In our daily lives, laptops are becoming unavoidable. They support our ability to maintain relationships, work on tasks, and have fun. Finding the proper charger for their laptop, however, is a problem that many laptop owners encounter regularly.
You might occasionally have a charger that doesn't provide the voltage that your laptop needs. When this happens, one concern that comes up is whether it is safe to use a 19v charger with an 18.5v laptop.
We'll talk about the risks and if it's safe to use a higher voltage charger in this article.
Voltage and charger knowledge
Let's first define voltage and how it relates to laptop chargers before we discuss whether it is safe to use a 19v charger with an 18.5v laptop. The electrical potential difference between two locations in a circuit is measured in voltage.
Voltage, as it relates to laptop chargers, refers to how much electrical power the charger can deliver to the computer. Volts are used to measure this energy (V).
The process by which laptop chargers transform AC (alternating current) electricity from the wall outlet into DC (direct current) power that the laptop may use comes in a variety of sizes and configurations.
For the laptop to charge properly, the output voltage of the charger must coincide with the input voltage.
Use of a Higher Voltage Charger Pose Hazards
Let's get to the major issue at hand now that we have a better understanding of voltage and chargers: can a 19v charger be used with an 18.5v laptop?
The quick response is no. Using a charger that has a higher voltage than what your laptop needs can be dangerous and could harm your computer.
The battery in your device could overheat or even explode if you use a charger that delivers more electrical energy than what your laptop needs. Moreover, excessive voltage has the potential to permanently harm the laptop's internal parts.
Using a Higher Voltage Charger as an Option
The only option if you don't have the proper charger for your laptop is to use a charger with a greater voltage. To properly charge your laptop, you can try these other methods.
Buy a New Charger as Option 1
The best course of action is to get a new charger with an output voltage that matches what your laptop needs. A suitable charger is simple to find both online and at electrical stores.
Employ a voltage regulator as a backup plan.
Using a voltage regulator in between the charger and the laptop is an additional choice. The charger can be made safe to use by adjusting the output voltage such that it matches the input voltage of your laptop using a voltage regulator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is dangerous and risky to use a 19v charger with an 18.5v laptop. Choose a charger with the proper voltage output to protect your laptop from any possible damage.
If you don't already have the right charger, you can either buy a new one that has the voltage output that your laptop needs, or you can use a voltage regulator to change the output voltage of your current charger.
FAQs
Can I charge my laptop using a lower voltage charger?
As long as the lower voltage charger satisfies your laptop's minimal requirements, it's generally fine to use one. The charging process could, however, take longer than usual.
What will happen if I use a charger that doesn't produce the voltage that my laptop needs?
Utilizing a charger that produces a different voltage than what your laptop needs can be dangerous and perhaps harmful to your device.
Is it secure to modify the charger's output voltage using a voltage regulator?
Absolutely, switching to a voltage regulator instead of a higher voltage charger is safe. It can match the output voltage of the charger to the input voltage of your laptop, making it safe to use.
Can my laptop's warranty be voided if I use a higher voltage charger?
Absolutely, damaging your equipment by using a charger that has a higher voltage than what your laptop needs may void the warranty.
Can my laptop be damaged if I use a charger that isn't as powerful as it needs to be?
Although it's normally safe to use a charger with less amperage than your laptop needs, doing so could make your laptop charge more slowly than usual. The battery in your device can be harmed by using a charger with a substantially lower amperage, though.