What Are Power Adapters

A power supply for electronic devices. Also called an "AC adapter" or "charger," power adapters plug into a wall outlet and convert AC to a single DC voltage. Computers use multiple DC voltages, and the power adapter is the external part of the power supply for a laptop. The additional DC voltages are created by internal circuits. Desktop computer power supplies are in one internal unit, which converts AC to all DC voltages.

Power adapters also exist for other purposes; for example, to output a different AC voltage, rather than DC. See transformer, power supply, power distribution unit, wall wart, wall tap, power strip and USB charger.

What is an AC Adaptor?

Also referred to as a power supply or power adaptor, an AC adaptor plugs into a standard electrical outlet and converts the AC electrical current from the wall outlet to the specifications needed by the electrical device that's plugged in. The AC adaptor is a box attached to the power cord, either at the end of the cord where the device plugs into the wall outlet, or in the middle of the power cord.

Tons of devices around your home rely on AC adaptors for their power supply. Laptops, cell phones, cordless phones, digital photo frames, compact disc players, video game systems and that just names a few.

AC/DC: The Two Electric Currents

The abbreviation, AC, stands for alternating current and is used to describe the electrical currents utilized to deliver power from power plants to homes and businesses. When graphed, these alternating currents are shown as waves that go up and down; this is because these currents do not flow constantly in one direction, but alternate directions, flowing forward and backward.

How To Choose The Right Ac Adapter For Your Gadget

By far the easiest way is to check if your device has a specific power adapter already available, this takes the guesswork out of getting your own third-party power adapter. If you can’t find one then this quick guide covers the basic things to look for.

The first thing you want to do is find out what your device needs to operate so inspect the device and look for any labels or symbols that indicate either the voltage or mAh/A. If you can not find anything have a look in the user manual or try a quick Google search.

The Universal Power Adapter

If you are not sure on the pin type or are looking to use it for a few devices then make it easy with a universal adapter, they allow you to have different voltages, polarities, and connectors.

As USB slowly takes over, the charging system is becoming universal, USB is now becoming available in lower power devices and as chargers become more powerful there will likely be bigger and powerful devices running natively on USB.  Until then remember to be safe with all electronics and double check everything as incorrect voltage or polarity can damage your device. If you want to know more about power adapter, please contact us!