Goldilocks and the Three Power Adapters
Goldilocks and the Three Power Adapters
I’m looking for assistance with some vintage equipment I’m trying to configure. I found a few old Linksys switches and a WAP from a former company that was selling its outdated gear. Since my location still has a small number of dial-up users, fiber isn’t an option and the cables are slow. All the devices are from the same time period but have quite different power adapters—only one comes with the original. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- The 16-port switch needs a 12V1A stock AC adapter, but it overheats quickly, reaching temperatures I’ve never experienced after just five minutes of use, and the room smells like melted plastic. (Fix: It caught fire.)
- The 8-port switch works fine with a 9V0.8A adapter, it powers on and functions well, though it makes the loudest coil noise I’ve ever heard (especially since I work with lots of electronics). (Fix: Adapter is running at 15V instead of its rated 9V.)
- The WAP uses a 5V2A adapter, but it doesn’t seem to get enough power to activate, even though the lights came on. (Possible reason: not connected to Ethernet.)
I’m hoping someone here can help identify these parts and their expected power requirements. Neither switch has any markings about the correct voltage, and the WAP only lists 5V on the bottom. The models I have are Linksys EZXS16W V1 (16 ports), EZXS88W V3 (8 ports), and Linksys WAP11 V1.1. It seems I bought older routers—one almost caught fire, one isn’t working, and another is making a loud noise.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
All the AC adapters you mentioned match the specifications for the model numbers you provided. This means either the adapters are faulty or the devices themselves may have issues. When using second-hand hardware, defects are possible. Check if you own any of the same specifications and consider testing them. Those common specs are usually easy to find.
Thanks for locating the manuals—I should have considered that earlier. I nearly got a fire going and decided to try it with the WAP. I’ll update you on the outcome.
I also don’t toss anything; I reuse parts if they’re no longer needed, like the power adaptor. It was really hotter than the heat sink in my toaster build!
Discovered a problem with the 16-port Linksys router—it was actually burning inside. Unclear what caused it, but after restarting it, a bright orange light appeared, all lights were lit, so I assumed it was an LED. When I unplugged it and then plugged it back in three times, a large spark occurred, confirming it was indeed on fire. This isn’t a joke; it was fully engulfed and I didn’t realize it until now. Also, before you think my situation is unusual, I’m used to handling old electrical equipment—typically I experience a controlled fire about twice a month.
It was unusual, no orange-brown smoke, just obvious fire sparks then silence. Seems like two diodes, possibly LEDs, but the solder had rusted and connected them in a short circuit. One is scorched and smoked, the other vanished completely. I’ll repair it soon since nothing critical is affected.