HDD power supplies

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rb99

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#302343 16-Nov-2022 11:30

One of the disadvantages of buying external HDDs from the US is the US plug.

I'd like to replace the ones they come with with AU/NZ plugs and see they seem to require 12V 1.5A.

I presume I can replace with something similar off Aliexpress or eBay or Amazon AU or also use 12V 2A ones as the HDD will just take 1.5A of that no problem ?

Anything I need to look out for ?

And of course, then big question - does size matter ? as in 2.1 or 2.5mm HDD connector...

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

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#2997037 16-Nov-2022 11:57

Yes it will work, as long as voltage is the same and the supply is not faulty. Pin polarity should be checked also, in majority of cases the centre pin is positive. Normally the casing will have it printed alongside voltage/amps but you may have to check a website.

It’s one of those things that I don’t really check much because I have a box of these things that I just pull out, or the AC 100-240v side is detachable and I can just use a NZ plug. Just measure the barrel diameter (assuming barrel plug) and find one with the same size.

richms

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#2997081 16-Nov-2022 12:49

Do not replace a legit power adapter with a random aliexpress or ebay one.

Get something from element 14. I dont even trust the jaycar no brand PSUs because they may meet approval for not killing you, doesnt mean they are good.

2.1 and 2.5 does matter. If you put a sprung 2.5 plug on a 2.1 it will sort of connect, till it doesnt want to connect and then it will drop out for a bit.

Richard rich.ms

rb99

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#2997088 16-Nov-2022 13:10

Except the legit power adapter is US, so goes into a US to NZ adapter anyway before the power board.

I don't suppose anyone has any external WD elements 12/14TB drives actually bought in NZ that they could check out the model number / specs of the power adapter please ?

I'll look at Element 14, but there's stuff like -

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBPOEM12200/OEM-External-HDD-Power-Adapter-Output-12V-2A-55x25

Found a spec for the US model supply and it seems to be 2.5mm.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

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#2997090 16-Nov-2022 13:14

nz.element14.com seems to have a grand total of 1 power supply, which is only 1A anyway.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

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surfisup1000

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#2997092 16-Nov-2022 13:18

I use vice grips to bend the pins to the correct angle.

Please tell me why this is such a bad idea.

richms

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#2997104 16-Nov-2022 14:00

surfisup1000:

I use vice grips to bend the pins to the correct angle.

Please tell me why this is such a bad idea.

It ruins the socket. I know people with rentals that have to test them all after every tenant because they do things like that and the plugs become loose from the damage.

Richard rich.ms

richms

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#2997105 16-Nov-2022 14:01

rb99:

Except the legit power adapter is US, so goes into a US to NZ adapter anyway before the power board.

I don't suppose anyone has any external WD elements 12/14TB drives actually bought in NZ that they could check out the model number / specs of the power adapter please ?

I'll look at Element 14, but there's stuff like -

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBPOEM12200/OEM-External-HDD-Power-Adapter-Output-12V-2A-55x25

Found a spec for the US model supply and it seems to be 2.5mm.

Unless you are using it in a place that has worksafe meddling with your life, there is no problem with a US on a travel adapter.

Richard rich.ms

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rb99

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#2997114 16-Nov-2022 14:25

I guess not, except the adapters I use seem to be so huge you can't get two next too each other, or nice and small, but super wobbly.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

richms

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#2997115 16-Nov-2022 14:28

The size is required the help them get closer to passing the finger tests that US plugs blatantly fail at. Just get a wide spaced powerstrip and you're good to go, or do what I do and get a US powerstrip (WITHOUT a surge protector) and put them all on that. I did get some nice looking universal outlet powerstrips but they seem to lose grip on US plugs when others are put in them (The UK ones defiantly stretch it out)

Richard rich.ms

rb99

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#2997126 16-Nov-2022 14:48

Was looking at wide spaced boards but the US plugs I have don't plug in and the long bit hangs over the side, they go in at 90 degrees and the long bit goes over the plug next to it. That'll be with local or US boards far as I can see.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

surfisup1000

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#2997136 16-Nov-2022 15:37

richms:

It ruins the socket. I know people with rentals that have to test them all after every tenant because they do things like that and the plugs become loose from the damage.

I use a multiboard, so , guess it doesn't matter. I've not had an issue in 10 years. But, I wouldn't recommend it either, just in case!

tripper1000

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#2997146 16-Nov-2022 16:13

Raid the box of disused IT cables at work! Recycling is good for the planet.

I have a box of 12v power supplies from old ADSL modems, routers, charges and long-dead HDD's. If you don't have spares, just think about saving one or two next time you're binning some obsolete/dead stuff.

The power supplies on Aliexpress are made in China, the same place as the original power supply! Just don't be a kiwi and get the cheapest-nastiest one, and you'll be fine there.

I've bought a ton of stuff back from the USA and angled the pins to fit without messing up any of my sockets. If you don't get the angles right first time, it binds and you just adjust some more. You don't bugger sockets by accident - it takes a large and repeating dose of intentional ignorance and force to do that. IMHO bent USA plugs are stronger and superior to modern kiwi plugs anyway. USA plugs pin don't come with that pre-perforated easy snap-off technology that Kiwi plugs have.

tripper1000

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#2997147 16-Nov-2022 16:17

The problem with power plug adaptors are getting them and getting good ones. Most adaptors on sale in N.Z. are to plug N.Z. appliances in overseas, not to plug foreign appliances in here. The kiwi plug to universal socket adaptors tend to be loose and junky.

MikeAqua

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#2997149 16-Nov-2022 16:27

A little tip (not necessarily sparky approved) If you have a issue with wobbly adapters or universal sockets ...

I just use a couple of blobs of hot glue to keep it secure. If you need to pull the plug out you'll break the glue easily as it doesn't stick that well to plastic. However it usually sticks well enough to stop the wobble.

Mike

CokemonZ

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#2997333 17-Nov-2022 09:15

rb99:

Except the legit power adapter is US, so goes into a US to NZ adapter anyway before the power board.

I don't suppose anyone has any external WD elements 12/14TB drives actually bought in NZ that they could check out the model number / specs of the power adapter please ?

I'll look at Element 14, but there's stuff like -

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBPOEM12200/OEM-External-HDD-Power-Adapter-Output-12V-2A-55x25

Found a spec for the US model supply and it seems to be 2.5mm.

I have a couple of these from PB, and ones from surplustronics.

HDD's typically store stuff you want to keep. my personal view is the power adaptor isn't worth cheaping out on.

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