Can I damage my laptop by using a power adapter that has a slightly higher wattage than the original adapter? The original adapter was 65W, and the aftermarket one is 70W. The voltage is switchable. My original adapter had a voltage of 18.5V, this one says that if I need 18.5V, I should choose 18V. Any chance of damaging the computer by using this one? [more inside]
posted by leticia on Nov 13, 2008 - 8 answers

My girlfriend has a GHD hair straightener purchased in the USA, it's labelled "120Vac 35W", I want to use it in Ireland (where the standard voltage is 220Vac). Is it safe to use this with a step-down (220V -> 110V) transformer? [more inside]
posted by nfg on Aug 21, 2008 - 11 answers

Another air conditioning question for the summer! 4.8 A *110V=515W? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy on Jun 10, 2008 - 12 answers

Most of my lamps and light fixtures suggest a maximum wattage to use. I've always assumed this was related to heat output, not power consumption, so believe that if I switch to compact florescents, I can use higher wattage bulbs (if they're called that) in the fixtures. Am I right?
posted by EllenC on Feb 25, 2007 - 10 answers