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A 24V DC power supply is one of the most useful tools for PLC learning, control panel testing, sensors, relays, solenoid valves, small automation projects, and electrical troubleshooting.
Many industrial control circuits use 24V DC.
That means a small power supply can help you test:
PLC inputs
PLC outputs
Sensors
Relays
Interface modules
Signal lamps
Small solenoid valves
Control circuits
Bench wiring projects
Automation training boards
If you are learning PLCs or working with electrical panels, having a separate 24V DC supply is very useful.
Below are 5 power supplies I would consider for PLC testing, automation learning, and control panel work.
Important Safety Note
A 24V DC power supply can still be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Before using one:
Check the voltage before connecting your device.
Check polarity: +24V and 0V.
Do not exceed the current rating.
Use fuses when testing circuits.
Do not short the output terminals.
Be careful with power supplies that require AC mains wiring.
Do not use cheap adapters for safety-critical industrial machines.
For real electrical panels, I would usually prefer a proper industrial DIN rail power supply.
For learning and bench testing, an adjustable bench supply is often more convenient.
1. ALITOVE 24V 5A Power Supply Adapter — Best Cheap Fixed 24V Option
Best for: simple 24V testing, LEDs, sensors, small projects
Affiliate link: [ALITOVE 24V 5A]
The ALITOVE 24V 5A Power Supply Adapter is a simple fixed 24V DC adapter.
The listing shows 100–240V AC input, 24V DC output, 5A max current, and 120W max output power. It uses a barrel-style DC connector, so for automation testing you may need a screw-terminal adapter or breakout connector.
Why I recommend it
I recommend this one if you want a cheap and simple 24V supply for basic testing.
It is useful for:
Testing small 24V devices
Powering LED indicators
Basic sensor testing
Small relay experiments
Beginner PLC practice boards
Simple desk projects
It is easy to use because you do not need to set the voltage. It outputs 24V DC directly.
Main weakness
It is not an industrial DIN rail power supply.
I would not use this as the main power supply inside a professional control cabinet. It is better as a cheap bench-testing tool.
2. Jesverty SPS-3010 Adjustable DC Power Supply — Best Beginner Bench Supply
Best for: PLC learners, electronics testing, adjustable voltage work
Affiliate link: [DC Power Supply Variable,]
The Jesverty SPS-3010 is an adjustable bench power supply.
The Amazon listing describes it as a 0–30V, 0–10A adjustable DC supply with a bright 4-digit display showing voltage, current, and power in real time. The display resolution is listed up to 0.01V, 0.001A, and 0.1W.
Why I recommend it
This is more flexible than a fixed 24V adapter.
You can set it to:
5V for small electronics
12V for relays or fans
24V for PLC and sensor testing
Different current limits for safer experiments
For PLC learning, this is very useful because you can set the output to 24V and test small circuits on a desk.
It is good for:
PLC training boards
Sensor testing
Relay testing
Small DC motors
Electronics learning
Control circuit experiments
Main weakness
You must set the voltage correctly before connecting your device.
If you accidentally set it too high, you can damage a PLC input, sensor, relay, or module.
3. Kungber 30V 10A DC Power Supply — Best Compact High-Current Bench Option
Best for: bench testing, higher-current projects, workshop use
Affiliate link: [DC Power Supply Variable]
The Kungber 30V 10A DC Power Supply is another adjustable bench power supply.
The listing describes it as a 30V 10A adjustable switching regulated DC bench power supply with an overcurrent protection button, 18W USB interface, compact size, and protection features such as thermal protection, voltage overload protection, power overload protection, and short-circuit protection.
Why I recommend it
I like this one if you want more current available than a small 5A bench supply.
For automation testing, extra current can be useful if you are powering several small 24V devices at once.
It can be useful for:
Multiple sensors
Small relay boards
Signal lamps
Training panels
DC fans
Small solenoids
Workshop experiments
The current limit feature is important because it can help protect your test circuit when something is wired incorrectly.
Main weakness
This is still a bench tool, not a proper installed industrial control panel power supply.
For permanent panel installation, use a DIN rail unit.
4. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 DIN Rail Power Supply — Best Small Industrial Panel Supply
Best for: control panels, PLC cabinets, sensors, relays
Affiliate link: [Mean Well MDR-60-24 DIN-Rail Power Supply]
The MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 is a proper DIN rail industrial power supply.
The listing shows 24V DC output, 2.5A output current, 60W maximum output power, and 85–264V AC input. It is also listed with screw terminals, DIN rail style mounting, and efficiency around 88%.
Why I recommend it
This is the type of power supply I would prefer inside a small PLC panel.
It is useful for:
PLC cabinets
Sensors
Relays
Interface modules
Small HMI setups
Control circuits
DIN rail test panels
Automation training boards
It mounts neatly on DIN rail, which makes it much more suitable for real electrical panels than a desktop adapter.
Main weakness
It only gives 2.5A.
That is enough for many small control circuits, but it may not be enough if you power many solenoid valves, larger loads, or several devices at the same time.
Always calculate the current requirement before choosing a power supply.
5. MEAN WELL HDR-60-24 DIN Rail Power Supply — Best Slim DIN Rail Option
Best for: compact control cabinets, small panels, limited space
Affiliate link: [MEAN WELL HDR-60-24 Ultra Slim]
The MEAN WELL HDR-60-24 is another 24V DIN rail power supply.
The listing describes it as a 60W, 24V, 2.5A DIN rail power supply with 85–264V AC input, screw terminal connection, air cooling, and an ultra-slim step-shape form factor.
Why I recommend it
I recommend this one if space is limited.
Control cabinets can become crowded very quickly. A slim DIN rail power supply can help keep the panel cleaner.
It is good for:
Small PLC panels
Compact cabinets
Sensor power
Relay circuits
Automation demo boards
Control panels with limited DIN rail space
This is a good option when you need a proper 24V panel supply but do not want a large unit.
Main weakness
Like the MDR-60-24, it is still a 60W / 2.5A supply.
For bigger panels, you may need a 5A, 10A, or higher-rated industrial power supply.
My Final Recommendation
If you want the cheapest simple 24V supply, I would choose the ALITOVE 24V 5A adapter.
If you want a flexible beginner bench supply, I would choose the Jesverty SPS-3010.
If you want a compact bench supply with more current, I would choose the Kungber 30V 10A.
If you want a small industrial DIN rail power supply, I would choose the MEAN WELL MDR-60-24.
If you want a slim DIN rail option for compact panels, I would choose the MEAN WELL HDR-60-24.
My personal pick for PLC learning would be an adjustable bench supply.
My personal pick for a real control panel would be a MEAN WELL DIN rail power supply.
What to Look for When Buying a 24V DC Power Supply
When choosing a 24V DC power supply, check:
Output voltage
Output current
Power rating in watts
Adjustable or fixed voltage
Current limit setting
Short-circuit protection
Overload protection
Over-temperature protection
Input voltage
Terminal type
DIN rail mounting
Cooling method
Size
Build quality
Certifications
Brand support
For PLC and automation work, I would especially check:
Stable 24V DC output
Enough current for all devices
DIN rail mounting for panels
Current limiting for bench testing
Clear voltage and current display
Protection features
Safe wiring terminals
Do not choose only by price.
A bad power supply can create strange faults that look like PLC, sensor, or wiring problems.
Why a 24V DC Power Supply Is Worth Buying
A 24V DC power supply is useful because it lets you test automation components without building a full control cabinet.
You can use it to check:
Does the sensor turn on?
Does the relay coil work?
Does the signal lamp light?
Does the PLC input receive voltage?
Does the solenoid valve activate?
Does the small control circuit behave correctly?
For PLC learners, it makes practical training much easier.
For maintenance technicians, it can help test components on a bench before installing them back into a machine.
For panel builders, it is useful for checking small circuits during assembly.
A good 24V DC power supply is not the most exciting tool, but it is one of the most practical tools for automation work.