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What's the difference between a power brick and a power plug?

NystriX
By NystriX
in Power Supplies
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Go to solution Solved by WereCat,

The output voltage may be the same but the current is way higher with the brick on the top picture, meaning it can handle way more power than the bottom one. 

 

The bottom one is only 12V 2.0A so max 24W output. 

The top one is 12V 4.16A so 50W output. 

Posted

My display power brick just died

It has an output of 12v and an input that supports the typical European plug

16249844129235081702377405837029.thumb.jpg.f40f66c1728e6cdc456c456fd39d6bdb.jpg

 

 

Now I want to replace it, do i need a power brick or can I just use one of those power plugs with 12v output?

 

16249846432791457063786410372237.thumb.jpg.7b2aed1d4a41cb9dd3507ca2bc8f913f.jpg

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Posted

Doesn't matter, whether it's plug or brick. Important is that the input voltage suits your electricity (if you live in 230V area, you need to use 230V compatible brick), output voltage is same as old one and amperage must be the same or higher compared to the old one. Of course, also the connector needs to be right.

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Posted

If it had an identical output, sure. But there’s a reason these come as large power bricks, much higher output compared to the wall units.

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Posted
  • Solution

The output voltage may be the same but the current is way higher with the brick on the top picture, meaning it can handle way more power than the bottom one. 

 

The bottom one is only 12V 2.0A so max 24W output. 

The top one is 12V 4.16A so 50W output. 

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Posted

The wall plugs tend to have lower output. That one is 12V 2A (24W) max output while the power brick you are trying to replace is 12V 4.16A (50W). To replace it find a power brick that has a 12V output voltage with a max current output of at least 4.1A.

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Posted

If you look at the output ratings on each of those power adapters, the smaller one is rated for just about half the amperage. So, no it would not work in this case.

 

Also, make sure any news one you intend to buy have the right polarity. Your old one is positive on the center pin and negative on the outer ring.

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Posted

The one on the top is decent.  The one on the bottom is a potential fire hazard...

 

Let's review....

 

Both are +12V.

 

Top one is full range input (works down to 100V).

Top one outputs 4.16A (so 50W)

Top on is UL and TÜV tested/listed.

 

Bottom one is 200V+ input only.

Bottom one outputs 2A (so 24W)

Bottom one has no safety certifications.

 

So what we have here is a picture of an apple... and an orange.

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  • Author
56 minutes ago, WereCat said:

The output voltage may be the same but the current is way higher with the brick on the top picture, meaning it can handle way more power than the bottom one. 

 

The bottom one is only 12V 2.0A so max 24W output. 

The top one is 12V 4.16A so 50W output. 

 

56 minutes ago, Spotty said:

The wall plugs tend to have lower output. That one is 12V 2A (24W) max output while the power brick you are trying to replace is 12V 4.16A (50W). To replace it find a power brick that has a 12V output voltage with a max current output of at least 4.1A.

 

55 minutes ago, Kid.Lazer said:

If you look at the output ratings on each of those power adapters, the smaller one is rated for just about half the amperage. So, no it would not work in this case.

 

Also, make sure any news one you intend to buy have the right polarity. Your old one is positive on the center pin and negative on the outer ring.

 

48 minutes ago, jonnyGURU said:

The one on the top is decent.  The one on the bottom is a potential fire hazard...

 

Let's review....

 

Both are +12V.

 

Top one is full range input (works down to 100V).

Top one outputs 4.16A (so 50W)

Top on is UL and TÜV tested/listed.

 

Bottom one is 200V+ input only.

Bottom one outputs 2A (so 24W)

Bottom one has no safety certifications.

 

So what we have here is a picture of an apple... and an orange.

Yeah I tried it and as soon as the monitor turned on it only survives like 0.5 seconds before dieing... Thx tho... If you have time could you help me find a replacement with this kind of connector online? (In the picture they're two separate of the same one not a one connector)

16249889858421873749015010458288.thumb.jpg.b54cbd9c408a20efde238dc71431d438.jpg

 

 

Like a keyword so I could search it on sites like AliExpress or eBay?

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Posted

What display are you using.  Unless you buy a universal adapter that comes with 10 tips, there's no guarantee you'll the correct DC output tip.

 

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32 minutes ago, jonnyGURU said:

What display are you using.  Unless you buy a universal adapter that comes with 10 tips, there's no guarantee you'll the correct DC output tip.

 

16249915059998167131497508078681.thumb.jpg.cce73ea84a8a66b37ec0cce212d33a8a.jpg

16249914344404194310590886135166.thumb.jpg.d20a2e51baea0d68be96bac43516e536.jpg

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Ok.  Cool.  So, it's the same as an Insignia monitor (Best Buy brand) and I know Amazon here in the US has an "UpBright 12V" adapter here that's just like your original one for $13 USD.  But obviously you don't want to buy one all the way from the U.S.  😄

  

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Wtf??Never heard about such brand.

Good luck finding an adapter for that monitor.

Output voltage matters but as does current if the monitor can use 4 Amps for normal work.

If you are lucky you might make it work.

But me personally never purchases second hand adapters/chargers.

Ofc the most important note is the power plug (pins must match between adapters).

 

Please do not take offence for my apparent confusion or rudeness,it's not intent me to be like that,it's just my BPD,be nice to me,and I'll return twice better,be rude and usually I get easly pissed of...I'll try to help anyone here,as long as it's something I dealt with,and even if you think I'm rude or not polite,forgive me,  it's not me it's my BPD.

Thanks for understanding.

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