Wow: My Swift 3 can be charged with a cell phone charger (5 V, 2 A)

Hi guys,

I am the owner of a Swift 3 (SF314-43-R2P6). Now, just for fun, I tried to charge it with my phone charger via the USB-C input. It is a standard charger with a 5 volt output at 2 amps. Surprise: It works! However, charging is quite slow, five or seven percent per hour or so.

Nevertheless, this should be interesting for many. The included Swift charger is very bulky with its cables. I will now really use my cell phone charger when traveling.

Here in the forum it was pointed out again and again that charging via USB-C only works if the charger supplies 20 volts at 3.25 amps.

I'm really wondering: why does it work that I can charge a 20 volt battery with a 5 volt charger? Is there a voltage converter built into the Swift?

I'd also like to ask you guys: are there any concerns from you professionals about charging the unit this way?

Thanks!

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Emma_

Hello!!

@TilmanT

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/683245/wow-my-swift-3-can-be-charged-with-a-cell-phone-charger-5-v-2-a

Specs say: One Type-C port (Full function (USB3.1 Gen2 + DP + PD)). And under the heading "Power delivery for charging" is: 65W (20V/3.25A) USB-C Power Adapter. That seems to imply you can charge the laptop via the USB-C by connecting a charger that provides 65W at 20V. You could also read that as it can provide that much charging for another device via the USB-C port, but if you have 65W going out that port it'd be using everything that available, leaving nothing to run the laptop itself. If they put the DC charging symbol next to the USB-C port, then they expect you to be able to charge via that port.

Regards,

Lunanova14

TilmanT

Hi Lunanova14,

thanks, but I´m not sure if I understood your posting. (I am from Berlin, my english is far from perfect.)

billsey

Specs on your system allow charging using the USB-C port. Charging speed is gated by the power your charger has available. The full charging current needs to be at 65W or higher, so 20V@3.25A. Charging with less current (yours is 5V@2A, so 10W only) works, but takes a longer time.