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Does the amp rating fora device mean it's the max drawn, and can you use a power supply with more amps?

For example, I have a device that says it takes 12 volts and 2 amps. Does that mean I can use a power supply that has 12 volts and 100 amps? I know that is far fetched, maybe impossible. Say 12 V 6 amps. Will that blow up the device? Or does that 2 amp rating on the device just mean the most it will pull on load is 2 amps. Does this mean I can use a power supply that accommodates two amps or above, thus allowing me to use a 12v 6a power supply? Thanks.

4 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Yes, you can use a 12v 100 amp supply to power the 12 v 2 amp device.

    The rating of a power supply means that it will hold up the output voltage while supplying UP TO the specified current, provided you have sufficient ventilation because, it's going to get hot.

  • 8 years ago

    The rating tells you that you need a power supply that can deliver that current. It would not normally hurt to have a power supply that could deliver more.

    The actual amps flowing will depend on the voltage and the load. The voltage sounds like it's +12 V in either case. The load should not change (that is, the device should present the same resistance in both case, and Ohm's law says the same current with flow.)

    I am sure there's some point at where prudence dictates that that you don't hook up a huge power supply to something that was supposed to have a small power supply. Just 'cause maybe something would short out, and the device is not adequately grounded or something.

    But you are talking 6A vs 2A. If it was me, I would try the 6A supply if that was my only option.

  • nord
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    The one feasible quandary I see is that some energy presents have a minimal current. Under that present they won't keep an eye on the voltage competently. The early computer vigor supplies have been like that. But most 25 amp supplies will manage 10 amps just to find.

  • 8 years ago

    yes i think u are absolutly correct

    but ehn again did u remember to take the remainder one to the other side?

    Source(s): the cerebrum portion of my testicles
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