Power adapter confusion.

Ive got a WNDR3700 router and a D-link 4 port USB hub, they both have europlug connectors but im in the UK. I want to get them both UK AC adapters but i dont know what im looking for or the right one that wont destroy my devices...

The WNDR3700 europlug says 12v 2.5amps on it. When i google that all i get are large AC adapters that look like theyre for a laptop or something when the WNDR3700s adapter looks like this:

http://shop.accessory4you.com/05-chanpin/img/200948224729acy115-1.jpg

The USB hub europlug says 5v 2.5amps on it, and it looks exactly like the thing in the picture above.


Whats the deal with AC adapters?? Do i have to get one thats exactly the same specs as the europlugs or would a 12v 5A one fit a 12v 5A device but also everything less than that, for example it would run a 5v 2.5A device? Or would it destroy it? I dont understand electricity too well

 

I think ive figured it out...

They both say "output" 2.5A, i dont think thats relevant though. Theres another amp rating under "input" and its listed as 0.8A for the netgear and 0.5A for the dlink usb hub, im finding a lot of 12v 0.8A and 5v 0.5A ac adapters on ebay which look like the ones i own so i guess i was reading the wrong bit. Which leaves the question whats the output part for...

 

My Netgear from Pixmania.co.uk came with euro plug power adaptor but a 3 pin convertor was supplied with the parcel. Although Pixmania are now owned by DSG (Dixons Group) they still source a lot of stuff from continental Europe.

The convertor allows the 2 pin Euro plug to be inserted and then used on UK 3 pin power sockets.

 

If you have a "flat Euro plug" that can be used on a UK plug at leas I do... cough cough...

Its horrible but the whole of Europe uses the same plug just the UK has to be different... thy drive on the wrong side of the road...
Public transport is a disgrace...gah... anyway, to your adapters

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Your 2,5A output is ery relevant - its as important (but slightly less) than the output voltage - for you 12,5V it seems.

Your device will have a certain power requirement - Power = Voltage * Amperes - and your adapter has to supply at least this, or more.

Say your device needs 20W (Watt) and at 10V (Volt) - that means it draws 2A (Ampère).

Say you're adapter says output 10V 2,5A - why can you use it - the adapter will only supply as much Amps as the device requires.

If the device needs 10V thought and your power plug only gives it 5V it will draw 4A from it -> more Amps = heat = fire risk or broken adapter/device

Ideally I suggest you stick to replacements from your maufacturer.

Edit:
Oh, and your input on the power adapter is what it draws from the socket.
You're input on the device is what it draws from the "power supply".

 

Thanks for that, think ive got it sorted now I wish it was a flat europlug but its one of the "wall wart" type things.

 

I thought the bulky wall wart was gonna cause problems with the convertor but it has managed to stay put. The WNDR3700 has been pretty reliable too. Where did you buy yours from then?

 

Got it from amazon, it was listed as £113 when it was £130+ everywhere else. Its working great with a europlug adapter i got a while back, i would just rather have a UK plug for it, the 6 socket power strip + adapter + the wall wart itself looks a bit of a mess and is asking to get broken.

 

You got it from Amazon.com (USA) but it was a europlug?! Are the pins round or flat? Europlugs have 2 round pins, whilst 2 pin plugs from the States have flat, blade-like pins.

 

No sorry it was amazon.co.uk, i guess the marketplace seller was german or something though and thats why i ended up with the europlug one.