Electrics Question - Do I have the Wrong Power cable / adaptor?

RealGem

I just bought a used Packard Bell monitor as I needed to use 2 monitors at the same time.

And the adaptor got way hotter than my usual monitor's power cable's adaptor. It also says LITEON as the manufacturer (the same as my laptop's charger), which makes me think it's supposed to be a laptop power cable.

Google images seems to back up this theory.

So if this is a laptop power lead, would it cause harm? It really is not just warm, but too hot to touch! - It does not feel safe.

From what I can tell from looking at both the backs, the monitor is AC 12v and 3.5A, while its adaptor is AC 12v and 3.33A.

Also when I try to buy a new monitor power cable online I can only find the standard "kettle" power leads. I can't find the adaptors that go from the kettle power leads to the monitor.

How do I know the correct adaptor please?

thanks a lot

GunJack

it's getting hot because it's over-working to supply what the monitor needs. Stop using it asap and get the correctly-rated psu for the monitor, ideally one that will supply 3.75Amps minimum to allow safety margin and so's not to overheat it.

RealGem

GunJack wrote: »

it's getting hot because it's over-working to supply what the monitor needs. Stop using it asap and get the correctly-rated psu for the monitor, ideally one that will supply 3.75Amps minimum to allow safety margin and so's not to overheat it.

hi thanks, please can you direct me to a suitable one, or at least give me the correct search term to use?

When I put in "psu" in Amazon it only give Watts as variants.

thanks a lot

Bowling_4_Gold

Searching for a 12v 4a PSU on Amazon yields several results.

You need to measure the barrel tip of the current PSU that the monitor uses, as different products use different-sized barrel tips.

A common size is 5.5mm outer and 2.5mm inner diameter. I'd hazard a guess and say it's quite likely this is what your new monitor uses, but you really need to check yourself. Also check the description of any PSU you buy, as many sellers have a habit of 'keyword fishing' in the title, but differing the description. Ensure the PSU has a minimum output of 4 amps.

Before you spend too much on a replacement PSU, remember that you can get an entire second hand 17" LCD monitor for £15-20 delivered on eBay!

steviebabes

Divide watts by 12 to get amps.

RealGem

ok thanks a lot guys

The connection does look like it's 5.5mm outer diameter and 2.5mm inner diameter.

Can someone confirm if it is just the wrong voltage that was the problem?

Or would a laptop charger with the correct voltage also be unsuitable?

Yes, I realise I could well be spending more than I need to, but after that one heated up so much today :eek: - I'm thinking I only want a new adaptor now.

wealdroam

RealGem wrote: »

ok thanks a lot guys

The connection does look like it's 5.5mm outer diameter and 2.5mm inner diameter.

Can someone confirm if it is just the wrong voltage that was the problem?

Or would a laptop charger with the correct voltage also be unsuitable?

Yes, I realise I could well be spending more than I need to, but after that one heated up so much today :eek: - I'm thinking I only want a new adaptor now.

The voltage is not wrong. A 12 volt adapter is what you need, and a 12 volt adapter is what you have.

Your existing 12 volt adapter is not capable of supplying the required current without overheating.

You need a 12 volt adapter that is capable of supplying over 3.5 amps. I.e. 42 watts or more.

mttylad

Lets simplify this.

What is the model of the monitor?
With that known, you\we can find the correct replacement PSU.

RealGem

mttylad wrote: »

Lets simplify this.

What is the model of the monitor?
With that known, you\we can find the correct replacement PSU.

It's a Packard Bell 17" VT700

but when I search for Packard Bell VT700 monitor power cable, I only get generic cables or Packard Bell monitors.

thanks a lot

bod1467

A quick search suggests you're looking for a Packard-Bell AC Adapter 6945610000.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Power-Supply-and-AC-Adapter-for-PACKARD-BELL-6945610000-LCD-LED-TV-/310905523066 (Out of stock, but that was just the first link I saw).

fishybusiness

Probably cheaper to buy a used 17" monitor.