Is a 12 V 5 A adapter risky for a 12 V 1 A device?
No: the device only draws the current it needs. The voltage must match, the current rating can be higher, never lower.
How do I read the polarity?
A small diagram on the label shows a circle with a centre dot. If the dot connects to the + sign, the centre of the plug is positive. It must match on the device and the adapter.
What if the plug does not fit?
The plug diameter matters as much as the voltage. Compare with the old brick or use the 3 A universal charger and its 6 tips.
Which power adapter should you choose?
A mains adapter replaces the lost or broken power supply of a router, a camera, a box or a small device. It must match three values printed on the device.
Voltage, current, plug
Voltage (V): identical to the device's. Models offered in 5 V 2 A, 9 V 2 A, 12 V 2 A and 12 V 5 A.
Current (A): equal to or higher than required. The 12 V 5 A, for example, powers several cameras or an LED strip.
Plug: same diameter and same polarity as the original.
Special cases
3 A universal charger: adjustable voltage from 3 to 12 V and 6 tips, to get several devices working again.
USB Boost cable 5 V to 12 V: powers a WiFi router from a power bank during an outage.