Powercord Volts/Amps interchangability question

T

tbremer

New Member
Hey guys,

I have an Acer monitor that I lost the power cord. On the back of the monitor the power usage (or however its worded exactly) is 19v 2a. Does that mean I need to find another cord at exactly 19v 2a or how exactly does that work? I have a cord that is 12v 5a and one that is 19v 3.4a. I feel that the 19v one is probably close enough and would work, but the 12v one probably wouldn't, but I just want to ask before I try it. Mainly I just dont want to mess anything up with the monitor with having the extra 1.4 amps on the 19v. Any advice as far as a range of volts and amps would be appreciated.
 
You want to match the voltage and you want the amps to be equal to or GREATER. The 12V 5A is fine, the 19V 3.4A would more than likely damage your monitor.
 
Is this a laptop monitor or a standalone LCD monitor? If the cord fits then it will work fine, I'm using an older cord from a CRT monitor for my LCD and there is no problem. The monitor should or will have a built in transformer to regulate the power. Please provide more details as I am confused.
 
strollin said:
You want to match the voltage and you want the amps to be equal to or GREATER. The 12V 5A is fine, the 19V 3.4A would more than likely damage your monitor.
Click to expand...

I dont understand. You said I want the voltage to match and amps to be equal to or greater. The 19v matches and 3.4a is greater. Isn't that exactly what you said I want? If you mean I want the monitor to have a larger rating on the amps then wouldnt the 12v 5amps be bad?

JLuchinski said:
Is this a laptop monitor or a standalone LCD monitor? If the cord fits then it will work fine, I'm using an older cord from a CRT monitor for my LCD and there is no problem. The monitor should or will have a built in transformer to regulate the power. Please provide more details as I am confused.
Click to expand...

I should have clarified that I am talking about an AC adapter. Not a normal power cord normally associated with a CRT monitor but what is normally associated with laptop powercord.
 
O.k, I understand now. I've never seen that type of power connection on a monitor before. In that case then you should match the adapter, don't under/over power it otherwise you run the risk of damage. What model is your monitor?
 
Its an Acer S201HL... I found a cord on Amazon thats for that monitor but its $20. I was hoping to use what I have or pick one up for cheaper. I bought this monitor off ebay for $50 - so spending another $20 makes the deal much less sweeter. When it said no power cable I didn't really think it would be an AC Adapter because like you said generally the monitors have normal power cables. Oh well.
 
tbremer said:
I dont understand. You said I want the voltage to match and amps to be equal to or greater. The 19v matches and 3.4a is greater. Isn't that exactly what you said I want? If you mean I want the monitor to have a larger rating on the amps then wouldnt the 12v 5amps be bad?



I should have clarified that I am talking about an AC adapter. Not a normal power cord normally associated with a CRT monitor but what is normally associated with laptop powercord.
Click to expand...
Sorry, brain fart there. I should have said the 19V 3.4A AC adapter would work, I was thinking your monitor was 12V. Sorry for the confusion.

There are a couple of other considerations though. Is the connector the same and does the connector have the correct polarity?
 
Yeah I made sure the connector was the correct size and polarity. I tried both adapters today and they both worked. Due to a situation unimportant to this issue I have to use the 12v one for now, but am going to keep my eye out for a cheap 19v. While googling this question I read that its fine to have less volts, but if you do its possible the monitor will wear out quicker due to "starving" for power.

Thanks for the help.
 
I'm surprised it works at all since the voltage isn't even close. Good luck with that, I think some components in the monitor may get warm drawing excess current to make for the lack of voltage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top