To measure a power supply connector, particularly a plug connector, you primarily need to determine its physical dimensions to ensure compatibility with a device's power socket.
For plug connectors, the key measurements involve using calipers to find the inside diameter and the outside diameter.
Understanding Power Connector Measurement
Measuring a power supply connector is crucial for replacing a lost or damaged adapter. Different devices require specific connector sizes, and using the wrong one can prevent the device from powering on or, worse, damage the device.
The most common type of power supply connector is the barrel plug, which typically has two conductive parts: an outer sleeve and an inner pin.
Key Measurements for Plug Connectors
As specified in the reference, if your device uses a plug connector, you can determine the required size by:
- Using some calipers to measure the inside diameter.
- Using the same calipers to measure the outside diameter.
Calipers are precision tools ideal for accurately measuring the internal and external dimensions of objects.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Here's a simple way to measure a barrel plug connector using calipers:
- Measure the Outside Diameter (OD): Use the main jaws of the calipers to measure the widest part of the metal barrel on the plug tip.
- Measure the Inside Diameter (ID): Use the smaller jaws at the top of the calipers (or the depth probe for hollow features) to measure the diameter of the hole in the center of the barrel plug. This measurement corresponds to the diameter of the pin inside the device's power socket.
It's also helpful to measure the length of the barrel, though the diameter measurements (OD and ID) are usually the most critical for compatibility.
Why Diameter is Important
The inside and outside diameters determine if the plug physically fits into the socket and makes proper electrical contact.
- The outside diameter must fit snugly into the outer part of the device's socket.
- The inside diameter must match the diameter of the pin in the center of the device's socket.
A slight mismatch in diameter can result in a loose connection, intermittent power, or the plug not fitting at all.
Recording Measurements
It's useful to record your measurements accurately. Here's an example format:
| Measurement | Value (e.g., mm) | Tool Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 5.5 mm | Calipers | Measured the outer barrel diameter |
| Inside Diameter | 2.1 mm | Calipers | Measured the internal pin receptacle |
| Barrel Length (Optional) | 10 mm | Calipers | Length of the metal plug part |
These measurements (5.5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID) represent a very common size for power connectors. Other common sizes include 5.5x2.5 mm, 4.0x1.7 mm, 3.5x1.35 mm, and smaller ones.
By accurately measuring the inside and outside diameters using calipers, you can identify the correct plug size needed for your device's power supply.
