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Chargers and devices that they charge?

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I have a box full of assorted chargers for USB devices ... but have no idea what some of them came with. Can one assume that any USB charger will be suitable for any device that needs charging via USB? I am presuming that the voltage from charger A is the same as that from charger B. And that this is a worldwide standard. All of mine have come from UK and/or EU (mostly the former); none are from places that have the US voltage. Thanks in advance for comments. M
 
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But the current may not meet the need. Plug a kettle in to a socket that is only suitable for a light.
 
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Not really. USB charger "bricks" supply different power (amps/watts), so depending on the brick one might charge at a different speed. Some more recent devices might be able to deal with the different power outputs, but also some might not.
 

Rod


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The broad answer is no, not all chargers are the same. Essentially they are all transformers that convert AC mains power to different voltages of DC power dependent on what the device requires, usually 12V. They also provide different Ampere/Wattage output like the Apple Power "Adaptor" which initially charges the battery in a MacBook then powers the device directly when the battery is "full".
A lower than advised wattage may charge the MacBook slowly but will not be sufficient to power it directly.
A higher than advised wattage may charge very quickly but eventually (or immediacy) damage the device.

My advice, if you cannot identify the device the charger is for, throw it away. To try and use it for something else is risky and may even be dangerous.
 
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OK thanks to all three for the helpful comments. I'd assumed that they were all the same but in view of the comments, I will be more careful in future.
M
 

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