What does it mean by output 5v 350mA?

Hi all!

This is pertaining to the label indicating the output of mobile phone chargers, computer power supply units, etc.

When it says (for example) "output 5v 350mA", does it mean:

a) It is capable of delivering current UP TO a maximum of 350mA. Whereby if the target circuit is drawing 100mA it will provide 100mA only and not more.

OR...

b) It is capable of delivering current AT ONLY 350mA. If the target circuit requires (and can only accept) 100mA, the charger would still feed 350mA into the target circuit.

If the target circuit requires 500mA, would the charger:

a) Supply the 350mA without damage to itself.

OR...

b) See the target circuit as a very low resistance load (short circuit) and eventually get damaged.

Any help is appreciated. It would be even better if someone could give me the correct keyword for Google search so that I can read it up myself. Nowadays whenever I search with electronics terms as keyword Google would return sites that sell things.

When it says (for example) "output 5v 350mA", does it mean:

a) It is capable of delivering current UP TO a maximum of 350mA. Whereby if the target circuit is drawing 100mA it will provide 100mA only and not more.

Click to expand...

Yes

If the target circuit requires 500mA, would the charger:

Click to expand...

The power supply itself will get damaged.[/b]


Check this:
https://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/sup/outputPower-c.html
I hope this helps.

Thank you.