AC Adapter Problem Please Help!

Discussion in 'Tech Support' started by juliette, 22 Dec 2008.

  1. juliette

    juliette What's a Dremel?

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    Hello,

    I have been told that using an AC adapter for my laptop OTHER than the one that came with the laptop, is safe ONLY if the AC adapter outputs with the same voltage, amperage and polarity.

    How about if the adapter has the same voltage, but a slight LESS amperage?? (I can see how putting too much current into the laptop can cause problems, and it's likely that not putting enough could do the same, but it's not as apparent to me). Is this okay??

    Also, how do I check the polarity of my AC adapter and compare it to the one I need?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: 22 Dec 2008
  2. ModMinded

    ModMinded Are you throwing that away?

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    I think it's safe, but you may suffer from other problems if there's not enough current (amps).
    Not sure about polarity... didn't know there was a difference in ac adapters.
    Also, you probably know this, but you want to make sure the adapter port fits!

    Some dell laptops give an error about not having the proper adapter in, but I don't think that affects the performance much if it's same specs.
     
  3. mm vr

    mm vr The cheesecake is a lie

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    How much is the difference in the current output?

    And usually the connectors have the same polarity, positive is in the middle and negative on the outside, but there might be some exceptions. You could test it with a multimeter, if nothing else.
     
  4. juliette

    juliette What's a Dremel?

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    If my laptop is expecting 3.8 Amps and it only gets 3.4 Amps is that a problem?

    Thank you, the difference is about 3.8 Amps to 3.4 Amps .. If my laptop is expecting 3.8 Amps and it only gets 3.4 Amps is that a problem ?
     
  5. notatoad

    notatoad pretty fing wonderful

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    it's going to take longer to charge, but i can't see it causing any permanent damage.
     
  6. tk421

    tk421 Idiot.

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    could shorten the life of the battery, and the voltage regulator on the mobo also - especially if it's a dell ...
     

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