Authored by: Phil - Orvac Electronics

We all seem to lose (at one time or another) that pesky little black thing that supplies the power to our CD, display or even notebook.

The AC Adapter plugs into the wall and converts the household voltage to the correct voltage for your piece of equipment to work.

It normally converts AC Voltage to DC Voltage at a certain Current and you have to match the TWO to the requirements of your particular device. This information will generally be printed on the back of the devise; for example 6VDC 500ma. Then there will be a picture of the connector indicating the polarity, center positive is the most common.

To select a replacement you MUST have the SAME VOLTAGE but you have more freedom with the AMPS. Find the section with the Voltage that you need and then select an adapter that has at least the AMPS specified. If you can’t find the exact one, just select the next size higher in AMPS.

Next, look at the connector because they come in various sizes measured in millimeters (mm). The most common size is 2.5mm by 5.5mm, there is a sizing template for your use in selecting a connector.

 
If you can find an adapter that will work but has the wrong connector we also have replacement connectors across the aisle. You simply cut the wrong connector off and replace it with the correct one. Unfortunately, we are unable to make this change for you. It is easy to do if you have minimum skills and maintain the polarity.

You can simply twist the wires together and wrap each wire with electrical tape before you tape them together and then you are done. To do a more professional job you will need a soldering iron, solder and some shrink tubing; we will be happy to show you where these products are in the store and help you make your selection.

There are also adapters that output AC Voltage; these are used for alarm systems and some home appliances. Again, the VOLTAGE MUST be the SAME but you can cheat on AMPS or VA as they call it with AC output adapters. ALL electronic products only use as much current (AMPS or VA) as they need so you can always go HIGHER and not worry; you just have to be right on with the voltage.

Now the BAD NEWS! Some manufacturers supply AC adapters with WEIRD voltages such as 14.2 Volts and we are NOT going to be able to help you. The manufacturer does this intentionally so that you have to buy a replacement from THEM.

If your notebook has a power supply that has MORE than two pins or a unique connector we are not going to be able to help. Some connectors have up to 5 pins and this indicates a multiple output supply; say +12VDC and +5VDC out of the same adapter.

We have a limited number of these adapters but you will probably have to do some reverse engineering and modification to make it work for your application. You will either need a multimeter and some tools or have a technician do it for you.

If you have additional questions we are here to help you.