- A tattoo power supply is a small box that is used to deliver power to modern tattoo machines. Generally there are two outlets on the power supply--one that goes directly to the tattoo machine and one that goes to a foot pedal that controls power to the tattoo machine. Depending on the quality, a tattoo power supply will run on one, two or three amps.
- A tattoo power supply runs off of 110-volt AC power. It converts the 110-volt AC (alternating current) power, which is an unsteady fluctuating current, to a more consistent 12-volt DC (direct current) power. DC power is a lot more reliable and steady than AC, which is why this is done, as it delivers a more consistent power to the tattoo machine. This helps the tattoo artist produce consistent lines as a tattoo is given.
- A knob called a rheostat controls the amount of voltage sent to the tattoo machine. A tattoo artist will adjust this control to increase or reduce the power, depending on which type of tattoo machine he is using. Tattoo machines, known as liners and shaders, require different amounts of power for proper operation.
