Blog

Tariff Update – January 2026: Tariff rates are now firmly set heading into 2026, and power supply sourcing costs have permanently shifted. Imports from China remain heavily penalized at 45%, while Taiwan and Malaysia sit at 19%, the Philippines at 20%, and Japan at 15%. These are no longer temporary or proposed numbers. They are the baseline rates buyers and engineers must plan around moving forward.

Updated January 2026

If you are an engineer designing a new product or a buyer responsible for controlling BOM costs, tariffs are now a permanent part of power supply sourcing. Entering 2026, the United States continues to enforce elevated import duties on power supplies under HTS 8504.40 from key manufacturing regions. These tariffs directly impact landed cost, long term pricing stability, and supplier selection.

At Bravo Electro, we track these rates daily and adjust inventory and sourcing strategies to help customers stay competitive. Below is a clear breakdown of the current tariff landscape

When you need to connect multiple power supplies together to reach your desired power output, you'll have two approaches you can take: connecting power supplies in parallel or connecting power supplies in series. 

Each method has its pros and cons, which is why we’re going to break down the nuances between connecting power supply in series vs parallel to leave you feeling confident in your next steps.

Connecting power supplies in series will increase the output voltage, whereas connecting those same power supplies in parallel would raise the output current. So which approach makes the most sense for your application?

Your power supply unit (PSU) keeps your operation running, whether it’s powering life-critical medical devices or supporting manufacturing robot operations. Downtime can be costly, so how long do power supplies last?

Power supply lifespan is impacted by quality of the unit, usage, environment, and more. Some of the high-quality AC-DC power supply and DC converter units we sell at Bravo Electro can last 5 years or more.

We'll take a closer look at the PSU lifespan and what affects it along with what to do if you notice the bad power supply symptoms and need to get a replacement fast - for that, look no further than Bravo Electro.

You gain access to industry-leading power supply brands and models at unbeatable prices with world-class customer service from A to Z. Shop now or learn more about power source longevity below.

What is a Power Supply Unit (PSU)?

Whether it’s for powering industrial equipment, consumer electronics, or even your PC, a PSU is the most important piece of the puzzle.

Choosing the right power supply types is not something that can be taken lightly no matter the application. We see our customers struggle with picking between an isolated vs non-isolated power supply time and time again. So, we’ll break down the differences below to leave you with complete clarity.  

Isolated power supplies are safer, quieter, and capable of providing multiple output voltages since they provide electrical separation between input and output. On the other hand, non-isolated power supplies are smaller, more affordable, and great when electrical isolation isn’t essential. 

Here’s a chart showing which makes sense for you between an isolated and non-isolated PSU:

When searching for the ideal energy source for any system you need to power, you have two main options: linear vs switching power supply. 

So what’s the difference between a linear and switching power supply, and which is right for your unique needs? Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider when choosing the best power supply. 

But, this decision can get overwhelming - particularly for those who aren’t power supply savvy. Fortunately, we are - and we’re here to unpack everything you need to know. Here are the key takeaways on this switching power supply vs linear power supply comparison:

• Switching power supplies are more efficient and compact. This comes at the cost of more noise. You’ll find these in manufacturing, aviation, and other industries.
• Linear power supplies have a quicker response to fluctuations in load. They’re quieter, but less efficient and a bit larger. Common in communications, medical equipment, and laboratory devices.
• Output

When it comes to choosing the right power supply types, the debate between regulated vs unregulated power supply often comes up. So, what’s the difference between regulated and unregulated power supply styles? 

We’ll provide an in-depth look at each, fully covering their differences, advantages, and disadvantages. You’ll also learn how to tell if a power supply is regulated or unregulated.

But if you just want the short answer as to whether an unregulated vs regulated power supply is right for you, refer to the chart below. Or better yet, get in touch with our customer service team for a personalized recommendation based on your application.