tattoo power supply will ensure that your machine runs smoothly and efficiently, while a bad one can cause all sorts of problems. If you’re having trouble with your machine, it’s important to first check the power supply before anything else. [1],[2]
Reasons Why Tattoo Power Supply Might Go Off
There are a few things that can go wrong with a tattoo power supply. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems.
Dead power cord
If your power cord is the problem, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the outlet. Make sure that it’s plugged in all the way and that there’s no loose connection. If everything seems to be plugged in correctly, try plugging it into a different outlet.
Another possibility is that the power cord is damaged and needs to be replaced. You can often tell if this is the case if you see visible damage, such as fraying or cracks.
Foot pedal issues
A foot pedal is a device that helps control the speed and power of the tattoo machine. It is usually placed on the floor so that the artist can operate it with their foot while they are working on the tattoo. The foot pedal plugs into the power supply and has two wires that go to the clip cord. The foot pedal also has a switch that controls whether the machine is On or Off.
There are two types of foot pedals:
- Analog: This type of pedal uses a knob to control the power output. It is more precise than digital but can be harder to use because you have to keep your eye on it while you are tattooing.
- Digital: This type of pedal has buttons that you press to control the power output. It is easier to use than analog but can be less precise.
If your foot pedal is not working, it could be because of a few different things:
- The power supply is not turned on
- The foot pedal is not plugged into the power supply
- The wires are loose
- The switch is broken
- The pedal is damaged or worn out
If the power supply is turned on but the machine will not start, it’s likely that there is an issue with the foot pedal. Check to see if the cord is plugged in all the way or if there is any damage to the pedal itself.
Clip cord issues
The other common problem with a tattoo power supply is clip cord issues. The clip cord is the cable that connects the machine to the power supply. If there are any frayed wires or loose connections, it can cause the machine to malfunction.
Another thing that can go wrong is if the alligator clips on the end of the clip cord are not making a good connection with the binding posts on the power supply. This can also cause problems. Clip cords are relatively cheap and easy to replace, so this is usually a quick and easy fix.
To fix this, first check all of the connections and make sure they are tight and secure. Then, check the alligator clips to see if they need to be replaced. If they are damaged, you will need to get new ones. You can find replacement alligator clips at most tattoo supply stores.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the clip cord. Clip cords are not very expensive and are easy to find at most tattoo supply stores.[3]
How to Fix a Tattoo Power Supply
There are a few things that can go wrong with a tattoo power supply, but fortunately, most of them are easy to fix.
Check all the screws on your machine
Contact screws are the small metal screws that connect the power cord to the tattoo machine. Over time, these screws can become loose, causing poor electrical contact and resulting in a loss of power to the tattoo machine. If your tattoo power supply is not working properly, it may be due to loose contact screws.
To fix this, simply open up your machine and check all of the screws to make sure they are tight. If any of them are loose, tighten them up. You may also want to add a drop of threadlocker to keep them from coming loose again in the future.
Once you’ve checked and tightened all of the screws, put your machine back together and try it out. It should work fine now.
If it still doesn’t work, there may be another issue that needs to be addressed.
Clean contact screws
Dirty contact screws can also cause problems with your tattoo power supply. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the screws and the area around them. This will remove any dirt or oil that may be preventing proper electrical contact.
Once you have tightened or replaced the contact screws, your tattoo power supply should work properly. If it still does not work, there may be a problem with the power cord or the machine itself. Check these components next.
Take it apart
If nothing seems to be working, the first thing you should do is take the power supply apart. This will help you get a better look at all of the components and see if anything is damaged or not plugged in correctly.
Be careful when taking it apart and make sure to keep track of all of the screws and pieces. You don’t want to lose anything!
Once you have it taken apart, check all of the connections and make sure they are tight and secure. Then, check each component to see if there is any visible damage. If everything looks okay, put it back together and try turning it on again.
You could also send it to a professional to have it checked out if you’re still having problems.[3]
How to Set Up Your Power Supply Properly
Best way to avoid any issues with your power supply is by setting it up properly in the first place. Not only will it ensure your machine runs smoothly, but it will also help you avoid any accidents.
Read manufactures instructions
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you do anything. This will help you understand how your power supply works and what all the different parts are for.
If you’re having trouble understanding the instructions, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service or ask a friend who is more experienced with tattooing for help.
Check all connections
Before you start using your power supply, it’s important to check all of the connections. Make sure that everything is plugged in correctly and that there are no loose wires.
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s better to fix it now rather than wait until later when you could end up causing damage to your machine or injuring yourself.
Test it out
Next, hold down the power button to turn on your machine and gently press down on the pedal to test it out. Once it’s on, check to see that the needle is moving up and down smoothly. The needle should move up and down without hesitation or jerking.
If everything looks good, then you’re ready to start tattooing! If not, then it’s time to troubleshoot your power supply. [1],[2]
FAQ
Why is my tattoo gun not getting any power?
The first thing you should check is whether or not the power cord is plugged into an outlet. If it is, then check to see if the outlet is working by plugging in something else. If the outlet is not working, then you will need to replace it.
If the power cord is not plugged into an outlet, then check to see if the tattoo gun is turned on. There should be a switch on the gun itself that you can toggle. If the tattoo gun is turned on and there is still no power, then there may be an issue with the gun itself and you will need to take it to a professional for repairs.
What do you do if your tattoo machine isn’t working?
The first thing you should do if your tattoo machine isn’t working is check the power source. If it’s plugged in and the outlet is working, then check the power cord for any frayed wires or damage. If everything looks good there, then move on to checking the tattoo machine itself.
There are a few things that could be wrong with the machine itself. First, make sure that all of the connections are secure and tight. Loose connections are often the cause of machines not working.
How do I make a tattoo power supply?
There are a few ways to make a tattoo power supply. The most common way is to use a regulated power supply, such as those used for computers or other electronic devices. You can also use an AC adapter, such as those used for laptops. Finally, you can use batteries.
The most important thing to remember when making a tattoo power supply is that it must be able to provide a constant flow of electricity. If the power supply fluctuates, it can cause the tattoo machine to malfunction and potentially injure the person being tattooed.
What voltage should my tattoo machine be on?
This is a difficult question to answer as it really depends on what you’re comfortable with and what look you’re going for. A good rule of thumb is to start low and work your way up. If you’re not sure, ask your artist or another experienced individual.
Another factor that will affect the voltage is the type of machine you’re using. For example, coil machines tend to run at a higher voltage than rotary machines.
Generally speaking, though, most people use between four and eight volts for their tattoo machine.
Useful Video: Power Supply Repair : Basic Electronic Tutorial
Conclusion
Tattoo power supplies are essential for any tattoo artist. For this reason they should work perfectly all the time. However, sometimes they can break down and stop working. If this happens, don’t worry! In this guide we have shown you how to fix a tattoo power supply.
If you’re having trouble with yours, don’t panic! There are a few things you can try to fix the issue. First, check all the connections and make sure they’re secure. You may also want to clear the contact points on the power supply. If neither of those work, you can try resetting the power supply or replacing the fuses. With these tips, you’ll be back to tattooing in no time! Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.tattoomachineequipment.com/how-to-fix-a-tattoo-power-supply
- https://wettattoo.com/blog/tattoo-power-supply-buyers-guide
- https://authoritytattoo.com/tattoo-power-supply-settings/