electronics question

[blyndy]

Hi,

I have a printer that specifies the use of a 32V 2500mA AC adapter. I plugged a 31.5V 3.17A AC adapter in instead and the printer worked but I unplugged it after 5 seconds. Later I got hold of the required 32V 2500mA adapter and the printer works fine. Is it safe to use the 31.5V 3.17A adapter with the printer?

 

[PottedMeat]

It'll be fine. The original adapters probably come out of the factory with bigger variations in voltage than that.

 

[CycloWizard]

Usual voltage tolerance is +/-10% for such things, so that's easily in spec. It's always ok to use a power supply that can output more amps than required, since it won't output more than what the printer draws. You might run into problems if you try to use a supply with a lower current output, however.

 

[blyndy]

thanks for the help guys.

 

[EddyKilowatt]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard
It's always ok to use a power supply that can output more amps than required, since it won't output more than what the printer draws.

Yes for a printer, or other all-electronic gadget.

Excercise caution, though, if gadget contains rechargeable batteries... sometimes the charge rate is limited by the current rating of the external supply, and you wouldn't want to inadvertently charge the batteries at 2X or 5X their intended rate.

 

[polarbear6]

Remember current strength(amps) is circuit dependent and will only consume what it requires, but its requirement should be with in the maximum current strength output. But potential difference is not circuit dependent(volts).

 

[murphyslabrat]

Originally posted by: EddyKilowatt

Originally posted by: CycloWizard
It's always ok to use a power supply that can output more amps than required, since it won't output more than what the printer draws.

Yes for a printer, or other all-electronic gadget.

Excercise caution, though, if gadget contains rechargeable batteries... sometimes the charge rate is limited by the current rating of the external supply, and you wouldn't want to inadvertently charge the batteries at 2X or 5X their intended rate.

And set a fire due to the extra heat