Should a 12V power supply read high?

A 12V power supply should ideally read close to 12 volts when under load; however, it may show a higher voltage if it's not under load or if there's an issue with the multimeter used to measure it. Variations can occur due to factors like voltage ripple, measurement inaccuracies, or the specific design of the power supply. If the reading consistently exceeds 12V significantly, it may indicate a problem with the power supply. Always ensure to check the specifications to confirm acceptable voltage tolerances.