Power adapter

[SinNisTeR]

I have an electronic device that requires a 18V 3A source. Can i use a 19V 3.42A laptop power adapter to power that device?

I know that the current is ok, since it will only use what it needs, but will the 1v difference hurt it in any way?

Otherwise, where's the best place to buy a universal power adapter?

 

[funkymatt]

for safety's sake you should use it while in the bathtub full of water.

 

[J0hnny]

First off, what is the electronic device. It sounds okay if it isn't anything sensitive.

 

[woowoo]

YES
It should work
Watch the polarity

 

[DivideBYZero]

Are you trying to overclock your dildo?

 

[kevinthenerd]

Originally posted by: SinNisTeR
I have an electronic device that requires a 18V 3A source. Can i use a 19V 3.42A laptop power adapter to power that device?

I know that the current is ok, since it will only use what it needs, but will the 1v difference hurt it in any way?

Otherwise, where's the best place to buy a universal power adapter?

Depends on the device. If it's a simple motor, heater, or something like that, go for it. It's an electronic device, watch out. Make sure it doesn't overheat. If you're paranoid, get a voltage regulator.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Most likely.

 

[Gibson486]

It will work, unless the device is very sensitive to voltage and current changes, but most consumer devices aren't. The current should be ok because when you first turn it on, you will get a huge biurst of current that will be greater than 3Amps anyways. even then, if it is a consumer device, it should have some sort of over current shut off protection. As for the voltage....it should be alright because lots of devices today arte made with "dirty" voltage supplies in mind.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Are you trying to overclock your dildo?

Vibrator.

 

[J0hnny]

Originally posted by: woowoo
YES
It should work
Watch the polarity

Oh yeh! That's almost #1!

 

[AnyMal]

You should be fine. AC outlet output will vary +/- 10% as is, so you're within range.

 

[FoBoT]

if they are both DC or both AC , then it should be fine, you didn't specify

if DC as they said above, the polarity MUST be correct

 

[kevinthenerd]

Originally posted by: Gibson486
It will work, unless the device is very sensitive to voltage and current changes, but most consumer devices aren't. The current should be ok because when you first turn it on, you will get a huge biurst of current that will be greater than 3Amps anyways. even then, if it is a consumer device, it should have some sort of over current shut off protection. As for the voltage....it should be alright because lots of devices today arte made with "dirty" voltage supplies in mind.

You can fake it a little bit by putting a capacitor across the load. Then the current across the device won't have that spike.

Edit: Only works for a DC load