Can't Put The Smoke Back In. Careless? Maybe.. Poor Design? Definitely!

Electric_Light

Since low voltage devices don't have to be individually UL tested, wallwarts are immensely popular. Often time, the labeling on the adapter and the name don't correspond logically so when adapters and devices get separated and you have no idea which goes to what and you happened to try the wrong one...you let the smoke out.

Although the center being + is more common, there are some design that uses center -, just like the oddball positive ground vehicles.

Well, the same damn plug is used for many different voltages and both polarities.

End result = my GPS is a total loss.

This isn't a big issue with AC power. You don't have the same exact plug for 120, 208, 277 and 480v. They're made reasonably idiot proof by means of physically different plugs.

ABLE1

First I will respond as a tech support guy would from a major mfg. would.

Sir!! it is always important to READ the voltage label on every device before just plugging it in!! READING the instructions is very important with all electronic devices. I am sorry for your loss. Is there anything else I can help you with today. Very well sir, thank you for calling EG. click.


Now as I would say it.

I totally agree and blame the engineers/designers of the world for their stupidity that causes this to happen more that we will ever know. I am having a similar issue with a 12vdc camera quad processor that a possible customer handed to me and asked if it worked. The wall wart that was attached turned out to be a 6vdc when the unit required 12vac.
I first 'ass-u-med' what the customer gave me was correct since it was all together. Plugged it in and nothing worked except for the power LED. Then I looked at the P/S and saw the problem. Luckily the voltage was it the good direction not to cause any damage.

The sad part of this saga is that there is so much out there that is or could be wrong, we would have to go back 30 - 40 years to fix it. At a time that my time machine has a broken part as well.

Then again if someone in the government would get wind of this there could be a 'bailout plan' devised so that it could be fixed. I could be on that oversight board and vote myself a raise just to keep me on the board. Yea that's it.............. it could just work. All in favor say 'aye'.

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ABLE1

Electric_Light

You'll find that many devices don't even show the polarity or amperage requirements even if it shows the voltage.