Let's say an electronic device is rated for a power supply at 12VDC @ 1A Would it be OK to use a power supply if the voltage is the same in that case 12VDC but at higher amperage?

 

http://www.electro-tech-online.com/content/222-amp-hour-fallacy-ohm-s-law-noobies.html

Read this.

 

Thanks!! That's a good read!

 

There is a certain level of n00bie that it fits just right, and you asked just the right question to be a likely fit.

Glad I could point ya' to it.

 

The comments aren't too flattering to the writer of that paper!!!

 

So basically the voltage has to be the same but the amperage will work as long as it's equals or above the device rating So in that case a 12VDC 100Amp supply would work?

 

So basically the voltage has to be the same but the amperage will work as long as it's equals or above the device rating So in that case a 12VDC 100Amp supply would work?

Yep.

But it would cost rather more than the supply you would actually need.

 

hi,

were's the logic of using a 100A PSU? of course it will work because the current that will be drawn will only be what the device requires.

mozikluv

 

hi,

were's the logic of using a 100A PSU? of course it will work because the current that will be drawn will only be what the device requires.

mozikluv

I think the poster was being hypothetical.

 

So basically the voltage has to be the same but the amperage will work as long as it's equals or above the device rating So in that case a 12VDC 100Amp supply would work?

Not quite. A 12VDC 100A supply is a car battery.
When you are prototyping and experimenting you do make mistakes sometimes.
Have you ever shorted out a car battery? The results are spectacular.
You need a power supply that has short circuit protection.

For simple electronics experimentation, a simple 9VDC @500mA adapter into a LM7805 voltage regulator is a better choice.

 

The comments aren't too flattering to the writer of that paper!!!

and yet, there is a certain audience that it is perfect for...like you.

The result? I don't send "hopelesly pedantic" people to read it (as one of the criticizers signed himself).

 

I think the poster was being hypothetical.

My question was hyper hypothetical Just making sure that the theory is right!!!

 

Yep. "Enough" is all you need. The excess won't be used.

 

You should always use a power supply rated at or just above what is needed. If you need a 12v dc at 1A then a power supply rated at 1-30vdc at 3a is suffiecent.

 

My car battery can supply 800A when cold to a cold starter motor.
But the clock in my car draws only 0.01A or less, not 800A.

 

You could use a 60 Amp car battery if you wanted.