Electronics help, does voltage damage device?

Question

I have a router which is unusable at the moment because i dont have a working adapter (something happened in the supplied adapter). I know the specifications for the adapter are 5V at 2A, but i found a adapter that is 12V at 2A lying around. I tested to see if the adapter would work on my router, and it does. But does the higher voltage damage the router or can i use it wothout worrying? I checked for adapters online but they are quite expensive (about 75% of what the router was worth) and dont want to get a new route because i dont see the point when i have a perfectly fine router which just needs an adapter.

Answer 1

Its ok, as long as the amperage is the same.

Answer 2

NO IT IS NOT OKAY EVEN IF THE AMPERAGE IS THE SAME! The higher voltage will burn up the router. Try radio shack or some local electronic shops. usually you can pick up a generic one with the proper specifications at a reasonable price.

Answer 3

As long as you didn't attempt to power up the router with the 12V plug, you will be ok.  If you tried to power it up with 12V plugged in, chances are very good the power converter is fried inside.

Radio Shack, among other electronics shops, sell multiple voltage adapters.  The constant will be the amperage, so you will have to stipulate you need a 2A adapter, and the voltage will be your variable, just ensure you (if you purchase a variable voltage adapter) keep it at 5VDC.  There are models I found that, so long as you stipulate you need 2A, can vary their voltage from 1.5 up to 12V.