What is the difference between single and double rails on power supplies?

Ayesha Genova: On a single rail power supply you will have a single output from the unit which will provide the DC voltage at the set current. With a "double rail" there will be a second output which should be isolated from the first (don't get confused as some single rail power supplies actually have multiple output terminals at the same voltage and these are common from the same source). The second output is usualy a different voltage or a negative voltage.You also need to be careful as some units with multiple outputs have a minimum draw requirement on some of the rails. If you do not draw enough off that rail the power supply might not function....Show more

Chris Rosenkranz: Basically if you have a single rail you do not risk over loading one side. There is no other benefit from what I know other than that it is just marketing even though they draw off the same source..

Flor Lizardi: A Single rail supply simply has only one voltage coming out. A dual rail ! supply has two voltages coming out. Usually these are of opposite polarity if they have a common terminal in the middle while one is negative and the other positive. This is when there is no provision for separating both. With some dual rail supplies there is a switch that separates both and they can act independently. They are commonly called Dual power ssupplies.electronics tech...Show more

Len Dalba: Single Rail Psu

Marcelle Vanlith: PSU Guidehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTe-c_5488A