Switching power adapter

1. What is a switching adapter used for?
2. What is a switching power supply charger?
3. Can you interchange power adapters?
4. Is a switching adapter the same as a Charger?
5. Are power adapters Safe?
6. Can I use 9v adapter for 5V?
7. How does a switch power supply work?
8. Can I use a switching power supply to charge a battery?
9. Will a switching power supply charge a battery?
10. What happens if you use the wrong power adapter?
11. How do I know which AC adapter is compatible?
12. Can I use an adapter with higher amps?
13. Can I use a 9V power supply on a 12V?
14. Can I use 5V instead of 3V?
15. Can I use 4.5 V instead of 5V?

What is a switching adapter used for?

Switching power supplies are primarily used in digital systems such as telecommunication devices, computing equipment, audio equipment, mobile phone chargers, medical test devices, arc welding equipment and automotive chargers.

What is a switching power supply charger?

A standard switching power supply is a constant voltage power supply, so it monitors fluctuations in output voltages, inputs the results in the control circuit, and executes constant voltage controlling also known as feedback controlling.

Can you interchange power adapters?

As long as the voltage is the same on the adapter and on the device (also, I have 9V DC and 9V AC adapters, do not mix these up) and be sure the current required is less than the amount that the adapter can source otherwise you risk overloading the power supply.

Is a switching adapter the same as a Charger?

Adapters can sometimes be used as a charger, but a charger will never give you the same energy output as an adapter will. When it comes to some electronic devices such as laptops, your charging cord and your adapter are pretty much the same thing. Adapters will provide electrical current to something such as a laptop.

Are power adapters Safe?

While using a ground plug adapter is a common practice, it is not safe for your home or your electronics. Older electrical outlets only have two slots, the narrow “hot” slot and the wide “neutral” slot. ... Using an adapter removes that functionality, making them vulnerable to potential damage.

Can I use 9v adapter for 5V?

No! It might work for few minutes, but eventually the voltage drop on the internal regulator will cause the circuit to overheat and burn. It could be however, that your adapter has an internal resistance causing the voltage to drop to ~5V, so it could work in this case, if the adapter can supply the needed current...

How does a switch power supply work?

A switch mode supply works by turning the mains electricity on and off very quickly to reduce the voltage. In this case the reduction in voltage depends upon the ratio of the on time and off time. Switching takes place very fast, at 10,000 times a second or quicker.

Can I use a switching power supply to charge a battery?

No, not really. Most switching power supplies truly are 12 volts regulated. So no way can it fully charge a 12 volt battery- the charging source has to be a higher voltage than the battery, or else there is no reason for electrons to flow.

Will a switching power supply charge a battery?

A true battery charger generally supplies a regulated current, first to charge the battery, and then switches to a regulated voltage mode. ... A power supply used as a charger cannot do this, and will continue to pump energy into a battery regardless of its condition; fully charged, battery fault, or shorted cells.

What happens if you use the wrong power adapter?

Some laptops and other devices include polarity protection, which is essentially a fuse that burns out if you use the wrong polarity. If this happens, you might hear a pop and see smoke. But the device may still work on battery power. However, your DC input will be toast.

How do I know which AC adapter is compatible?

Choosing the right adapter specs.

The general rule is to match the V and equal or beat the mAh, so if you are choosing an AC adapter to make sure you check the following, The adapter output V matches the rated input V of the device. The adapter output is greater or equal to the devices rated mAh or A.

Can I use an adapter with higher amps?

Can I use an AC adapter with higher amps? As long as the voltage matches that expected by the connected device, then yes, you can use an AC adapter capable of providing higher amps.

Can I use a 9V power supply on a 12V?

It depends on whether your power supply is regulated. If you need regulated (stable) 12V, and the 9V supply is unregulated, it could give you up to 14V or slightly higher when not loaded.

Can I use 5V instead of 3V?

Also note that while PC ports put out close to 5V, many USB chargers run their output more like 5.1V to 5.25V because the USB spec allows up to 5.25V so your device might see 3.3V with these diodes.

Can I use 4.5 V instead of 5V?

They're very stable on the output voltage and can kick out an amp or so. It'll work fine.