How to Choose the Right AC Adapter

#acadapter #adapter #charger #acdcadapter
If you have a drawer full of adapters, bricks, and cables, how do you know what fits a device? Here’s how to read the info on the adapter as well as the device you want to power.
Buy your DFJ T-Shirt, Cap, or Coffee Mug at https.//www.dirtfarmerjay.com/shop
Knowing which AC Adapter to use for each device can be confusing - but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, DirtFarmer Jay shows you how to read the “code” on each device (both the adapter and the piece of equipment you want to power) so you can choose the right AC adapter for your gadget.
Once you understand the basic variables of the power supply and the device getting the power, AC Adapter symbols won’t be a mystery anymore.
Let’s start with the AC Adapter itself. Its name tells its function: to adapt/convert AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current) that most small electronics and electrical devices use.
So, your AC Adapter will generally have the info you need to make the right selection (or in the case of a jumble of cords in a “junk” drawer, match the adapter to the device it came paired with).
The three main pieces of data you need are 1.) the wall outlet power the adapter is designed to be plugged into, 2.) the output of the adapter in DC power (can be expressed in voltage, amps, or wattage), and, 3.), by use of a polarity diagram, what the polarity of the adapter’s charging tip is.
WARNING: Not all adapters give you all this information. Depending on how generous the manufacturer was with the information (or what they were required to provide by law), only some of the information may be on the device. It’s most common to see the polarity symbol, as well as output of the adapter, but not as common on the input. Many times, that can be deduced via where (such as what country) the product was marketed and sold, or the plug configuration (i.e., the plug is different for 110V and 220V outlets or European and North American plug ends).
What’s the worst that can happen if you use the wrong adapter for your device?
Well, the WORST that can happen is you “smoke” your electronic device, ruining it permanently, or making it in need of repair to replace a safety fuse installed to protect the main device from ruination when the wrong power or polarity is applied.
If you damaged your device, there are one of two things that happened. First, you could have supplied too much power to the device and heated circuits and components to the point they failed (this is a kind way of saying “melted”). Second, the polarity supplied may be wrong, which can create a “dead-short” situation. Some devices have a small fuse to protect the main circuitry when this happens, but not all. You may be able to get the device repaired, maybe not.
If the adapter you use supplies too little power, then the device may not work correctly either. You are calling on the device to complete tasks that adequate power is not being supplied for. So, getting it right solves the problem.
So, once you’ve chosen the right adapter for the wall outlet, you need to now see the power output of the adapter, as well as the polarity. If those match the power rating and polarity of the device that you are wanting to power, you should have no problems.
Here is a link for a universal adapter (not for use on computers!) that can be set to output different DC voltages, along with several adapter tips, and even a negative polarity adapter in case you need to switch from positive to negative polarity. This is a good starting place:
www.amazon.com/3V-Adjustable-...
Sure, you can keep buying new adapters and devices instead of using what you already have, but that is a waste of money. With what you’ve learned in this episode, you can see if you have the right adapter on hand, and you can JUST DO IT YOURSELF.
Buy your DFJ T-Shirt, Cap, or Coffee Mug at https.//www.dirtfarmerjay.com/shop
Follow us on Social Media to know when we’re building projects or releasing new episodes!
Instagram: / dirtfarmerj
Facebook: / dirtfarmerjay
You can help support this channel by buying our merchandise or supporting us on Throne or Patreon
Patreon: / dirtfarmerjay

[@TNtoolman]

I always kept my adapters that I no longer needed in a box in my shop... collected about 40 or so over all the years I accumulated them... about 2 weeks ago I threw them all out because I never needed one. You know in the next month I will probably need one... Murphy's Law.

[@adamgonzalez4967]

Gateway charger

[@crabapple6775]

I really appreciate your clear and concise info packed video. Thanks so much for your help.

[@passionfly1]

I have been looking for the video my entire life and with all the school and college I have NO ONE TAUGHT ME THIS! Our educational system sucks! Thank you Jay! +1 sub

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help!

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Um, because you're supposed to graduate high school and know everything or they sucked, lol. You had parents, right?

[@crystalchw]

Thank you! You saved me from frying my device, a fan. We are in the middle of a heatwave, so this is a lifesaver. Thx!!❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@jonsagara]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you so much!

[@mikeplunkett2041]

I always learn something from watching your videos. Sometimes I learn stuff I didn’t know I needed to learn. Sometimes, I even learn about something I don’t even care about…but I still learn. Thank you and Dirt Farmer Maggie for all your hard work and for presenting your content in a friendly, simple and easy to understand way.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Mike, we don't know how we missed your comment, but here we are 2 months later! Thanks for your kind comments. We appreciate them. We enjoy passing on what we've learned or are learning. Thanks for being a part of our viewer family! Best, DFJ

[@mikeplunkett2041]

@@DirtFarmerJay well I was wondering!! 😏😂 Not a problem DFJ. I wouldn’t have even thought about it had you not brought it to my attention, but Thank you for your response. Stay well.

[@prettyromanticmusic]

This was actually very helpful, thank you.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to hear it!

[@nopenopenope131]

Excellent video. Informative and comprehensive. Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dancingtoledo]

Thank you for this very helpful video! I’ve needed to know this forever and have finally taken the time to learn!! 😊😊😊

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenniecooper7430]

Wow! I never realized. That is good info. Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Jennie Cooper. Good to "hear" from you!! Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@cwcole]

Thank you for the information and easy-to-follow explanation of polarity.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful, Craig! Keep watching and commenting! Best, DFJ

[@cedia08]

Clear explanation... very good!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Nice video. You can also double check the voltage and polarity by using an inexpensive multi volt meter (approx $10.00) on the output side of the AC adapter. You might want to further clarify and empathize the term “polarity” to mean what voltage direction is on the barrel and the insulated inner tip of the plug, example, negative DC voltage on the barrel and positive DC voltage on the insulated tip of the plug or vice versa if it is wired that way. Also, there are several different diameters of plugs and inner tips that manufacturers use too and therefore, sometimes the AC adapter will not fit the unit. The AC adapter you suggested comes with many different plug sizes and the unit can change the polarity on the plus too to accommodate this situation. I like your suggestion to label identify the AC plug when you buy an item that comes with the AC plug. Keep up the great videos!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Bill Handymanbill. Keep watching and commenting. Best to you, DFJ

[@farnsworth111]

Fantastic, I'm now subscribed tons of great content.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Awesome, thank you!

[@yadercalero1951]

Thanks for the explanation DFJ I had no idea, you just got a subscriber.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Awesome, thank you!

[@l.j.2917]

This was very helpful! Thanks!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome!

[@TangibleTania]

Thank you....I learned quite a bit here! However I am in search of the type of adapter you shared a link for but I need 2A. The search continues...

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

I've been searching for this for a while. Up until finding your video, all the nerds wanted to talk about was laptop chargers and that's an extra thing for my brain to decipher, lol. Thx.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help!

[@lisahummel7795]

Hi Jay!! This is an awesome video! I have a Nexpow 22000mah car jump starter and need an AC adapter, that was not included. It says it needs to be ac adapter to usb/c cord. I cannot find anything that charges this thing

[@slimwantedman6694]

Good afternoon from Southeast South Dakota. Have a question about soil. My favorite time of the year is just around the corner. I was wondering what would be the best soil to start my seeds in?

[@KatRollo]

Great video! I learned important practical knowledge in such a short video.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help!

[@KatRollo]

@@DirtFarmerJay I will call the "C" polarity symbol the Pacman 😂

[@jerrysamuelson1247]

Nice video. Didn't realize that different polarities were used. Thanks.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to help.

[@tracythompson1692]

Really good info. Had wondered what the symbols etc meant!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting tracy thompson. Keep watching! Best to you, DFJ

[@magicmantis]

Now I know how I fried an alarm clock. 😅 Thank you so much for this video. I aquire electronics that don't have a power adapter so I do a lot of mixing and matching. But ever since I fried an alarm clock maybe a year or so ago, I've been extra careful. Thanks again for this video. I feel much more informed.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome!

[@ggebhard1]

Great video!!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad you liked it! Keep watching and commenting Gail Gebhard. Best to you! DFJ

[@iamthenews5624]

Adapting AC power to DV current!

[@drrobotnikmeanbeanma]

I have a Dewalt jumpstarter.On the back of the jumpstarter it say the input volts is 14.5.One of my ac adapter is 12v.Is it ok to use 12v to charge the Dewalt jumpstarter.Can I use the 16v input ac adapter It's called Dx aeps14 ?

[@wildwoodtop]

5:32 what about the 1.6 amp aspect output stated on the charger 🤔 2:59

[@songt7035]

Thank you

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help!

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey nice tutorial but I have a small shaver with a 2 prong connector. It’s horizontally oval with two prong plus has opening on one side to correctly fit two prong female charger cord The thing is I’m missing the charging cord Thank you

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Got it. I can be difficult to find the exact cord, especially for a particular product that has a matching cord and generics won't fit it. If it is not too old, you should be able to find the owner's manual and part listing by looking up the brand and model number and see if they sell the replacement charger with the correct cord. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@CH-en4er]

Great video, thank you . Chris. Scotland.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad you enjoyed it, Chris. Thanks for being a part of our viewer family. I'd love to visit your country. We'll see how that goes! Best, DFJ

[@shaban9194]

Can you use ac adapter as battery charger?

[@grampamosh4003]

Someone else may have entered this already in this thread, but I have an adapter that has a solid line on top and 3 dashes on bottom instead of the “C” for polarity indicator. What’s the polarity?

[@bennguyen1313]

I have an HP Officejet Printer, with a very strange, rectangle-shaped 32V, 3-Pin Purple Tip AC/DC adapter. I have several AC/DC adapters that have the same power output, but any idea if there's an adapter that can convert the from the typical barrel shape (HP 7.4mm X 5.0mm , Dell 4.5mm x 3.0mm , etc) to this purple rectangle?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Ben, like this one? amzn.to/3ZQSw4k This has the AC/DC adapter as well, but is the end what you are talking about?

[@bennguyen1313]

@@DirtFarmerJay Yep, that's the one.. any thoughts on what that type of connector is called? Would love to use any one of the many ac/dc adapters I have.. either with a converter from barrel to that purple plug, or I'd simply cut off the barrel end of my adapter and solder/crimp the purple connector on instead!

[@andyshap]

Hi Jay, as usual, great video. You didn't mention amperage though. You can have an adapter with the correct voltage, but If it doesn't provide the correct amperage, the unit won't power your device. A good rule of thumb is that it should provide the same OR MORE amperage to the unit you are powering, as the unit will only draw the amperage it requires.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the comment Andy Shap. Best to you! DFJ

[@30mAkills]

Volts is pushed whereas amps is pulled!

[@andyshap]

@@30mAkills I agree. But my statement still stands.

[@30mAkills]

@@andyshap♥ love your comment

[@durich1000]

THANK YOU !!!!! Just the answer I was looking for!

[@FlavioMarceloSousa35]

I have a D-Link DWR-2101 internet hostspot that comes with a battery but I plug it to the wall. I tried to discard the battery once and plug it to the wall but the device kept crashing. The manual speaks of 5V 2A charger but I'm using a 5V 2.4 charger and keep it plugged to the wall. Can I connect this device to the wall without a battery? What kind of adapter would I need? Thanks in advance!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Flavio, I did a bit of research on this and it appears these units are set up to require having batteries in them to operate correctly, even when they are plugged in. The charger you are using is probably within range of supplying the power your unit needs, just double check polarity to assure you don't "fry" your unit. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@FlavioMarceloSousa35]

@@DirtFarmerJay Thank you so much for your help. Yes, a battery is needed. I tried to discard the battery and plug it in but the device kept crashing. It seems the Netgear Nighthawk 5g router can be used without a battery but not this one. Thanks again!

[@donnaarmstrong7351]

TY. My mini Christmas tree doesn't show a polarity symbol. It says output 12VAC 12W. Do I set my universal adaptor to +, or -??

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Hmmm, that's a good one. I suspect that you have a device that can run with either polarity, so no polarity symbol is provided. If that is the case (and I suspect it is), then you can set your adapter to either setting and it will work fine. best, DFJ

[@donnaarmstrong7351]

@@DirtFarmerJay OK. Ty. If

[@Stones_Throw]

I have a 24VDC, 38 watt light. Does 38/24 = 1.6 Amps work for sizing a power supply???

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Your math is correct!

[@paulhastings3109]

If you wanted to do solar and power your laptop with DC

[@streamallday]

thanks i didn't know that the polarity had to match

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help!

[@DrDennis]

Hey Jay, many Amazon universal adapter you recommended has many saying fire hazard!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

DrDennis - thanks for the heads up! I've not seen those reviews, but I appreciate you giving us the heads up. We'll look for another unit to recommend. Thanks for the assist! Best, DFJ

[@Nozar-sf1eu]

useful

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad you think so!

[@Prime_Luna]

Can I charge my laptop wit 5V ~ USB and i have 12V charger brick

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I'm not sure. I've not attempted that, so I can answer with any authority. Here's a forum that is discussing these types of issues that may be of help to you: superuser.com/questions/999337/charging-a-laptop-though-a-usb-c-power-port-with-a-low-voltage-amperage

[@Studio26A]

Jay, hey man gotta question...of course I do that's why I'm writing this LOL... OK so anyway, I'm a young fart, (I just retired). I'm here in the states so you already know I'm using Common-US, 117VAC/60Hz AC adapters they are rated as "Class2" no, not class ll -- but "Class2" and there's a big difference in their applications. With Class2 you are suppose to be as close to the power as possible. Three adapters all rated at 12VDC, 1.0A, 12W. They came with 7'ft of 22ga. pigtails. Can I cut the adapters open and change the pigtails to 16ga wire so I can run over the 7'ft mark??? See Jay, with these adapters you run into voltage drops over 7'ft. But If I understand right and my math formulas are correct, 16ga pigtail will allow a max run of 48'ft. and continue sustaining the 12VDV 1.0A 12W. Yeah, I could run 117VAC extension cords but that's sloppy, However, (Legally --NFPA Sec. 590.3 (B), clearly states there is a 90-day limit on temporary power cords. Get rid of the cord or install a permeant fixture. I could install an outlet but that's added expense and time and working in tight crawlspaces. Any suggestions???

[@missileGauges]

Can you explain about the ampere also? 1A on the adaptor and 1.5A on the device is not going to work, right? But 3A on the adaptor and 1.5A on the device...is that to much power or is that okay? What happens if you have 24v and plug in into a 12v device? Or 12v adaptor and try to use it on a 9v device? I know they video talked about matching, but.. I think there is more to explain here..anyone here care to explain?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for writing. Voltage needs to match on both the supply and device sides. Amperage needs to be greater on the supply side than on the device side. Think of it as an outlet circuit in your home. A string of outlets may have a 15 or 20-amp circuit breaker in the panel, but common devices that are plugged into those circuits use less amperage than the full breaker capacity. Does that help? Best, DFJ

[@Baloogasah]

;Where can I contact you with a question that wasn't addressed in the insightful video? I need an expert that can explain it to me in laymen's terms:) I appreciate it! Thanks!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Write me at [e-mail]. Best, DFJ

[@navibmo5172]

Sir can i use a 6v DC adapter to a 5v DC input device?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I don't think I'd risk it, depending on the value of the device you are attempting to power. 6v is 20% higher in output than 5v, so it may fry the delicate circuits in your device. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@SpecialBrewCan]

This was extremely helpful thank you. it doesnt help, and it's so frustrating, that the power supply is invariably made by a different manufacturer to the device it powers, with rarely, if ever, any reference written on the supply, to the device it was purchased with.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Darrell, glad we were of help to you on this issue. Best, DFJ

[@Muzyyz]

Thanks, I thought I had to buy new adapter cause polarity drawings were same but opposite directions. Also I looked up and my original adapter that came with my monitor the tip was 5.5 x 2.1 mm but this replacement has 5.5 x 2.5 mm but it fit's easily with no force. Could it support both 5.5 x 2.5 mm and 5.5 x 2.1 mm or something. Or should I buy a converter for tip?

[@MrVladalv]

So input is what goes in the adaptor, and output is what goes out and charges your gadget. My adaptor has input AC 100-240V, and a 0.35A. Output 9V - 1.2A and +C- witch is a negative polarity. I guess it will go fine with my gadget that needs a 0.5A DC power

[@bronkoahmuuru]

👍

[@jswarpaint6215]

1:20 in the video and finally you start to answer the question of the title of the video ....

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for stopping by. -DFJ

[@eyoung1683]

I'm a little slow: This left me a bit confused Because I needed to hear ''center negative'' or ''center positive'' mentioned I still don't know what direction either one flows, so I'm still looking for a video...

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for stopping by and writing. Best, DFJ

[@couponnation]

What about devices that don't have polarity symbols

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Its a bit of a gamble, but most unmarked devices I've encountered are positive polarity. It's a risk, but unless you can find supporting documentation for the device, and you don't want to simply throw it out, then it's a risk taking. I hope that helps.

[@sleazymedia6967]

What about amps?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I mentioned this in the episode, however amps are usually denoted on the adapter and are sized for typical smaller devices. There should be matching information on the other side as well and is indicated by the amount of batteries that that device uses as well. If everything else matches, like polarity voltage and Watts, you are fine. Does that help?

[@akulinamackenzie4492]

💕👍

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Konrad Benz. Best, DFJ

[@Poweradapter2023]

we manufacture the AC adapter with safe certificate🙂

[@travisdouglas407]

I think I found something in the box from garage.

[@Thedeadbeetsband]

He didn’t even touch on the amperage. I watched the whole video with that specifically in mind. Can I use an AC adapter that has a rating greater than my device in amps? You didn’t touch on amps very well.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the nudge on this. For clarification, you CAN use a higher amp ac adaptor for a lower amp device - as long as the voltage ratings for both devices is the same. Think of it like you would your house wiring. You have a 15 or 20 amp breaker supplying typical wall outlet circuits, but you routinely plug in devices that have lower amp needs - all with no problems. Based on your question, we'll do another version of this video and clarify that along with other insights that have been offered by other viewers. Thanks for writing! DFJ

[@totoybalisong5969]

You failed to dicuss the amperes and that is why i watched

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Totoy, thanks for the comment. In my experience, most of these are low amperage devices, and if the symbols match, and you see the same amp rating on the adapter and the device it will be powering, you are good to go. Best, DFJ

[@user-bm5dj9xe2l]

we produce power supply adapter

[@angusmcgil]

very dissapointed ,have found no information at all on thiks channel about farming dirthave even tried diving rods hoping tyhat mikght stike a dirt vein,,but only ever seem to poison dirt or sour dirt patches oh well.

[@angusmcgil]

you might think there is a few typos but they im in canada ehhh

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for writing, ehhhh.

[@angusmcgil]

Thanks for all your work cheers@@DirtFarmerJay

[@mrdennischapman]

****** DANGER. I have been in electronics for the past 70 years (ham radio operator) and you forgot one IMPORTANT thing. If the device requires 3 amps and your power output is only 1.2 amps that could burn up the power adapter because it draws too much power. If the adapter is behind a couch there could be a fire that gets out of control. Please make sure that the power adapter can handle the power requirements of the device. It is always ok if the device uses less power than the adapter provides, but never more power than the adapter provides. Doing so is akin to plugging a bunch of heaters into an extension cord or plug that is only rated for a certain current draw. In a home you are protected by circuit breakers, but with these power adapters (many made in China) there might not be an internal fuse or safety cut off.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

This is a great insight! We'll do another episode mentioning this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@CaptainUnconventional]

Please , you dont need music when you are talking.