The 24V DIN Rail Decision
When you're choosing an industrial power supplies transformer for a control cabinet, the first question is usually: How much 24V DC do you really need? The Mean Well EDR-120-24 and the Mean Well SDR-480-24 are both open-box DIN rail units in the 24V family, but they sit at very different points on the power curve. The listed price spread is $60, and that gap buys a lot of extra current capacity.
But bigger isn't automatically better. A 480W supply in a cabinet that only needs 120W is extra cost and extra heat. A 120W supply in a system that spikes above 5A will run out of headroom. So before you pick, look at the load.
Quick verdict: If your panels stay under 120W and you want the lower listed price, the EDR-120-24 is the practical choice. If you're feeding multiple devices, motors, or longer runs that call for up to 20A, the SDR-480-24 is the one that won't run out of headroom.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Output | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Well EDR-120-24 | USD 25.00 | 24VDC, 5A, 120W | |
| Mean Well SDR-480-24 | USD 85.00 | 24VDC, 20A, 480W |
Both are marked as New - Open box from the MEAN WELL family, so the condition doesn't separate them. The SDR-480-24 also lists a 1.5-minute backup time and enclosed construction, while the EDR-120-24 lists the MPN EDR-120-24 and a 100-240VAC input. The real differentiator is output: 120W vs 480W.
Where Each Product Wins
The EDR-120-24 wins on listed price and sizing. At 120W and 5A, it's sized for a single control circuit, a small PLC, sensors, or a modest valve manifold. The $25 listed price makes it a low-cost entry into a Mean Well DIN rail supply.
The SDR-480-24 wins on capacity and headroom. At 480W and 20A, it can support multiple 24V loads, larger contactor banks, or equipment with higher inrush during startup. It also lists a 1.5-minute backup time. The trade-off is a listed price of $85, which is $60 higher than the EDR.
Product Notes
DIN Rail Power Supply, EDR-120-24, Mean Well, 24VDC, 5A, 120W, Input 100-240VAC
The EDR-120-24 is the lighter-duty option in this head-to-head. At USD 25.00, it costs $60 less than the SDR-480-24, and its 120W / 5A output covers smaller 24V loads without paying for unused capacity. The listing includes the MPN EDR-120-24 and the input range of 100-240VAC, which is what you want for a supply that can take standard line voltages. The trade-off: 5A is a hard ceiling. If your circuit pulls more than 5A continuous, or if you later add loads that push toward 10A or 15A, this unit won't bridge that gap. The open-box condition is shared with the SDR, so it's not an advantage, but it does mean you're saving the premium of a sealed retail box. For a small panel with a single 24V branch, the EDR-120-24 is the sensible pick.
Mean Well SDR-480-24 24V 20A 480W AC to DC DIN-Rail Power Supply
The SDR-480-24 is the high-capacity contender in this pairing. With a USD 85.00 listed price, it's the more expensive of the two, but you're getting four times the wattage (480W vs 120W) and 20A instead of 5A. The listing also shows a 1.5-minute backup time, which suggests it can hold up the output briefly if the input falters, plus an enclosed construction type and an indoor/outdoor installation area that goes beyond the EDR's more basic listing. The catch: you're paying $60 more, and for a load that only needs 120W, the extra capacity is idle. The SDR-480-24 also comes in the same New - Open box condition, so you're not getting a factory-sealed package. If your 24V system feeds multiple devices, longer cable runs, or equipment with higher startup current, the SDR-480-24 gives you the margin the EDR can't match.
Final Choice by Use Case
Pick the Mean Well EDR-120-24 if your 24V load is small and you want the lower listed price of USD 25.00. It's the right size for a single control voltage rail, a compact PLC, or a sensor loop that stays under 5A.
Pick the Mean Well SDR-480-24 if your load is larger or likely to grow. At USD 85.00, it costs more upfront, but the 480W / 20A output and listed backup time make it the unit that can handle a populated cabinet without running at the edge of its rating.
If you're still unsure, check the nominal amps stamped on your devices. Under 5A total, save the $60. Above that, the SDR-480-24 is the one that fits.
