Over Current Protection is basically a power supply’s way of protecting the internal components when more current is pulled from the power supply than its maximum rating. Depending on the power supply unit, it may be able to dissipate the increased electrical heat or it may just turn off and clip out. It is similar to a fuse or a circuit breaker, but does not necessarily require replacement.

So what does OCP mean to me?

Basically it requires you to have proper resistance in your circuit for your power supply, in relation to the power supply’s output voltage and maximum current rating. Your NiChrome Wire will be able to provide most of this resistance, but if you do not properly load your power supply you may inadvertently cause it to fail.

To prevent failure and/or prevent activation of the OCP, you may have to wire a resistor in series with your cutting device. Visit our Resistance Section for more information.