Voltage Question

[Chesterton]

I have a small device which runs on 3.15 volts. I need to use a power adapter that lets me choose either 3 volts or 3.3 volts. Could the device get damaged if I use the 3.3 setting?

 

[J_B_]

I have a small device which runs on 3.15 volts. I need to use a power adapter that lets me choose either 3 volts or 3.3 volts. Could the device get damaged if I use the 3.3 setting?

I think this is an "it depends" kind of question. IOW, I think more information is needed about the device.

[edit] Regardless, you're talking about an overvoltage situation.

 

[Trusting in Him]

Try it on the 3v setting first, if that works o.K. just use that.

 

[Sophrosyne]

I have a small device which runs on 3.15 volts. I need to use a power adapter that lets me choose either 3 volts or 3.3 volts. Could the device get damaged if I use the 3.3 setting?

Depends on what the device is and the power adapter voltage truly is as sometimes the measurement is under a load and too light of a load will allow it to float higher voltage. Many devices can handle 10-20% overvoltage and if it is battery powered then it should be able to handle more voltage and less voltage also

 

[J_B_]

Try it on the 3v setting first, if that works o.K. just use that.

Not necessarily. Undervoltage can also be bad.

It comes down to what this device is and how it was designed. If this is cheap equipment from a hobby company, it's probably pretty easy to damage it. If it's durable equipment from a reputable company that offers a warranty, it likely has a large design factor and some lockout protocols.

 

[Subduction Zone]

As a fan of This is Spinal Tap I would suggest trying to run it at 11 volts.

 

[Gregorikos]

The power adaptor likely delivers over 3.5 volts on the 3 voltage setting, and over 4 volts on the 3.3 volts setting, especially if not powering anything. Don't worry about it. Put it on 3 volts and be done.

 

[J_B_]

As a fan of This is Spinal Tap I would suggest trying to run it at 11 volts.

Spinal Tap seems to have become a cult classic. I remember when it came out in '84. It has some classic bits, but it really drags in a few places as well. Regardless, it seems like I hear people saying "turn it up to 11" on a daily basis now.

Still, if you're talking Rob Reiner, I prefer The Princess Bride. A Few Good Men is also good. Classic Jack Nicholson.

 

[Chesterton]

I think this is an "it depends" kind of question. IOW, I think more information is needed about the device.

[edit] Regardless, you're talking about an overvoltage situation.

Try it on the 3v setting first, if that works o.K. just use that.

Depends on what the device is and the power adapter voltage truly is as sometimes the measurement is under a load and too light of a load will allow it to float higher voltage. Many devices can handle 10-20% overvoltage and if it is battery powered then it should be able to handle more voltage and less voltage also

The power adaptor likely delivers over 3.5 volts on the 3 voltage setting, and over 4 volts on the 3.3 volts setting, especially if not powering anything. Don't worry about it. Put it on 3 volts and be done.

Thanks everyone. The device is an old Canon digital camera. I'll try it on 3 when I get home tomorrow. I probably should have waited till after I tried it before asking about this, but I tried with a different camera awhile back and it was under-powered. Sounds like the 10% overvoltage range should protect it if I need to boost to 3.3.

 

[Sophrosyne]

Thanks everyone. The device is an old Canon digital camera. I'll try it on 3 when I get home tomorrow. I probably should have waited till after I tried it before asking about this, but I tried with a different camera awhile back and it was under-powered. Sounds like the 10% overvoltage range should protect it if I need to boost to 3.3.

I have an 8MP canon digital camera that takes I believe the same power adapter and if it takes 2AAs like mine does it should be fine with 3.3v and should also work with 3v as mine works with fresh AAs and also nimh and fresh AAs can measure up to 1.6v while nimh can put out less than 3v fully charged.

One issue may be the current output of the power supply as digital cameras can take considerable power to operate the electronics and lens motors.

 

[disciple Clint]

I have a small device which runs on 3.15 volts. I need to use a power adapter that lets me choose either 3 volts or 3.3 volts. Could the device get damaged if I use the 3.3 setting?

not likely but I would need to know what the devise is and how sensitive it is to voltage fluctuation

 

[chilehed]

As a fan of This is Spinal Tap I would suggest trying to run it at 11 volts.

But first put it in front of a pastel black background an video record it.

Nah, 3.3 is only 5% high, I'm betting it'll be fine.