The primary laptop I use is the Dell XPS 15 9520, powered by a 130W Dell USB-C charger. I also own an Acer Chromebook with a USB-C charger, which is smaller in size, so it likely outputs either 45W or 65W.
I made a mistake by connecting both chargers to a power strip and then inadvertently plugged the Chromebook's lower wattage USB-C charger (45W or 65W) into my XPS 15. I realized my error when I noticed the absence of the usual white charging light next to the USB-C port on the laptop. I promptly disconnected the Chromebook charger and switched to the proper Dell XPS 9520 charger, which displayed the expected white charging light.
While initially unsure if the Chromebook charger was charging my XPS 9520 due to the absence of the white light, I did observe a 'plugged in' indication, though I cannot recall if it showed as actively charging. I disconnected the Chromebook charger within a short timeframe of about 10 seconds. My first query is whether the Chromebook's 45W or 60W charger could effectively charge the XPS 9520; my assumption is unlikely with 45W, possibly with 65W, albeit at a slower rate. However, I did not see any notification of slow charging during that brief 10-second connection.
My concern is whether connecting the Chromebook's lower wattage (45W or 60W) USB-C charger to the XPS 9520, even for under 10 seconds, could potentially damage the laptop. My assumption is that such a brief connection would not cause harm, but extended durations might present a risk. I have heard that damage to a laptop can occur if the incorrect voltage is applied. Some advice suggests that only using a charger with a higher wattage than the laptop's standard one, like plugging a 240W or 300W charger into an XPS 9520 (which usually uses a 130W charger), could lead to damage.
Ultimately, the concern centers on the potential risk of damage when using underpowered or overpowering chargers with laptops like the XPS 9520.
