7812CT 12V Linear Voltage Regulator (TO-220)

7812CT 12V Linear Voltage Regulator (TO-220) – Technical Specifications:

Module Type – Fixed Linear Voltage Regulator
Output Voltage – 12V DC (Fixed)
Input Voltage – 14V to 27V DC (Recommended range)
Output Current – Up to 1A (with proper heatsinking)
Voltage Dropout – ~2V (typical)
Package Type – TO-220
Output Tolerance – ±4%
Protection Features – Thermal Shutdown, Short-Circuit Protection, Safe Area Protection
Pin Configuration – IN (Input), GND (Ground), OUT (Output)
Series – 78xx Standard Linear Regulator Family

1: This 12V regulator requires an input voltage at least ~2V higher than the output — 14V minimum, with 15–18V recommended for stable regulation under load.

2: As a linear regulator it dissipates excess voltage as heat — dropping from 18V to 12V at 1A produces significant heat, so always fit a heatsink for sustained current draws.

3: Always include input (~0.33µF) and output (~0.1–1µF) capacitors close to the IC pins to suppress noise and prevent oscillation.

4: A very common rail for relay modules, fans, camera systems, and 12V LED strips when stepping down from a higher unregulated supply.

5: Built-in thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection are safety nets only — proper heatsinking and current limiting in your design remain essential for long-term reliability.