Should I use this AC Adapter?

[bellsnwhistles]

I bought AC Adapter CHARGER POWER DELL STUDIO XPS 15Z X15L-3571ELS L502X X15Z-10417ELS
Specifications:
Input: 100-240V~2A, 50/60Hz
Output: 19.5V 4.62A

It claims to work with my Dell XPS15 502LX but my power adapter specs as follows
Dell AC/DC Adapter
Model: DA13-PE1-00
DELL P/N JU012
REF NO. ADP 130D8 B
Input: 100-240V~2.5A(2.5A) 50-60Hz
Output: 19.5V(19.5V) 6.7A(6.7A)

I noticed that the output amperage is basically where the difference lies, a much lower rating than my factory adapter. Also of course the Input AC amp difference of .5A

But I am also concerned about the overall quality of this adapter. It's made by ROHS (Made in China)

I know, I am asking after the fact (long story) but is it wise to use this with my Laptop?

Thanks for advice folks

[flanzig1]

That big of a difference in amp output could cause the lower amp PS to overheat. You can always go over on the output but undersized is asking for trouble.

[strollin]

That adapter is only capable of delivering 70% of the power of the original adapter. As falnzig1 said, it's OK to exceed the output current but not OK to go undersized. Think of the current as the horsepower of an engine, you can use a vehicle with excess HP to tow a load but towing a load without enough HP is asking for trouble.

[larrymoencurly]

Originally Posted by bellsnwhistles But I am also concerned about the overall quality of this adapter. It's made by ROHS (Made in China)

More likely it's made according to ROHS rules -- ROHS stands for "Reduction of Hazardous Substances" and essentially means there's no lead or cadmium in the product. I can't see the manufacturer's name, but typically you can find them by checking the CSA file number (like LR123456) at CSA International - Certified Product Listings

or the UL file number (like E654321) at UL Online Certifications Directory

If neither number exists, then the power adapter is junk and potentially dangerous to the computer and to you (electric shock and fire hazards). Unfortunately some companies print fake certification numbers on the labels, so there's no way to be sure of getting a safety tested product, except by purchasing it directly from a major computer maker, like Dell. I have a feeling the power adapter you bought is a quality product because the $75 price for a 90W adapter isn't much lower than the $95 that Dell wants for a 130W adapter.

Don't buy power adapters that aren't truly UL or CSA approved because the quality can be considerably worse. For example, the unapproved one for my external hard disk enclosure has no line filter (can cause intererence with sound cards or AM radio), no surge protector, no overvoltage protection (to prevent damage to the computer), and probably no short circuit protection. The capacitors are all junk brand, and the isolation transformer (prevents dangerous shocks) isn't UL or CSA approved. But the unapproved transformer shouldn't be a hazard because the adapter uses a grounded 3-wire power cord, so the ground connection will prevent danger, right? No, because its AC receptacle's ground pin isn't used. IOW the grounding is fake.

OTOH a UL approved adapter for another hard disk enclosure seems to have all those missing features, a lot more parts, Japanese capacitors, an approved transformer. Yet for some reason it's rated for 10W less power, probably due to honesty.

Some Dell power adapters are unusual in that they have a tiny pin in the middle of the round DC power plug to communicate identification information to the computer, but unfortunately that seems to cause some problems:

Inside the DELL AC Power Adapter - A mystery revealed | The Laptop Junction

[bellsnwhistles]

All I see is the Model Number ST-C-090-19500462CT and a bar code sticker #GZSTMLT11120016

Thanks for replies folks

btw Not receiving email notifications though it's turned on

[glc]

Check your spam folder.

[bellsnwhistles]

Strange I received your email but none of the others from this thread. Not in spam folder either.

I recently had a flood of emails (legit) coming in from Facebook around the same time. Thinking this may have something to do not sure. Those emails however, all went to spam.

Hopefully it will work now. Let's see what happens.

Thanks glc

[bellsnwhistles]

I was able to get my money back and the suggestions made here played a very important role.

Thanks much folks!

[bellsnwhistles]

Forgot to mention my Dell XPS15 LX502X was operating in higher than normal temps for very long time but now it is completely dead. I did not get the trottle and shutdown thing or maybe it is because I am not sure what to look for.

The Laptop is currently still very dead. No light nothing. Wondering if the mobo got damaged or what?

I never used any cpu temp software or cooling pad on that one. Yeah I know silly of me.

Any help appreciated. Or should I just call it a day? This is my main laptop.

Thanks again

[glc]

So - the battery is dead and it won't power up with a known good AC adapter?

Documentation

If the AC-Adapter Connector isn't bad, then it is very likely a bad motherboard.

[bellsnwhistles]

Battery good. It has a light indicating full charge. AC Adapter worked but eventually became intermittent so I had to move the cord around to get it to work. This was long before the laptop went dead. All factory original parts.

I know it's not the AC adapter because it lights up every time confirming that it is receiving power. Still light up even now.

Sounds like it must be the motherboard then. Bad news but I feel better at least knowing what the problem is.

Thanks again