Computer Help and Support

LAS14

(14,575 posts) Mon Jan 28, 2019, 10:18 AM Jan 2019

What's the risk of using not-the-exact-right power cord?

I found a power cord for a laptop which I had at some point labeled, helpfully, "other." What would happen if I took it to our vacation home and used it on one of our laptops? I mean, if it worked, would it be doing damage?

tia
las

6 replies

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What's the risk of using not-the-exact-right power cord? (Original Post) LAS14 Jan 2019 OP

in practice, it's usually not a problem; however, it could be a disaster. unblock Jan 2019 #1

Check Amps and volts on output. mikeysnot Jan 2019 #2

Depends on the voltage, polarity, and amperage. Dr Hobbitstein Jan 2019 #3

In the worst case, they could cut your wrists if you struggle too much ... eppur_se_muova Jan 2019 #4

chuckle LAS14 Jan 2019 #5

polarity and amperage natheo Mar 2019 #6

unblock

(54,115 posts)

1. in practice, it's usually not a problem; however, it could be a disaster.

Reply to LAS14 (Original post)

Mon Jan 28, 2019, 10:27 AM

Jan 2019

if your device is expecting dc and you give it ac, or vice versa, that could be a disaster. you could fry a board or cause other damage.

if your device is expecting just a few amps and the cord is rated for more, that's no problem.

if your device is expecting more amps than the power cord can handle, that can be a problem.

if the polarity is reversed (+ for -, - for +) that can also be a problem.

in practice, most power cords for laptops are fairly close and largely compatible so it's usually not a problem.

i've mixed and matched plenty, without problem. just know you're taking a chance if you don't look closely at the specs.

mikeysnot

(4,770 posts)

2. Check Amps and volts on output.

Reply to LAS14 (Original post)

Mon Jan 28, 2019, 10:43 AM

Jan 2019

Under you should be OK, most brands are close. I have used my Dell power supplies on other laptops. The rates are on your computer and on the supply.

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)

3. Depends on the voltage, polarity, and amperage.

Reply to LAS14 (Original post)

Mon Jan 28, 2019, 10:52 AM

Jan 2019

If everything matches up (amperage can be higher, but not lower, voltage and polarity need to be the same), then you’re ok. Otherwise, you risk destroying the power supply or the computer or both.