Quote:
Originally Posted by QIbHom
I've been using dollar store power adapters and chargers for years on cells and other equipment. I've had a few dead cables, but no other issues.
Which isn't to say that the next one I pick up might not explode, taking out 7 city blocks, but if one is really worried, couldn't you use a multimeter to check them?
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Voltage (what a Multi-Meter measures) is only a very basic test.
Regulation, Regulation response time (needed with unstable power sources like cars), Noise and ripple, Over-voltage clamping.
To see those, you need a good storage-type oscilloscope and some expensive power disturbance generators.
The company I do work for uses a local testing lab for the power line
surge and
ringing voltage tests.
The equipment must survive 5 simulated power line lightning "hits" of 5000 Volts (this is for for a basic set top TV box).
Failures are pretty spectacular 
The basic tests, I do on the bench in the shop.