I have recently acquired a charger , but all of the information is in Chinese and there are no markings to indicate which side in + or -. I know that trying to charge something with the wrong polarity is a no-no, so how can I figure out the polarity from just the charger? Do I need to take it apart? Is there a "tell"?
Charger polarity - how to tell?
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Gionnirocket
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What battery connection is on the charger? Post a pic.
That said.. With a voltmeter and both probes connected... if the red probe is on the positive conductor it will read the voltage as a positive number with no preface
If the red probe is on the Negative conductor it will read a number with the - preface
That said.. With a voltmeter and both probes connected... if the red probe is on the positive conductor it will read the voltage as a positive number with no preface
If the red probe is on the Negative conductor it will read a number with the - preface
AHicks
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This hint goes back to the dark ages at least. Most 2 strand corded wire will have some sort of "tracer" on one side, the other will not have it. Could be a tiny rib or 2 molded in, could be a white stripe. In either case, that will be your positive lead.
Voltmeter/VOM the way better plan though.....
Voltmeter/VOM the way better plan though.....
Gionnirocket
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I've never seen that used with DC as a standard. It is with AC as no matter the cable type the Neutral conductor must be identified.
That said in cases like this the wire is typically 2 conductor with and outer clean round jacket.
AHicks
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Some of us have seen it, otherwise I wouldn't have said anything? Especially on chargers/wall blisters. Agree though, "lamp cord" is more frequently seen with AC.
Gionnirocket
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I'm not saying that you haven't seen it... I'm saying that it is not a standard by any means... so hence it can't be relied upon.
If I came across a charger built with lamp cord... For sure I would break out the meter
tomjasz
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Jo?
Gionnirocket
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Perhaps to trigger chargers that need to see a load?
Gionnirocket
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That's an AC cable used in a DC application which is perfectly fine for low current situations as this.
But you will need a voltmeter to determine polarity.
Yes one end is ac, there is a brick, then the other end is in the pictures. It is a standard charger for escooters. They typically look like this, in my experience... https://www.amazon.ca/Battery-Charg...ocphy=9000767&hvtargid=pla-736518329732&psc=1
Gionnirocket
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tomjasz
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Yes. The use of this connector is seen on MANY early batteries and kits. It's still an option with some battery pack builders.
My education for the day!
indianajo
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You use a mating connector and connect the resistor to the pins with alligator clip leads. When the voltage doesn't have a minus in front of it, the pin connected to the red meter lead is the plus.
tomjasz
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A simple cheap multimeter may be more user-friendly. Not many here are up to speed using resistors and components when a multimeter is so much easier. Thoughts? If polarity has reversed a multimeter will flag a - minus sign. Easy peasy! No?
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