Openreach Modem Power Adapter

So my internet just went down.

I noticed I could not get the web interface to load so I went downstairs to take a look at the Modem and noticed it was off and I could smell burnt electronics. So something had given off the magic blue smoke but the smell was not coming from the Modem.

So I unplugged it and noticed that's where the smell was coming from. Got another 12v 1A adapter and plugged that in, all working.

So why would a power brick just fail like that?

I am about to rip it open to take a look and see what died.

Here are some pics

http://s79.photobucket.com/user/seansmit17/library/P...

Look like the input protection done its job?

Edited by Seansmit17 (Thu 16-Oct-14 17:02:25)

So why would a power brick just fail like that?

'cos it's made in China !

Thinking out loud...

Will you be asking your ISP to provide a replacement as I guess they supplied it?
Not everyone would have a power supply to hand.


I bought a backup OR ECI modem and power supply from the Kelly engineer that installed my FTTC. Might have been £15 I didn't need to spend
I was hoping to hack it to get stats before I realised the ECI were a bit tricky!

What is the rating of that one? Is it a 700mA or 1A device?

Looks as though the switch mode controller failed or was destroyed. Question is, what caused it? Is your modem running hot - with a potential failure resulting in excessive current requirements? or was there a fault inside the PSU? Just keep an eye on the modem for a while.

In reply to a post by Seansmit17:

So why would a power brick just fail like that?

As Zarjaz says. Plus - it looks like a black one that came with the original OR HG612 modems. 0.7mA.

The ones with the HG612 B modem are white, 1A IIRC. Which modem do you have?

Edited by RobertoS (Thu 16-Oct-14 18:05:38)

It was a 0.7ma adapter. This is the 612 Modem I got from eBay so I could hack it.

I'm now using a 12v 1A adapter from the talktalk HG533 Modem/router as I do not use that router.

Is till have the ECI modem and power adapter that the engineer installed but its in a box somewhere.

The modem is just slightly warm to the touch and is drawing around 7w from the wall so thats all fine.

Edited by Seansmit17 (Thu 16-Oct-14 19:16:35)

The Huawei ones with the black power adapter should be swapped out because of a known overheating problem. If memory serves me right the new one should have 3B on the bottom with a white PSU.

Post deleted by rogerfp

Put it this way, I have a lot of this power adapters powering all sorts around the house. And not once in all my life has one blown like this.

So yes it is a serious question. Something like this could easily catch fire.

I'm so sorry that my concern is bothering you.