Gateway Parts

can i use two computer power supply's in parallel to up the amp?

i have two old ibm netvista power supplys, both are the same rated at 200w, they give out 12volts 9amp (corrent me if i am wrong on the amp part) can i hook them up in parallel ( + to +, - to -) to give me 12volts 18amp? if i cant do this with power supply's can i do it with ac to dc transformers,,, like if i had two 12volts 10amp,, could i parallely link them to give me 20amp with out blowing them up. i linked two 12volts 115 ah lead battery in parallel and they are working just fine, so can the same be done here... ummm i have one of those test meters with multipul settings, i cant mesure volts and stuff, but i havent yet figured out which setting measures the amp, the meter has one or those funny (u) signs but i cant figure that out yet since i lost the hand book that came with the meter.... one more thing, how cant i increase the out put of the power supply from 12v to something like 13.5v. :) i guess u have figured it out, i am trying to charge a huge 145ah lead battery with these power supplys. i can measure volts and stuff*

Public Comments

1. I dont think this should be a problem. Though as a precautionary measure i would suggest you put an ammeter if you have one. But theoretically connecting the supplies in paralell shoud not be a problem. To be on the safe side i would connect these in parallel and start sniffing for a birning smell or maybe an increase in a hum. Now abt your AC to DC transformers you need to be more specific. But yes connecting in parallel should not be a problem. Also let me know if you have an ammeter. You can for yourself see how the current is distributed.