How to Get +32V from an HP 32V/12V Printer Power Supply (A9T80-60008): Which Wires to Use and Why It Won't Output 32V at First

Question: Which wires should I connect/use so that I get +32V?
You're looking at this HP power adapter and want to know which wires to use to obtain +32V: Genuine HP A9T80-60008 AC Adapter (32V/12V) (https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/genuine-hp-a9t80-60008-ac-adapter-charger-power-supply-32v-468ma-12v-166ma)

Answer: 

Why you can't "just grab" 32V from that HP power supply

Many HP printer power supplies are not "always-on" 32V units. They typically have:

• A standby voltage that is present all the time (or present first), and

• A main (higher) rail like +32V that only turns on after the adapter receives an "enable/wake" condition.

This is intentional: HP uses a standby/enable behavior to reduce stress, heat, and risk to the mainboard when the printer is not actively operating.

So if you put your meter on "random pairs" of wires, you'll often see:

• 0V on the 32V rail (because it's not enabled yet), or

• Only a lower standby voltage and/or a separate 12V rail depending on the adapter design.

The correct approach: identify rails with a multimeter (don't guess by wire color)

Because HP harness pinouts can vary between models and revisions, the safest method is exactly what you said in your proposed answer:

Step 1: Use a multimeter to map what the adapter is providing

1. Set your multimeter to DC volts (a range that covers at least 40V DC).

2. Identify a likely ground (0V) by checking continuity to shielding/outer ground if applicable, or by testing pairs until you find a stable reference.

3. Probe different wire pairs and note what you get:

   • A steady lower voltage likely indicates standby or 12V

   • An absent/0V "main rail" suggests the +32V is disabled

Step 2: Understand "standby" and "enable"

On many of these HP supplies, the +32V output is controlled by a standby/enable line. In plain terms:

• The adapter waits in standby.

• The printer's logic board (or a control circuit) applies a signal (often a voltage on an enable pin, or a pull-up/pull-down condition).

• Then the adapter "wakes up" and provides the full +32V rail.

That means: you won't be able to get a stable +32V from the power supply unless it's properly activated.

Step 3: Watch out for common measurement traps

• Floating ground / wrong reference: If you don't have the correct ground reference, readings can look "random."

• No load behavior: Some supplies behave differently without a load, sometimes pulsing or refusing to fully turn on.

• Shorting risk: Accidentally shorting a control wire to ground or to a power rail can kill the adapter or whatever you're powering.

About "error codes"

In your provided materials, there were no specific printer error codes listed-the issue described is about power-supply activation/standby behavior rather than a printer-displayed error code. If you are seeing an on-screen/printer-panel code as well, it usually indicates the printer isn't receiving the expected rails at the right time (standby present, then main rail enabled), but I can't name a specific code without it being provided.

Video that explains this HP standby/activation behavior

This video demonstrates the concept-standby voltage and how the supply gets activated to output the full rail:
HP Power Supply Standby / How to Activate the Main Voltage (https://youtu.be/33y3bMzbRH0)

Addressing printer issues can get complicated because many problems are hands-on and depend on test equipment, measurements, and physical inspection. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the cheapest-so we strongly recommend self-help research online when possible. A great place to start is YouTube, including our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu-since we've posted videos over many years, it's difficult to remember every topic offhand. Searching there is the fastest route, and YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. We appreciate you, and I hope the video and the standby/enable explanation helps you move forward safely with your testing.