Help identify a replacement AC Adapter/Transformer

10 years ago

Hello All,

I have two power plugs. I need to replace the Adapter 1 with a new one... The Adapter 1 says its a class 2 transformer and it has stopped working. I need to replace it and I have the Adapter 2, but I am not sure if it is the same thing...

I think the Adapter 1 may be a AC to AC transformer and the Adapter 2 is an AC to DC adapter. If so, could you point me to what I need to buy to replace the Adapter 1?

See below, Adapter 1 (This needs a replacement):

I don't quite understand the output when compared to the second adapter. This adapter 1 is a standard wall plug 120VAC plug but the output says it is "24 VAC at 833mA" ... does this mean that it is just stepping down the AC voltage from the 120 to 24 and still outputting the electricity in AC?

Below is Adapter 2, which clearly says it is an AC to DC:

Adapter 2 is one I have lying around... It is also a standard wall plug 120VAC, but it says the output is 24V at 1Amp, but it has this symbol that I think means DC output.

Plus the 1Amp is slightly higher than the 833mA so I guess it could pass more amperage if needed.

So can I use Adapter 2 in place of adapter 1?

Do I need to buy a new Adapter that is AC to AC output to replace adapter 1?

thanks

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Comments (5)

User
10 years ago
"I think the Adapter 1 may be a AC to AC transformer and the Adapter 2 is an AC to DC adapter. "

Correct.

"does this mean that it is just stepping down the AC voltage from the 120 to 24 and still outputting the electricity in AC?"

Yes.

"So can I use Adapter 2 in place of adapter 1?"

Probably not. Even if you could, you would also need to know the polarity of what you are trying to power.

"Do I need to buy a new Adapter that is AC to AC output to replace adapter 1?"

Yes.
Kremerica thanked User
randy427
10 years ago
You'll need to get a different replacement. #2 has a DC output, as do many due to being used to recharge batteries.
Kremerica thanked randy427
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Kremerica
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
thank you for the info Fred. and Randy427. I suspected this, but just wasn't sure.

On the replacement AC to AC transformer, does it matter if I use an output of 24VAC 20VA (833mA) or 24VAC 40VA (1600mA) ?

On DC adapters, (assuming both adapters are the same brand/type and both are UL rated and similar manufacturer for comparison), I've been told that the amount of Amperage the adapter puts out can be higher than what the end device needs, and the device will just draw the amount of electricity that is needed, and the extra just means you have a beefier/better quality adapter than what is needed... does this also apply with AC transformers? or should I make sure I get one that has the exact same output at 20VA / 833mA?

(This is to power a home water filtration unit, in case someone is wondering.)

thanks again
User
10 years ago
"On the replacement AC to AC transformer, does it matter if I use an output of 24VAC 20VA (833mA) or 24VAC 40VA (1600mA) ?"

You should be able to use either.

"and the extra just means you have a beefier/better quality adapter than what is needed"

Not necessarily, it won't guarantee that the transformer will last any longer, or be any better for the equipment. If it was the proper size to begin with, then a larger transformed is mostly just a waste of money.
Kremerica thanked User
Kremerica
Original Author
10 years ago
Excellent, thanks again.