One inherent disadvantage of external power adapters is that they can get separated from the product they are intended to power. Consequently, there is a market for replacement adapters. In addition, failed power supplies must be replaced. Not only must the replacement match voltage, current, and polarity requirements, but it must also match the connector. Many electrical products are poorly labeled with information concerning the power supply they require, so it is prudent to record the specifications of the original power supply in advance, to ease replacement if the original is later lost. Careful labeling of power adapters can also reduce the likelihood of a disastrous mixup which could cause equipment damage.

Some "universal" replacement power supplies allow the voltage and polarity to be switched, which can ease the matching problem. In addition, the power connector must be matched.

Four-way X connectors or six-way star connectors, also known as spider connectors, with multiple plug sizes and types are common on generic power supplies. Other replacement power supplies have arrangements for changing the power connector, with four to nine different alternatives available when purchased in a set. RadioShack sells universal AC adapters of various capacities, branded as "Enercell Adaptaplug", and fitted with 2-pin female sockets compatible with their Adaptaplug connector lineup. This allows many different configurations of AC adapters to be put together, without requiring soldering. Philmore and other competing brands offer similar AC adapters with interchangeable connectors.

A suitable power supply for a particular use must have the matching plug dimensions, the matching DC (or AC) voltage and polarity, and the ability to supply the minimum required current. The input voltage must match the wall socket (120/240VAC at 60/50 Hz) or other power source, such as 12VDC automotive battery power.

However, the label on a power supply may not be a reliable guide to the actual voltage it supplies under varying conditions. Most low-cost power supplies are "unregulated", in that their voltage can change considerably with load. If they are lightly loaded, they may put out much more than the nominal "name plate" voltage, which could damage the load. If they are heavily loaded, the output voltage may droop appreciably, in some cases well below the nominal label voltage even within the nominal rated current, causing the equipment being supplied to malfunction or be damaged. Cheap external power supplies of traditional linear design with undersized transformers tend to have poor regulation, whether originally supplied or replacement units.

In general, more modern high-quality switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs) are smaller, more efficient, and put out a much more constant voltage even as the input voltage and the load current may vary. Configurable switched-mode power supplies have come down considerably in price, and they are especially convenient for use when traveling because of their decreased weight and size.