Multi-Output Programmable D.C. Power Supply and the NEED for special wires

[Kiriakos GR]

Multi-Output Programmable D.C. Power Supply, this is nothing new.

But ... nowadays which the competition getting tougher between brands, some of them selected to add high resolution Voltmeter, Ammeter and DC Watt meter, at PSU main screen.

Oldies PSU they were counting voltage and current with at 3 1/2 digits resolution LED display.
But since 2022 new offerings they can come close to 5 1/2 digits resolution due 4.3 inch TFT display.

Naturally we cannot expect from a DC power supply this to compete directly with a bench top multimeter.
But when visible resolution (V,A,W) this increases at latest made PSU, then there is a new need for minimizing cable loses.

The new incoming recommendation this is using Wire Gauge per load, but with an underrated wire selector.
For example:
2.5mm / 14AWG  this is now recommended for 10 Maximum Current (A)
While 2.5mm / 14AWG  (best quality) wire this can handle up to 32A. 

Not every PSU it is designed to output 10A.

At this second example, a PSU capable for 3A Max,  this it should now using 0.75 mm / 18 AWG.
At this third example, a PSU capable for 5A Max,  this it should now using 1.50 mm / 16 AWG.
In theory, by following such new recommendations, cable losses will not be any higher than 0.5V

There is also a new trend, a few Multi-Output Programmable D.C. Power Supply combine PSU + DC load functionality.
In this situation, PSU wires must be also as sorter as possible.

Rich in digits measuring resolution, this is a fragile benefit.
At my Japanese Kenwood PSU, analog beast of 90s (30V 10A), I am using 2.5 mm wires at 2m length.
And I do manual compensation of voltage output if needed.

For high precision work I am using 2.5 mm at 25 cm length of wire (banana to banana plug).
For medium precision work I am using 2.5 mm at 100 cm length of wire (banana to banana plug).

In conclusion, while you new PSU with high digits resolution due 4.3 inch TFT display, this is not equal in precision with high priced DMM.
You can get decent testing results, by at least making a proper choice of Wire Gauge