Which transformer should I use to power a cooling fan?

Factual Questions
1

I just inherited this from someone. It’s a receiver cooler. It sits on top of a receiver and has two intake fans on the bottom and an exhaust port on the back. Problem is, he didn’t have the transformer for it. It calls for a 12v 1amp transformer. I have a bunch laying around the house, but they are all under or over powered on both volts and amps. My two best bets are a 18v/1111mA or a 19v/3.42a laptop transformer. Both of them make the unit run just fine. The unit, as far as I can tell is pretty basic. Two fans, a high/low/off switch and a few blue LEDs. Do I have to worry about burning anything out running it with 50% more volts then it asks for? And, what’s the worst that can happen, would it just stop working or is there a fire hazard?

I also have a .5v transformer but the fans don’t spin very fast with that one.

2

the voltage should be the same, but if the power supply can supply more current than the unit needs then there’s no problem. IOW, if the device wants a 12V, 0.5A supply, connecting a 12V 1.0A supply won’t hurt anything 'cos the device won’t draw more current.

In your case, you’re over-volting the cooler by 33% (16V) or 58% (19V) so I wouldn’t be surprised if the fans die before too long.

3

the fans would run fast and wear out sooner. a 12V transformer at 1 to 2A in inexpensive.

4

Optimus Prime.

5

Awww, beat me to it.