How many mA in an Amp, can I use a 10V-1A power adapter to power an Appliance

[BradyN]

that needs 15V-350mA? How many mA in an Amp? does it mater if i have more mA then I need, or will it burn my appliance out? (the appliance is a digital scale)

My scales require 15V and 350mA, but I only have a power adapter that is 10V and 1Amp, and another adapter that is 10V and 3Amp. Can I use these power adapters if they do manage to power the scales or will I damage the scales? How many mA are in an amp?

 

[rowlfe]

1000ma = 1a

On power supplies, the scale probably does NOT use 15v, but probably regulates the 15v to a lower voltage internally. Go ahead and try the 10v supplies. As long as the polarity is correct, you will not hurt anything. If the voltage is too low, it just won't work in a reliable manner. Never use a power supply of a higher voltage, as a higher voltage than the device was built for CAN do damage, but a lower voltage may work like a bulb designed for 2 batteries being in a flashlight with only one. It works, but not as well as it should, if it works at all. The closer the voltage to the design, the more likely it will work as advertised. In your 10v is borderline for a device listed at 15v, in my opinion. As to current, what is listed on the power supply is the maximum available. Anything less used by the device is OK. Again, with current, if the supply is rated to near the value or larger, it is OK. Even though the scale says 350ma, it likely draws less in real life. You lose nothing by trying the 10v 350ma supply. It will either work, or it won't, but you will not damage it by using a supply rated at 10v 350ma.