Will my power adapter damage my router ?

Things change I've changed · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:15

Hi guys,

A quick question, just now my adapter for my router has died, the adapter spec is 12v @ 1a, now I've found a random spare adapter (I have hundreds them) that is 9v @ 2a, I've plugged it in and not only does it fit, but it seems to be powering the router fine atm, but I'm worried I might damage the router and I really can't afford to buy a new one atm as I'm trying to save every penny I have for a move, will it be ok ?, and what does it mean 1a/2a ? amp ?, is that how much the power adapter will supply the router with if it needs it or is it how much it is being supplied with atm ?, could someone explain in laymen's terms please ?

V4NT0M · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:21

Might not so much damage it as cause unwanted behaviour.

PhillyDee · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:21

The adapter will only supply the amperage that is required. Im surprised it works since the voltage is different. But then again, most electronics are designed to work at a range of voltages. If its wireless, the range may be smaller, but if it works, and the adapter and router isnt getting hot, then go with it.

2bit · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:32

Nah - it's probably fine, the ampage refers to the max. amount of current the unit will draw (in your case 1A at 12V dc). If the power supply can source 2A (at 9V dc) you are ok The router is probably reducing the 12 or 9V down to 5V so your power supply will be ok.

Things change I've changed · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:33

PhillyDee said:
The adapter will only supply the amperage that is required. Im surprised it works since the voltage is different. But then again, most electronics are designed to work at a range of voltages. If its wireless, the range may be smaller, but if it works, and the adapter and router isnt getting hot, then go with it.

OK cheers, hopefully it will be OK then, can't be without my Broadband

.

2bit said:
Nah - it's probably fine, the ampage refers to the max. amount of current the unit will draw (in your case 1A at 12V dc). If the power supply can source 2A (at 9V dc) you are ok The router is probably reducing the 12 or 9V down to 5V so your power supply will be ok.

Thanks for explaining that.

Mattus · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:35

The current (A) should be fine - it doesn't matter if the adapter can supply more amps than the router needs, because the router will only draw the current which it needs. I'm surprised that a 12v router is working on 9v, but the worst that could happen is that it might just not work properly - no chance of damaging it.

Pinter75 · 4 Nov 2008 at 22:35

The router probaly has a voltage regulator to bring it down further to what it needs. The tolerance for these can be quite high. One thing you may notice is that the router will become less hot as the regulator is not working all that hard.

If it gets dodgy, then you can always get a generic replacement.

I am surprised a router would need a 2A supply anyway.