Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Repair and service information for Western Digital's line of WD Elements Desktop USB external hard drives. Available in 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, and 14TB configurations.

5 Questions View all

Options

Power adapter replacement for external WD

Hi guys,

I lost my original power adapter 12V 1800mA 18Watts for external WD. I have another from older WD but its 12V and only 1500mA and if I connect this it's not working. Than I have some 12V 3000mA - it's from LCD screen - can I use it or it's too much and I should stick with 1800mA ?

Thanks a lot for any ideas/advice.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

1 Answer

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

Hi @roboscrap

The device will only use as much current as it needs to, to operate.

As long as the voltage is the specified value i.e. 12V then using a 12V 3000mA adapter won't be a problem.

The problem with using the 1500mA adapter was that it couldn't supply enough current.

As you didn't specify the model I'm assuming that it uses an adapter with a centre pin +ve output connection as this is the most common connection.

If the adapter has a centre -ve pin output connection it will damage the HDD electronics.

The polarity of the output should be shown on the adapter case.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

4 Comments:

Center is +ve so I am good to go. Thank you very much.

by

UPDATE - IF YOU DON'T CONNECT your external WD HDD to the USB/FireWire - it will not start up :D

by

@roboscrap

Probably because standard USB ports only provide max of 500mA @ 5V

Firewire provides max 1500mA @ 8V - 30V

by

@jayeff thanks for info :)

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Rob will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 7

Past 30 Days: 24

All Time: 745