Replacement AC Adapter on Laptop

[Jason Ducharme]

I've got a laptop and I've been looking for a spare power adapter for the
unit. The original one that I am using is rated at 15V DC, 3A.

Yesterday I found a Targus Universal adapter and it is rated output at 20V
DC 3.5A.

Just wondering, before I use it, would the extra voltage damage the laptop?

BTW, the current symbol on both adapters is ______

--------

I am assuming this is the symbol for DC current, correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Jason Ducharme]

Dang, the symbol didn't format correctly. It is a solid line, with a broken
line underneath. I'll try again:

__________

 

[Chaos Master]

I met Jason Ducharme , in sci.electronics.repair at the date of Sat, 28 Feb 2004
14:32:25 -0500, when we had ideas of posting and reading in the article

I've got a laptop and I've been looking for a spare power adapter for the
unit. The original one that I am using is rated at 15V DC, 3A.

Yesterday I found a Targus Universal adapter and it is rated output at 20V
DC 3.5A.

Just wondering, before I use it, would the extra voltage damage the laptop?

Yes it would damage your laptop.

--
by Chaos Master® - MSN: [email protected]

"A Elbereth Gilthoniel, silivren penna miriel o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-diriel o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon nef aear, si nef aearon!" - The Lord of the Rings

Linux User #327480 / GNU-Win32 / Cygwin / Win98 + LiteStep

 

[Richard Crowley]

I've got a laptop and I've been looking for a spare power
adapter for the unit. The original one that I am using is
rated at 15V DC, 3A.

Yesterday I found a Targus Universal adapter and it is
rated output at 20V DC 3.5A.

Just wondering, before I use it, would the extra voltage
damage the laptop?

I most certainly would NOT risk it. Even if it were 15.5v
(1/2 volt higher) I would be worried about the laptop's
ability to handle the extra power (which would go into
extra heat to discard, assuming it doesn't damage the
equipment.)

There is some equipment that you can get away with such
a mismatch. Particularly equipment that you know has a
wide-range internal regulator. But I would never risk such
an experiment with something as expensive as a laptop PC.
They're fragile enough without subjecting them to THAT
kind of abuse.

 

[Jerry G.]

I would not chance such a big difference. You may end up scrapping a good
laptop. Why not see if you can order the original. If yours is defective,
take it around to some of the local service shops, to see if it is a small
fault that they can service for you.

--

Greetings,

Jerry Greenberg GLG Technologies GLG
=========================================
WebPage http://www.zoom-one.com
Electronics http://www.zoom-one.com/electron.htm
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I've got a laptop and I've been looking for a spare power adapter for the
unit. The original one that I am using is rated at 15V DC, 3A.

Yesterday I found a Targus Universal adapter and it is rated output at 20V
DC 3.5A.

Just wondering, before I use it, would the extra voltage damage the laptop?

BTW, the current symbol on both adapters is ______

--------

I am assuming this is the symbol for DC current, correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Art]

Even check the Computer Exchange Trade Shows or post the make and model of
the Laptop. It is probable with the complete info someone may be able to
assist.

 

[Bob Kos]

I wouldn't use it. Too much difference.

There are zillions of laptop adapters on eBay. Get the right one. They're
cheaper than a new laptop.

 

[jakdedert]

I wouldn't use it. Too much difference.

There are zillions of laptop adapters on eBay. Get the right one. They're
cheaper than a new laptop.

I'll second this one. I needed an adaptor for a Tecra, myself. I put the
model## in ebay's search and came up with so many that I had to do some
serious filtering to narrow it down. I ended up with one for less than $10
plus shipping. Of course, I had to bid on several (not at the same
time--bad move--you could end up paying for several when you only need
'one') before I got a decent price.

jak