Could I cause a fire by mixing and matching AC/DC adapters?

Question

I found an older cable modem in my basement w/o a power cord. However, I tried the power cable for my speakers; it works. Can I use that adapter for my modem? Is it safe? Its a 12VDC 1A adapter.

Answer 1

No problem to use it if it the same voltage. So 12 volts DC means 12 volts direct current (AC would be alternating current). If the cable modem takes 12 volts DC ie. 12VDC (look on the label it will tell you) then it's ok. Also if it is 1 or 2 volts more or less you should be ok. the 1A is 1 amp and is the amount of power that the power supply can supply. Most cable modems don't draw too much power .. the cable modem label will tell you how much it will draw. if it is 1 or less you are fine. Even 2 amps should be ok because the adapters usually are rated less than the max they can provide. The worst that will happen if you use the wrong adapter is that you damage the adapter or the modem .. don't worry you will not cause a fire .. it will just stop working if you mess it up...

Answer 2

You should go online and do a search for the model of cable modem you found and see if you can find out what voltage the original power cord was. If its the same as your speaker cord, then it shouldn't matter, but if its different you could damage the modem. I don't think you can cause a fire either way, just damage the cord or the device.

Answer 3

It's unlikely. If the modem draws more than 1A of current you had better hope that it is a CSA listed wall adapter. The worst that will happen then is you will burn out the adapter. CSA and CUL adapters have thermal protection to prevent overheating. Adapters that are not CSA or CUL can overheat and, yes, they have started fires.

Answer 4

You should read what power is required by the modem.You could short out the modem.

Answer 5

Yes 'O silly one!