12v power supply for a wireless router

[Deleted member 267285]

Good morning,

I have searched on the forum, but can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. I have a wireless router, and the power supply to it is 12v 2a, and the mounded end has snapped. Am I right in thinking I can just purchase the same like for like?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Any 12v DC power supply, with at least 2 amps of output, with the correct plug and correct polarisation will work absolutely fine.

They are quite common amongst other brands of router..

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Any ideas how I measure the moulded plug end, int diameter or external?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

You can compare the external diameter by comparing with your old plug. The internal can be checked with a bit of copper wire from twin and earth.

Other way is to simply plug it in (if it fits the rest of the spec.) and try it.

 

[mattylad]

try using a ruler.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

try using a ruler.

I will, just trying to search online but need to know the size, but don't know if it relates to internal or extant diameter.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I will, just trying to search online but need to know the size, but don't know if it relates to internal or extant diameter.

You cannot use a ruler, they are far too course for such a small diameter. All wall warts are normally marked with the voltage, max current and polarity. Don't you have an old modem power supplies? I must have around a dozen old modems and power supplies here, various models and makes, all use the same PSU type.

Do a search in ebay for a power supply for your particular modem, it might give a clue as to the correct plug type.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

I have some, and some replacements I found from maplin, but all for an older modem which is a 1A rated, not 2A which is what I need.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I have some, and some replacements I found from maplin, but all for an older modem which is a 1A rated, not 2A which is what I need.

The likelyhood is that 1 amp will be adequate, if it matches, try it. If it is not adequate, the modem will misbehave.

 

[AndyPRK]

if you know what brand the router is, just get a replacement second hand router and pSU off ebay

 

[rsgaz]

Be aware, 5.5mm is a very common size for the outside diameter of a DC jack, but in someone's infinite wisdom years ago, they decided to make the central pin either 2.1mm OR 2.5mm.

Tricky to measure with calipers, so I keep a 2.5mm drill bit on hand when meddling with DC jacks(for CCTV mainly). Put the smooth end in to the jack, if it fits, it's 2.5, if it won't, it's 2.1mm.


edit: In fact, keep metal calipers well away from DC jacks, unless you unplug it from the wall first!!!