Power Adapter

How to Test a Power Adapter

Power adapters (or power supplies) are a ubiquitous part of our electronics-laden lifestyle. A IBM ThinkPad R50 Laptop AC Adapter takes the output of one power source, like a 120-volt AC wall socket, and converts it to a different output, for example a 19.5-volt power supply for a laptop computer. Usually these devices work dependably and without worry. But if you find the electronics devices that you have connected to a power adapter are not working properly or that their batteries are not charging, there’s always the possibility that the power adapter is not doing its job. With the right tool, however, you can check the output of your power adapter and see if that’s the source of the problem.

Examine your power adapter. Every power adapter will have the input voltage and amperage requirements printed on it, as well as the output voltage and amperage rating. We’ll be testing the output of the power adapter, so write down the specs. An example would be this, taken from a laptop power adapter: Output – 19.5V….3.34 amps. We’ll measure the output of the power adapter with a multimeter — a very handy tool for anyone working with electronics. A multimeter can measure voltage, current, power output and resistance of electrical circuits by touching the electrical circuits or device with a set of probes. See Additional Resources for a good tutorial on multimeters.

Set your multimeter to the proper range for measuring the output of your power adapter. Take into account the voltage and the amperage you’ll be measuring. Consult the manual for specifics on how to set your particular model of multimeter.

Check the data plate of your power adapter to find out which portion of the plug is positive and which is negative. For example, on some power adapter plugs, the outer shell of the plug is positive, while on others it’s negative.

Touch the probes of your multimeter to the corresponding portions of the power adapter’s plug and note the readout. Compare that with the rated output of the power adapter. If it varies significantly, replace the power adapter.

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About the Author

Battery company is an operated online retailer of high-quality electronics accessories, specialising in notebook battery and laptop adapter, battery chargers, camera batteries, camcorder batteries, power tool batteries and PDA batteries. Battery company has quickly grown to one of the top online Australian retailers of electronics accessories, offering generic product brands that provide the same quality as the big brand names but at half the price.

Aluratek ANPA01F Universal Power Adapter