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Using a 60W charger instead of an 85W one or vice versa

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Groutchmeuh Posted messages 112 Status Member -  
 smyde -
Hello,
I know that logically we should use the 60 W charger on MacBooks and 85 W on MacBook Pros.

But the other day at the Apple Store, I heard the "genius" tell my neighbor that he could use an 85 W charger on a MacBook normally powered by a 60 W, and that there was regulation that protected the Mac. However, we couldn't use a 60 W on a MacBook Pro that powers with an 85 W.

I sometimes find myself in a pinch without a charger and have to borrow one.

I would like to get confirmation or denial of this possibility of charging a MacBook with an 85 W charger.

I wonder what the risk is of using a 60 W charger on a MacBook Pro. Is it a risk or an inconvenience like charging too slowly? Deterioration of the battery capacity? A risk for the Mac itself that would be underpowered?

In that case, can we charge the MBP's battery with the 60 W when the MBP is in sleep mode or off, thus consuming nothing or little?

Thank you

Configuration: Mac OS X / Firefox 3.5.16

4 answers

  1. Anonymous user
     
    Good evening,

    Generally speaking, that is to say for ordinary chargers and ordinary devices, the power indicated in watts corresponds to the maximum power delivered by the charger. In other words, there is never any danger in using a charger capable of delivering 500 Watts where only 50 are needed. The device will only take what it needs.
    The problem is not there. The problem is the voltage on one hand, and the polarities on the other in the charger's pin.
    Some chargers have the + polarity at the center of the connector, while others have it on the outside. Therefore, you cannot safely use a charger from brand X on a device from brand Z. You must check if:
    -the voltage is correct
    -the polarity is correct
    -the power is sufficient

    Indeed, insufficient power can create problems during use. The device will not be powered with enough current, and with insufficient voltage because of the lack of available power, there will be a significant voltage drop at the power supply

    These were remarks from a general point of view, now for MacBooks, there is another criterion to take into account. Chargers have built-in management electronics that communicate with the Mac's management unit. Therefore, do not use a charger intended for another type of Mac. The risk of disrupting or damaging the circuits is real.
    See the links included in this message:
    https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-20710318-petites-infos-pour-une-debutante#1

    Have a nice evening
    Always specify your exact configuration: Mac model and Mac OS version!
    Francis Sanspseudo - Intel iMac running OS 10.6 + iMac-G5 running Mac OS 10.5
    10
    1. Groutchmeuh Posted messages 112 Status Member 33
       
      Thank you,
      I didn't see any links about the chargers in the indicated link, but there were links about battery maintenance. Is this the correct link? (I opened everything).

      That said, the information message at the top of a thread on power supplies on another forum tells us that we can use an 85 in place of a 60 ( https://forums.macg.co/install/index.php?upgrade/ ), and at the Apple Store, that's what the "Genius" said to my neighbor; I had him repeat it just to be sure.


      The interesting thing, if it's true, is that if I buy a 3rd charger for the 2 Macs, I'd get an 85 that can work for both the MB and the MBP.

      Well, here’s at least a contradictory opinion that encourages caution.

      Thank you.
      0