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DC Power adapter?

I was just wondering if I have a device that requires a 10 V 250 mA DC power adapter is there an upper limit to how many more amps I can use? I know voltage and polarity has to be the same as the original power adapter. But as far as the current is there any difference if I put a 10 V 1000 mA adapter how about 10 V 3000 mA or 10 V 8000 mA? I'm asking because I want to buy a universal power adapter should I just buy the highest amperage possible which can then cover all lower ranges? Would there be any down side for the device or the power adapter if a device required 10 V 250 mA an I used a 10 V 8000 mA adapter? Overheating or anything?

9 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    In actuality, your device requires 10 volts DC.  And likely it's current requirements are LESS than 250 milliamps (¼ amp).  So any adapter that provides 10 vdc and at least .25 amp, will be usable.

    Polarity is of course, of the utmost importance.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    These adapters have copper wire and they have ampere rating. Therefore, if you have 10 Volt adapters with 30 Amp limit. Only they will be bulky. Cross sectional area of copper limits the current and voltage rating has no meaning here.

  • 1 year ago

    It doesn't matter what capacity adapter you use, the device will still only draw its 250mA. Anything over 500mA is just a waste of money

  • Mr. P
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    No problem.

    As long as it can supply the correct voltage and is DC, and has the correct plug then you can use it. 

    It won't "Force" those amps in there. The device will just take what it needs.

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  • 1 year ago

    There’s a problem unfortunately, as you have voltage across low resistance, something called “voltage drop” occurs leading to less voltage and thus less current. It’s a tad difficult to explain as words, I’d recommend looking up voltage drop, and I wish you luck

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    ANY 10V MORE THAN 250mA CAN BE USED, LIKE BETWEEN 0.25A TILL 20A OR MORE IS FINE AND EVEN BETTER.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    you'll be good .. 1000ma is 1amp btw ..but yeah, you could use like a 5 amp supply no problem, long as the voltage is right ..

  • P
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    You can always safely go with higher amperage than the device requires, just not voltage.  Devices only actually use as much amperage as they require.   

    The downside is higher amperage power adapters are typically more expensive, would waste a little more electricity, and would be physically bigger. 

  • 1 year ago

    I hope so. It needs to be DC

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