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

[LAS14]

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

[unblock]

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

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]

2. Check Amps and volts on output.

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]

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

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.

[eppur_se_muova]

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

as always, be sure to have a "safe word".

[LAS14]

5. chuckle

[natheo]

6. polarity and amperage

I agree with others. Polarity and amperage are the two important things to consider.