As if you were explaining it to a child: power adapters

[St_Genesius]

Is there a range within which I can safely use power adapters that don't quite match up with the things they're powering. For instance, when I needed a new supply for my mic preamp, my amp tech reccomended a 16.5VAC adapter because he did not have any 18VAC adapters in stock. I've been using that adapter for severla months now and it seems to work fine. On the flip side, I'v seen pedals fried because someone plugged an 24VDC supply into a 9VAC hole. Where are the dangers? And what about AC vs. DC? I understand in theory the differnece between the two, but what about practice? Are DC power supplies dangerous to AC units? Are AC supplies dangerous for DC units? Will devices simply refuse to come on if given the wrong power type, but not be harmed permanently?

 

[Artie]

Re: As if you were explaining it to a child: power adapters

This is one of those things that is so device dependent, that there isn't any "rule". You can probably stray 10%. If you're lucky, 20%. But, in the 24DC to 9VAC case, thats almost three times the voltage, and the wrong type too.

I personally, would never sub AC for DC, or vice-versa. You might get away with it, but I wouldn't try.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: As if you were explaining it to a child: power adapters

the only hard and fast rule is the amperage. if the amperage on the adapter is more than the device, you will be fine because the device will only pull the current it needs. as for voltage, never cross ac and dc (alternating current and direct current respectively). they are not interchangable. and for the number of volts, it all depends on the unit. some will let you get away with 8, 10 or 12 volts on a 9 volt device but i wouldn't go very far on that one. 24 volts is just way too much.