Do You Need a 12V, 19V, or 24V AC-DC Adapter? A Buyer’s Guide

Do You Need a 12V, 19V, or 24V AC-DC Adapter? A Buyer’s Guide

Power adapters play a vital role in converting AC voltage into DC. AC/DC adapters are highly useful for different devices like tablets and laptops. However, electrical components of these adapters are available in various voltages and types. Especially voltage is the most significant factor in buying adapters. But which voltage should you choose to meet your electrical device’s needs? Most consumers feel confused, as the voltage ranges from 12V to 24V.

Know about the various voltages of your power adapters

The voltage rating is intended for diverse types of electronic gadgets.

12V AC-DC power adapters

These adapters are best for supplying power to household electronics, including-

  • Gaming consoles
  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Amplifiers
  • Small speakers
  • CCTV security cameras
  • LED strip lights

Make sure your device needs 12 DC for smooth functioning. This voltage is also suitable for devices that consume low to moderate-level power. If you want to replace your 12V adapter, choose the same voltage for the new device. Moreover, the amperage and the connector’s polarity are other things that you must check while buying the power adapter.

19V AC-DC power adapters

If you have high-power electronic devices, 19V adapters are the right choice. The common applications of these adapters are

  • Docking stations
  • Scanners
  • Printers
  • Monitors 
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptops

Most manufacturers mention the amount of voltage essential for the input. Some universal power adapters come with 19 V settings. So, you have to check every technical detail before making a purchase.

24V AC-DC power adapters

A high-quality 24V adapter is essential for many power-intensive applications-

  • CNC machines
  • Medical devices
  • Industry-grade control systems
  • 3D printers
  • Large LED screens
  • Motorized actuators 

Thus, for high-end commercial electronics, you can invest in 24V AC/DC power adapters. Make sure your electronics manufacturer has mentioned 24V input for the device.

This brief guide will help you select the right voltage for your adapter.

Can you use a 19V power adapter for a 12V input?

You must not use an adapter with a higher voltage for a 12V device. Electronic gadgets are designed to work within a particular voltage range. So, overvoltage may permanently damage the electronic components. If the gadget has a built-in voltage regulator, it will not manage the extra voltage efficiently. Moreover, the extra voltage will strain the internal components and cause reliability issues.

So, using the correct 12V adapter is important to avoid the issues. If you cannot find an original adapter, buy a universal device.

Why should you check the voltage while buying the adapter?

Voltage is the most important factor for your AC-DC adapter because it determines how electric power flows to the connected device. Thus, the adapter you have chosen should ensure the right voltage for the proper functioning of your electronic device. Higher voltage will damage internal components. On the contrary, a low voltage will prevent the gadget from functioning efficiently.
 
Thus, the adapter’s output voltage has to match the device’s voltage. Check the device’s voltage rating before searching for an AC-DC power adapter.

Other details that you must check while buying the power adapter

The adapter must supply the right amount of current to the device. Although a higher current rating is good, a lower one may lead to malfunctions. Power is another important factor for the adapter buyers. The power is determined by multiplying the current with the voltage.

SMX Power- The most trustworthy supplier of power supply products

If you need an AC/DC adapter, contact our team at SMX Power. We supply premium-quality adapters with various voltage levels. Our team rigorously tests every device before delivering it to the destination. So, you will receive flawless products from our company. 

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