Can I use a 5V 1A charger with different current ratings?

This question comes up often. Users wonder if they can use chargers with different current ratings than what their devices specify, such as using a 5V 1A charger for a device that specifies 5V 2A. Two key points should be considered here. The first point is that the Voltage of the charger must match the requirement of your device.

What happens if the 5V pin supplies less than five volts?

If supplied with less than 7V, the 5V pin may supply less than five volts and the board may become unstable. The board can operate on an external supply from 6 to 20 volts. Measure your voltage out in your garden if it dropped to 4v or whatever and is too low then you have the PSU 12V to work off of.

How much current does a charger need?

The charger should provide at least as much current as the device needs. If it provides less, then the device may charge more slowly or not at all. A device pulls only the current it needs. If a device requires 2A, it will draw 2A from a 3A-capable charger, which is safe and leaves some margin.

Can I use an AC adapter with a 5V 1A device?

As long as the voltage matches that expected by the connected device, then yes, you can use an AC adapter capable of providing higher amps. Can I use a 5V 2A charger with a 5V 1A device?

What if my Charger is rated at 0.5 amps?

A device being charged will only take as much amperage as it requires. If your device needs 0.5 amps to charge, and your charger is rated at 1.0 amps, only 0.5 amps will be used. The problem, of course, is the reverse: if your device needs 1.0 amps, but your charger is rated at only 0.5 amps, then any of several problems could result:

How much amperage does a charger take?

Device works. Device works. The amperage rating of a charger or power supply is the maximum it can supply. A device being charged will only take as much amperage as it requires. If your device needs 0.5 amps to charge, and your charger is rated at 1.0 amps, only 0.5 amps will be used.