Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
#1
Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
So I was staring at a bunch of electronic gadgets around the house contemplating the replacement cost if a possible move comes to fruition. These things are all plugged into 'wall wart' cords, i.e. cords with a big black 'brick' that goes into the outlet. The majority are 110v devices, such as a baby monitor, shortwave radio, police scanner, Chumby, etc. Some of the bricks are 110v only (unlike say a 110/220 laptop brick which can do both).
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
#2
Re: Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
So I was staring at a bunch of electronic gadgets around the house contemplating the replacement cost if a possible move comes to fruition. These things are all plugged into 'wall wart' cords, i.e. cords with a big black 'brick' that goes into the outlet. The majority are 110v devices, such as a baby monitor, shortwave radio, police scanner, Chumby, etc. Some of the bricks are 110v only (unlike say a 110/220 laptop brick which can do both).
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
1. That the low voltage you will be supplying out of your power supply to your end device is the correct voltage for that device. i.e. if your baby monitor spec. plate says it runs off 9Vdc, then your "brick" output needs to be 9Vdc.
2. Ensure that the power supply is able to supply enough current. i.e. if your baby monitor draws 1Amp when it operates, ensure your power supply can supply the correct voltage at AT LEAST that amount of current (more current capability in the power supply is better).
3. Ensure that you observe the correct polarity before you connect up any end devices that run off DC (direct current). i.e. make sure + goes to + and - goes to -.
#3
Re: Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
as mentioned above, shouldn't be a problem...also plenty of sites out there that do after market power bricks that are cheaper, and can search for UK based stores...
#4
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,605
Re: Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
Also, they go for peanuts, second hand. I've accrued most all the wall warts we need, for silly prices like 50 cents, in junk stores and at yard sales.
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 4,913
Re: Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
#6
Re: Electrical Question: Anything with a wall wart?
So I was staring at a bunch of electronic gadgets around the house contemplating the replacement cost if a possible move comes to fruition. These things are all plugged into 'wall wart' cords, i.e. cords with a big black 'brick' that goes into the outlet. The majority are 110v devices, such as a baby monitor, shortwave radio, police scanner, Chumby, etc. Some of the bricks are 110v only (unlike say a 110/220 laptop brick which can do both).
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
So it got me wondering about a) buying a step-up transformer to handle 220v and then into the brick or b) simply buying a 'new' brick at Dixons that is 220v and outputs the same 9v or whatever comes out of the other end.
Basically, my question is can I simply substitute a 110v-only brick that outputs say 12v DC with a 220v-only brick that outputs a 12v DC? Aren't there a few specs (volts and amps or something) that would have to match perfectly? Could I just buy new bricks for my devices instead of step up transformers?
I thought I was a geeky gadget fiend!