Power Cord Question

[johnneumann]

Hi Ya'll.

This is not really an editing or Casablanca question, but I have no where else to turn for advice on this one. (Yeah, you try googling this one.)

I have two Sony items on my desk (sitting near my Casablanca, just so I can justify my space on the forum right now). One is a computer's external DVD burner, the other is a Sony DVCAM VCR. Both have a yellow round female port where the power cord goes.

So in my untidy box of wires and cords, I have two power cords ... both have yellow male ends ... both fit into either the VCR or the burner.

One power cord says 1.3A ... the other says 3A !!!

Same plugs, same yellow ring, ... different power output !!! (Some Japanese power-cord design engineer spent too much time at Karaoke that night.)

I'm only 80% sure that I remember which one goes to which. Nope, manuals are long gone.

Can anyone advise on how to safely determine which cord goes to which item?

(Preferably something other than, plug in your $2000 DVCAM VCR into one of the cords, and if it doesn't fry ... that was the one.)

-JOHN

[Charles]

Hi John
You may have already done this but have you checked the manuals,may give the answer there or a description of power cord,failing that a online service manual and last but not least a local dealer selling either of the items and just go and have a look.

[IanPearson]

John
Firstly try looking at the labels on the units (VCR and Burner) themselves, they may have a lable showing the device current rating or power consumption. Which ever has the highest current rating (amps) or power consumption (watts), then use the 3A power lead for this unit.

In the UK we usually have a replaceable fuse in the plug, but from memory I don’t think this is true in the US, but in any case the lowest power plug fuse rating in the UK is 3A.

However, the power consumption of either of these units is relatively small, therefore either power lead should be capable of supplying either device, that is both power leads should be capable of taking at least 3A. The rating shown on the power lead is not for the protection of the device, it is just the rating of the power lead.

Ian

[TimKennelly]

John,

I would expect the VCR would require more power than the external drive, but I'd google your specific models online for manuals if there is no listing near the jack on either unit showing power ratings (usually are).

Or post to a Sony member group support site asking for someone to check the plug rating on their Sony DVCAM VCR (give specific model number).

[CasablancaExpert]

John - if you have not already uncovered your answer, you might try this cool website I recently came across. It holds the owners manuals from most all equipment, etc. You can read about it on my Your Technology Tutor blog: Free User Manual and Owners Instruction Library

Regards,
Chet

[CKNewman]

Those devices are referred to as power adapters. Plugging the wrong one in could cause serious damage to the unit.

Sometimes the back plate will give the power input specs. You could go to the Sony website and do a search on the models numbers. If you can't find it there then try a full internet search on the model numbers.

[CKNewman]

Good morning, Chet!

[BobFoster]

1st, you need to check the polarity of the round adapter plugs. Center + outside - or vice versa. This info should be available printed on the adapter transformer. If both are the same, good so far. If not be veeeery careful about plugging either one to the units until you are sure. Second, be sure the output voltage is the same. See above. If both are the same, the amperage output is the amperage that is available to the unit, not what is going to be zapped into the unit. The 3A should operate either one without a problem if polarity and voltage are the same, but the 1.3A adapter may have insufficient power to operate the most power hungry unit and may burn out the lower capacity adapter transformer. The units may have a watt or amp requirement on the unit itself or as mentioned in a downloaded owners manual.