Published on: October 3, 2022
Written by Jonas Frank / Fact-checked by Nova Scarlett
It’s a common question, can I charge a 12V battery with a laptop charger? The answer is yes, but there are some things you need to know first. Laptop chargers typically have an output of around 19V, which is too high to charge a 12V battery directly.
However, you can use a voltage regulator to move the voltage from the laptop charger to the 12V battery.
How to Charge a 12V Battery Without a Charger?
If your 12V battery is dead, you may be able to charge it without a charger:
Using a Voltmeter
This can be done by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the battery and then applying an appropriate voltage to the battery terminals. Be sure to disconnect any load from the battery before charging it.
To charge a 12V lead-acid battery, you will need a power source that can provide at least 13.6V and no more than 15V. A 14.4V power supply is ideal.
Using a Car Battery
You can use a car battery or a DC power supply as your power source:
- If using a car battery, ensure it is disconnected from the vehicle’s electrical system first. Connect your power source’s positive terminal to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
- Then connect your power source’s negative terminal to the dead battery’s negative terminal.
- Finally, turn on your power source and monitor the voltage of the dead battery with a voltmeter until it reaches 12V (or close enough).
Can You Charge a Car Battery With a Laptop Charger?
If your car battery dies and you’re far from a charger, you may be able to charge it using your laptop. This won’t work with all laptops, but it’s worth a try if you’re in a bind.
Follow the step-by-step guidelines:
| Step one | First, ensure your laptop is plugged into a power outlet and turned on. Then, open the hood of your car and locate the battery. You’ll need to remove the negative terminal first, then the positive. |
| Step two | . Once the terminals are off, touch the black (negative) cable to the metal casing of the battery. Then, touch the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal on the battery. If everything is connected properly, your car should start charging. |
| Step three | Keep an eye on your laptop’s battery meter to ensure it doesn’t overcharge – once it reaches 100%, disconnect the cables in reverse order (positive first, then negative). |
And that’s it! With any luck, you’ll have enough juice in your car battery to get where you’re going.
Can You Charge a 12V Battery With a 19V Charger?
Yes, you can charge a 12V battery with a 19V charger. The extra voltage will not damage the battery or the charger, but it will result in a slower charge. If you are in a pinch and need to charge your 12V battery quickly, using a 19V charger is better than not charging it.
How to Make a Car Battery Charger Out of a Laptop Charger?
Making a car battery charger out of a laptop charger is not as difficult as it might seem. You can make your charger in no time with just a few simple supplies and some easy-to-follow instructions.
Here is What You Will Need
- A laptop charger (one that outputs at least 15 volts)
- A DC power connector (such as an SAE J1772 connector)
- Alligator clips (optional)
Instructions
| Step one | Connect the DC power connector to the output of the laptop charger. If using alligator clips, connect them to the corresponding terminals on the connector. |
| Step two | Plug the other end of the laptop charger into a wall outlet or other power source. |
| Step three | Connect the DC connector’s positive terminal to the car battery’s positive terminal. Then, connect the DC connector’s negative terminal to the car battery’s negative terminal. |
How to Charge Bike Battery With Laptop Charger?
Bike batteries are usually 12 volts, while laptop chargers are 19 volts. To charge a bike battery with a laptop charger, you’ll need to use a power converter to decrease the voltage. You can find power converters at most electronics stores.
Once you have your power converter, plug the laptop charger into it, and then plug the power converter into the bike battery. Make sure that the polarity is correct – positive to positive and negative to negative. Then, turn on the power converter and let it do its job.
Depending on the size of the battery, it may take several hours to charge it fully. When the bike battery is charged, unplug everything in reverse order – first, the power converter from the battery, then from the outlet. And that’s all there is to it!
Now you know how to charge a bike battery with a laptop charger.
Homemade Car Battery Charger
A homemade car battery charger can save you a lot of money and be more environmentally friendly than buying a new one.
There are many types of charging methods, but the most important thing is to use safe materials that will not damage your car battery.
First Step
The first step is to gather all of the materials you will need. This includes a 12-volt power supply, some alligator clips, and some jumper cables. You will also need a voltmeter to connect the charger to your battery properly. Once you have all of these items, you can begin assembly.
Second Step
Start by connecting the positive lead from the power supply to one of the alligator clips. Then, attach the other end of this clip to the positive terminal on your car battery. Next, do the same with the negative lead from the power supply and another alligator clip.
Final Step
Finally, attach jumper cables between these two clips to securely connect them. Now it’s time to test your homemade charger! Start by plugging it into a standard outlet and then attaching the voltmeter that leads to each terminal on your battery.
The reading should be around 12 volts – if it’s lower than this, something is wrong, and you’ll need to start over again. If everything looks good, congratulations – you’ve just built yourself a working car battery charger!
Can I Use a 12V Power Supply to Charge a Car Battery?
As the title suggests, you can use a 12V power supply to charge a car battery.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- First, ensure the power supply is rated for at least 10 amps.
- Second, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before connecting the positive terminal of the power supply.
- Finally, once the positive terminal is connected, slowly increase the voltage until it reaches 12V. Doing so will help prevent damage to your car battery.
How Long Does It Take a Laptop Charger to Charge a Car Battery?
It’s a common question: can I charge my car battery with my laptop charger? The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as plugging it in. Here’s what you need to know.
How long does it take to charge a car battery with a laptop charger? It depends on the charger and the car battery. A laptop charger usually takes around 8 hours to charge a car battery.
But if you have a high-powered charger, it could take as little as 4 hours. Can I damage my car battery by charging it with my laptop charger? No, you won’t damage your car battery by using your laptop charger to charge it.
However, if you try to use your laptop charger to jump-start your car, you could damage your laptop and your car. So only use your laptop charger to charge your car battery when the engine is off, and there’s no risk of sparks or fires. As you can see, using your laptop charger to charge your car battery is possible, but there are some things you need to keep in mind.
Make sure you have the right kind of charger and that you’re following all safety precautions before plugging anything in.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I Charge 12V Battery With 15V Charger?
Yes, you can charge a 12V battery with a 15V charger. However, it is not recommended as it can shorten the lifespan of your battery. Always use a charger specifically designed for your battery’s voltage when charging your battery.
How Do I Charge My Car Battery With My Laptop?
Using a USB port, you can charge your car battery with your laptop. To do this, you’ll need a USB cable that is long enough to reach your laptop to your car. Once you have the cable, plug one end into your laptop and the other into your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
Then, turn on your car’s ignition and let it run for a few minutes. After that, you can turn off the ignition and unplug the cable.
Can I Use a Laptop Charger to Power a 12V Outlet in My Car?
Yes, you can use a laptop charger to power a 12V outlet in your car. There are several car 12v outlet options available that can help you easily connect your laptop charger to your car’s power source, allowing you to use your laptop on the go.
How Do You Charge a 12 Volt Battery With a Laptop Charger?
If you’re in a pinch and need to charge a 12-volt battery with a laptop charger, it’s not too difficult. All you need is the right adapter.
- First, find an adapter that will fit your laptop charger. You can usually find one at an electronics store or online
- Once you have the adapter, plug it into your laptop charger and the other end into the 12-volt battery. Then, simply turn on your laptop and let it charge the battery.
It may take a little while, but eventually, the battery will be fully charged and ready to go!
Can I Charge a 12V Battery With a USB Charger?
It is possible to charge a 12V battery with a USB charger. However, the output of most USB chargers is not enough to charge a 12V battery. The average USB charger has an output of 5 volts, while the minimum voltage required to charge a 12V battery is 10.
Therefore, using a USB charger to charge a 12V battery will not work unless the USB charger has an output of 10 volts or more.
Wrap Up
It’s a common question: can I charge a 12V battery with a laptop charger? The answer is yes, you can! All you need is the right adapter.
You can charge a 12V battery with a laptop charger with the right adapter. This can be handy in a pinch if you’re away from home and your car battery needs a boost. Just be sure to get the right adapter for your charger and your battery.
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