For example two off-the-shelf 12VDC power apdaptors that you plug into the wall. If I connect the +12V wire from one to the ground line of the other, am I going to get 24VDC or am I going to get a fireworks show?
2007-12-28 06:33:06 · 7 answers · asked by Newt 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Yes, I mean in series, *not* in parallel. Thanks for all the great responses so far!
2007-12-28 07:19:33 · update #1
A previous answer said (correctly) that the supplies would have to be isolated, if they are equipped with two prong plugs, they will be isolated and should work fine in series (parallel would be more problematic due manufacturing variations in the components, especially if they are regulated supplies.) But if the supplies have grounded plugs it is _possible_ (but not guarantied) that one side of the output is grounded and connecting them in series would be bad (it would short circuit one of the supplies)
2007-12-28 07:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by tinkertailorcandlestickmaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that is all you are going to do, then yes, there should be a potential of 24V between the -ve of one and the +ve of another. I suspect it would last for a fraction of a second, though, if you put any kind of load across it! In each transformer you have a bunch of circuitry which is only designed to carry 12 volts. If you connect them in series, 24 volts would theoretically be the potential in the whole circuit. I think it would fry.
(Some people have misunderstood you and are talking about connecting in parallel - same voltage, twice the current.)
2007-12-28 14:39:00 · answer #2 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're talking in "series" instead of "parallel." In theory it would work as long as the output is isolated.
You would need two "floating bridges" to make it work. As far as fireworks... most have the output protected. As far as it loading down and getting hot over time and catching fire, that is another story.
The problem with simple power supplies, instead of inverting power supplies is that there is always AC ripple and that will create a load on the output of another power supply.
2007-12-28 14:38:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to do that experiment with car batteries.
I wish I could remember exacfly how I did it, you need to Google it to be sure.
I think the way you are doing it is right though.
If you run both grounds and both positives together, it only doubles the amperage if I remember correctly.
Now I remember, yes, you are right, it makes 24 volts, like the way diesel trucks batteries are set to be 24 volts.
2007-12-28 14:39:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In THEORY, this would work. However, this is a real case by case type of thing. The best answer is to buy an adapter with the appropriate voltage.
2007-12-28 14:37:50 · answer #5 · answered by Greg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fireworks.
Actually, depending on whether you hook them up in series or parallel, you may not even get fireworks, sad to say.
2007-12-28 14:36:42 · answer #6 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
this really is not a good practice and rarely is it ever used by manufacturers
2007-12-28 22:46:36 · answer #7 · answered by terry h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋