A31 AC Adaptor Confusion - Help

[gb_ibmguy]

I’m a little confused about the correct AC Power adaptor for an A31.
I just recently purchased another adaptor from LapTopAid to have as a spare. The description listed the unit as compatible with A31, as well as a whole boatload of other TPs. It was listed as a genuine IBM and listed all the FRU’s. I didn’t have my present adaptor with me at the time to check the FRU’s but the Leveno site did list the FRU for an A31P, it all matched, so I ordered it. What the heck, how bad can it be? Good price and an IBM unit.

Received it today and discovered it looks very different, about 1 inch longer, 1 inch narrower and ribbed on the bottom. In checking the spec’s this is what I find:
FRU 02K6753
OUTPUT: 16V,4.5A,72W (2 prong wall plug)

The specs on the working adaptor(s) are:
FRU 02K7006
OUTPUT: 16V,3.36A,60W (3 prong wall plug)

In doing a Google on 02k7006, a lot of hits come up with 02k6753. Levino seems to indicate that FRU 02K6753 is some type of a universal TP power supply.

So, my question is, is this thing safe to use with my A31, or do I put it up for sale in the Marketplace? (I can return it to LapTopAid, but with the 15% restock and postage, it isn’t worth it, and I’m still out a spare adaptor)

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[Harryc]

It is always safe to use an adapter with higher specs than original, never a good idea to use one with lower ratings.

[90base]

How is that? If you push to many amps across the fuse on the MOBO you WILL blow it. Like if it were a 100v 125a 700w. (Im sure there is NO adapter with that configuration) You are saying it would be safe to use? EEEEk.

[DoctorLondom]

Those switching power supplies are designed in a way where they give only what is drawn by the equipment. When your battery is charged, the AC adapter it will be supplying lower current than when you're running it as well as charging a flat battery. 4.5A and 3.36A only serve as maximum load capacity.

[Harryc]

The machine will draw only the amps it needs. Using an under rated adapter will stress the adapter and make it run hot because the machine draws more than the adapter can supply.

[ajkula66]

90base wrote:

How is that? If you push to many amps across the fuse on the MOBO you WILL blow it. Like if it were a 100v 125a 700w. (Im sure there is NO adapter with that configuration) You are saying it would be safe to use? EEEEk.

You're not "pushing" anything. Laptop takes what it needs, within certain voltage/amper parameters. You would blow the board if it were 20V and 4.5 Amp...

BTW, 16V/4.5 A is the correct and specified adapter for A3x series, use it with no fear.

Although 3.36A adapter will power the unit on, and charge the battery, it will be prone to overheating, and shouldn't be used on regular basis. These adapters are the correct ones for smaller (T2x, A2x, X2x, X3x) ThinkPads.

[gb_ibmguy]

OK,

Thanks to you all! I will try the power supply, with my fingers crossed and let everyone know the results.
Sorry to seem like a wus, but these are my first "owned" laptops vs corp supplied. I'll rip and burn a desktop unit with no fear, but....

Again, thanks!

[gb_ibmguy]

Ok, Success!

Plugged my wife's A31 into it and all is well. Guess these are really IBM Universal. Good to know as there are a lot of these Genuine IBM adapters around.

Thanks to all!