Answered Question

sh00k77

January 26, 2009 03:15 AM

What does the output amperage rating of a AC-DC converter mean?

I have a AC-DC converter which plugs into a standard 110V outlet. It provides an output of 5V DC 2.4A.

What does the 2.4A mean? Is that the maximum current capable of output at 5V DC?

And, I would like to know if I have a 5V battery operated device, will any 5V AC-DC converter work safely (assuming the rated output amerpage is above the draw of the device).

Thanks

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pazaq

January 26, 2009 04:52 AM

You really already answered your own question.

The 2.4A is the max amperage that this AC adapter can supply at the 5V.

The answer is yes if you have a 5V that needs 2.4A or less you can use this adapter.

Make sure you that the adapter plugs polarity matches that what you are trying to use. Both the device and the ac adapter will have a little ball and socket diagram that has a + and - marked on to it. The ball is the internal tip of the ac adapter and the outside is the socket. The + and - much match or else you could smoke the device or the adapter.

Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AC_adaptor_polarity.png

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khamar

January 26, 2009 06:55 AM

Most wall transformers have no active regulation. The output will vary based upon input voltage (+/- 10%) and load.
In your case, 5V transformers are more likely to be switching or actively regulated power supplies. This is important because a lower cost unregulated power adapter could provide higher voltage at low load (a common problem) resulting in damage to devices expecting well regulated 5V.
If your adapter has correct polarity, and states "switching" or "regulated" I would agree that it should work for your device.
Do not use an unregulated supply unless you can verify the device will accept unregulated AC/DC power. Do not use such a device without proper safety agency approvals (UL, TUV, CUL).
Source(s):
Most manufacturers supply data sheets for their products. Example: http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/1954199.pdf

Examine possible replacement parts from suppliers such as Jameco:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ParametricSearchResultsView...

Here is a wall-mount FAQ
http://www.powerstream.com/Wall-mount-FAQ.htm

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