Choosing the Right Electric Adaptor for Your Music Keyboard: 9V vs 12V and More!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate electric adaptor specifications for a music keyboard, specifically focusing on the implications of using different voltage and amperage ratings. Participants explore the consequences of using a 9V adaptor instead of the required 12V, the importance of amperage ratings, and the potential risks associated with using adaptors of varying specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a 9V adaptor can be used instead of a 12V, and if the amperage must remain at 1.5A.
  • Another participant asserts that the keyboard requires a 12V power source, stating that using lower voltage may not damage the keyboard but could lead to malfunction.
  • Some participants agree that a higher amperage adaptor (greater than 1.5A) is acceptable, as the device will only draw the current it needs.
  • Concerns are raised about the risks of using a higher voltage, which could potentially damage the keyboard.
  • One participant shares personal experience suggesting that lower voltage adaptors might work without damage in certain appliances, but emphasizes the uncertainty involved.
  • Another participant clarifies that an adaptor rated for higher amperage does not mean it will always supply that amount, as the device dictates the current drawn.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of ensuring the correct polarity and type of current (DC vs AC) when selecting an adaptor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the keyboard requires a 12V adaptor and that higher amperage adaptors can be used safely. However, there is disagreement regarding the safety and functionality of using lower voltage adaptors, with some asserting it may work while others caution against it.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the exact voltage range that can be safely used and the implications of varying amperage ratings. There are also mentions of the importance of testing and the variability in power supply outputs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for musicians, technicians, or hobbyists seeking guidance on selecting the appropriate power adaptors for electronic musical instruments.

skepticwulf
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At the back of my music keyboard's electric adaptor it says
"INPUT: 230V, 50Hz 0.2A
OUTPUT: 12V, 1.5A

Suppose my adaptor busted and couldn't find the original replacement.
Can I use a 9V instead? Will it work? Will it has to be 1.5A then?
Power is=I^2 x R as well as I x V, does that mean as long as A value is 1.5A it justifies the formula and voltage is not important??
Will my device burn if I used -say- 24V ?
How flexible I can be?
 
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Your keyboard requires a 12 volt electrical power source, and nothing else will do. The adapter is there to turn mains electricity, 230 volts it seems, into 12 volt power. Using too little voltage will result in a failure of the keyboards electrical components, but probably won't burn your keyboard up (don't quote me on that). Too high of a voltage is likely to damage it. The amperage output is the rated max that can be safely drawn from the adapter. The keyboard doesn't always draw 1.5 amps, but it can draw up to 1.5 amps, so any adapter needs to be able to safely supply up to 1.5 amps of current at 12 volts. Also, if you do change adapters, keep in mind that the plug that connects the adapter to your device usually has a specific polarity configuration. If you don't use the right plug, then your keyboard can be damaged.
 
+1 to that.

New adaptor has to be 12V but can be greater than 1.5A.

In addition...Check the symbols on the adaptor to make sure its' 12V DC you need not 12V AC.
 
In my experience a bit lower voltage almost always worked fine in many appliances wo/ motors (it shouldn't damage anything, at worst it won't work or malfunction, like any appliance whose battery is depleting), because usually they have a working range (ever the PSU rarely gives off the exact stated voltage, sometimes ever more) Higher voltage can damage or overheat components or short their lifespan, and reversing polarity almost always ends up in pop and smoke
 
Drakkith said:
The keyboard doesn't always draw 1.5 amps, but it can draw up to 1.5 amps, so any adapter needs to be able to safely supply up to 1.5 amps of current at 12 volts.
Just to expand, this also means any adapter rated for above 1.5 A should work too.
 
derek10 said:
In my experience a bit lower voltage almost always worked fine in many appliances wo/ motors (it shouldn't damage anything, at worst it won't work or malfunction, like any appliance whose battery is depleting), because usually they have a working range (ever the PSU rarely gives off the exact stated voltage, sometimes ever more) ...
While this is true, unfortunately it is impossible to know without testing.

This is most noticeable and easiest to test for disposable batteries, where different chemistries have different peak voltages and the voltage of battery packs isn't a multiple of the rated voltages of the batteries in the pack. If you have a piece of electronics that fails on low bat and you test the voltage of the battery immediately after the failure, that should tell you the min required.
 
Thank you.
 
russ_watters said:
Just to expand, this also means any adapter rated for above 1.5 A should work too

I'm not quite clear on one thing though, Why should an adapter with higher A be ok? doesn't that mean more current drawn and more dangerous??
 
skepticwulf said:
I'm not quite clear on one thing though, Why should an adapter with higher A be ok? doesn't that mean more current drawn and more dangerous??
The adapter provides the voltage, but the load demands the amperage. So if you use a 2A adapter on a device that needs 1A, the device will draw 1A from the adapter.
 
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Russ Watters explained perfectly.
2A on a power supply, for example, means "Maximum current allowed is 2A", NOT "It always provides 2A". It's different to voltage which never varies.
 
  • #11
Ok got it, thanks.
 

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