As a result of my recent experience noted in another thread, I feel I should post a general warning on this. The power supply/charger used on ThermoWorks products (Signals, Smoke and Billows) looks like any common USB charger; It has a USB-A output port and the supplied cable for it has a USB-A connector on one end and a USB-C connector on the other. It is definitely not a USB-compatible charger, however!!!
The TW charger outputs 12VDC, not the standard 5VDC used in USB devices and the higher voltage will quickly fry those devices (such as Combustion Inc wireless thermometers and displays, cell phones, etc.). I can personally vouch for this. And, unfortunately, all standard USB charging cables for phones, tablets, etc. will plug into the USB-A port on the TW charger just like they would a standard 5VDC USB charger..
I have communicated my concerns to ThermoWorks and have been informed that they are now marking their power supplies/chargers more clearly regarding the higher voltage. Still, with the continued use of the USB-A output port, it is all-too-easy for family members to mistake this power supply/charger as one compatible with charging their USB devices.
Combustion Inc. was more than gracious in replacing my destroyed units despite the fact that it was my fault—not theirs—that they were connected to a 12VDC charger. CI has now posted a warning on its website regarding using the TW charger with its devices.
Be careful if you have a ThermoWorks 12VDC power supply/charger!
The TW charger outputs 12VDC, not the standard 5VDC used in USB devices and the higher voltage will quickly fry those devices (such as Combustion Inc wireless thermometers and displays, cell phones, etc.). I can personally vouch for this. And, unfortunately, all standard USB charging cables for phones, tablets, etc. will plug into the USB-A port on the TW charger just like they would a standard 5VDC USB charger..
I have communicated my concerns to ThermoWorks and have been informed that they are now marking their power supplies/chargers more clearly regarding the higher voltage. Still, with the continued use of the USB-A output port, it is all-too-easy for family members to mistake this power supply/charger as one compatible with charging their USB devices.
Combustion Inc. was more than gracious in replacing my destroyed units despite the fact that it was my fault—not theirs—that they were connected to a 12VDC charger. CI has now posted a warning on its website regarding using the TW charger with its devices.
Be careful if you have a ThermoWorks 12VDC power supply/charger!
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