I have an old Gateway laptop. I am currently using the transformer that came with the laptop. This transformer says the output is DC 19V, 4.2A. I have another Gateway transformer that says the output is 19V 2.64A. The plugs that go into the computer are the same. Is it safe for my computer to use these transformers interchangeably?
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Laptop transformer interchange 3
- Thread starter gwd4523
- Start date
It'll be safe, I think, but the amps may be too low do operate correctly for your laptop. I don't remember the details, but I do know that the amps is what can kill your laptop. In this case, the "extra" adapter is lower in amps, that's why I say it should be safe.. just maybe not up to par, performance-wise... not sure.
Then again, for the risk involved, I'd suggest just looking on eBay for a generic equivalent with the same amperage and same or practically same voltage.
Search for "[You laptop model number] ac adapter" on ebay
Then again, for the risk involved, I'd suggest just looking on eBay for a generic equivalent with the same amperage and same or practically same voltage.
Search for "[You laptop model number] ac adapter" on ebay
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- #3
Check with the relevant computer manual. If it says the laptop requires a PSU capable of 4.2A then using one with a much lower rated output (2.64A) will be asking for trouble. At best the laptop will either run erratically or not at all, and at worst you'll irrepairably damage the 2.64A PSU and possibly the laptop as well.
Whilst MOST 2-wire laptop PSUs will utilise inner pin on the jack plug as +ve and the outer as -ve, you should check the output polarity is the same before attempting any swap-over.
ROGER - G0AOZ.
Whilst MOST 2-wire laptop PSUs will utilise inner pin on the jack plug as +ve and the outer as -ve, you should check the output polarity is the same before attempting any swap-over.
ROGER - G0AOZ.
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- #4
goombawaho
MIS
Correct - MORE amps is okay. The device only uses what it needs. LESS amps is not good because the device will be starved for current.
The rule: SAME VOLTAGE, EQUAL OR HIGHER AMPERAGE
The rule: SAME VOLTAGE, EQUAL OR HIGHER AMPERAGE
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- #5
Dito....a higher amperage adapter simply won't be under as much load so will work comfortably and safely where as a lower amp adapter used on the higher consuming laptop will be working at 110% plus so is likely to overheat and go pop (the possible surge being potentially catastrophic for the laptop)
Higher is OK, lower is a complete no no!
Some laptops report incorrect power adapters (some Dells and IBM/Lenovo's)always that the adapter has insufficient power....
Martin
On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep
Higher is OK, lower is a complete no no!
Some laptops report incorrect power adapters (some Dells and IBM/Lenovo's)always that the adapter has insufficient power....
Martin
On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep
Guess it was never anything I wanted to test, and definitely didn't research. I was told once by someone I thought at least somewhat knowledgeable that if you use too many AMPS, it'd have that negative affect. I figured rather be safe than sorry.
Glad I know the difference now. I found a couple of links talking about the same thing to verify.
Glad I know the difference now. I found a couple of links talking about the same thing to verify.
- Thread starter
- #7
goombawaho
MIS
KJV - the DEVICE uses the amps, the power supply only makes them available. So, no you can't really have too many amps - though it would be overkill to run a Linksys router from a car battery, but it would work perfectly.
Think of it as a straw. The amperage is the diameter of the straw and the battery/power supply is the glass of water (rum & coke). The device will "suck" at the rate it needs as long as the straw is big enough. The device only strains when the straw is too small, just like a person trying to suck through a small straw.
You could have your straw in a pond or in a small glass, but you wouldn't be able to suck at a higher rate no matter which you were sucking on.
Can I get away with saying "suck" so much??
Think of it as a straw. The amperage is the diameter of the straw and the battery/power supply is the glass of water (rum & coke). The device will "suck" at the rate it needs as long as the straw is big enough. The device only strains when the straw is too small, just like a person trying to suck through a small straw.
You could have your straw in a pond or in a small glass, but you wouldn't be able to suck at a higher rate no matter which you were sucking on.
Can I get away with saying "suck" so much??
Thanks, goomb, that does help with understanding all the info. In a way, I guess that's similar to a desktop power supply. You can get one rated at 1,000 Watts even if you only need 200 Watts, b/c the 1000 watts is what th PSU can handle, not what it's going to send to the device(s).
goombawaho
MIS
Yup. I was speaking in general of all electronic devices. Now, all bets are off if you send the wrong voltage AND/OR you send AC to a DC device or DC to an AC device.
Then you risk causing the release of vital blue smoke.
Then you risk causing the release of vital blue smoke.
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