An AC/DC adapter, or plug-in power supply, is an electrical device that takes input power from a mains power supply and converts or derives the right current, frequency and voltage to power the component it is attached to. Main power supplies provide power to devices that run on batteries or have no other power source. These are suitable for applications such as chargers, set-top boxes, motor control and other office automation products.
A plug-in power supply resides outside the main unit, unlike a computer power supply which is internal.
How does an AC/DC adapter work?
An AC/DC adapter is made up of a central unit which draws power from an AC outlet, it then converts the power to DC that is used to charge the device. Each AC adapter has a specific power rating, measured in volts or watts that it can handle and the output of a device. Because of the power rating and the type of plug on the end, an AC adapter is not universal and can only be used with devices with the same requirements and connector.
International Plug Power Supplies
Some plug-in power supplies come with interchangeable input connectors that you can swap when traveling to areas with different plug types such as the United Kingdom, USA, Europe, Japan and Australia. They may also come with protection features such as short circuit, over voltage and overload to suit the international safety approvals making them ideal for the global marketplace.
Are all AC/DC Adapters the same?
It is possible to use a power adapter on different devices, but it’s important to check whether it’s AC or DC output. Using close to, if not exactly the correct voltage and Amperage. If you're unsure it might be worth investing in a universal power adapter with lots of different plug fittings.
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
Type G - British 3-Pin
-
+25°C
2.35 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.5 x 12 mm Male Jack Plug, 3.5 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Male Jack Plug, 4 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 4.75 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 5.5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
Type G - British 3-Pin
500mA
+25°C
0.75 x 2.35 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.35 x 3.5 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.75 x 4.75 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.1 x 5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 2.5 x 12 mm Jack Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Jack Plug
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
European Plug
-
+25°C
2.35 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.5 x 12 mm Male Jack Plug, 3.5 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Male Jack Plug, 4 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 4.75 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 5.5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
2-Pin Type C - EuroPlug
500mA
+25°C
0.75 x 2.35 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.35 x 3.5 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.75 x 4.75 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.1 x 5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 2.5 x 12 mm Jack Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Jack Plug
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
Type G - British 3-Pin
-
+25°C
1.35 x 3.5 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.1 x 5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 2.35 x 0.75 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Jack Plug
3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
Type G - British 3-Pin
1.2A
+25°C
1.35 x 3.5 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.1 x 5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 2.35 x 0.75 x 10 mm Hollow Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 12 mm Hollow Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Jack Plug
1.3 x 3.5 x 9.5 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 11 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.1 x 5.5 x 11.5 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.1 x 5.5 x 9.5 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.5 x 13 mm Jack Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 9.5 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 3.5 x 14 mm Jack Plug
Description:
Plug-in power supply units for international useWith interchangeable
primary plug adapters (for EU / UK / US / AUS)With five different secondary plugsSELV output (Safety Extra Low Voltage)Output voltage tolerance ±3 %Efficiency factor up to 85 %Short-circuit-proofHigh-voltage resistance 3 kVacProtection ...
Description:
Energy saving power supplyNo load power consumption ≤0.3W
(MPP6 series), ≤0.5W (MPP15, MPP15 Medical, MPP30 series)Supplied complete with interchangeable mains plugs for use in UK, Europe, USA, Japan and AustraliaCompact, lightweight2m output lead with polarity inverter & connectorsRegulated outputSuitable for ...
Description:
Plug-in power units in accordance with medical Norm
EN 60601 with minimum power dissipationComplies with the latest guidelines on dry run losses and efficiencyComplies with the European Union's latest EuP (Energy-using Products) regulation and Energy Star®Plug set not included, please ...
Description:
The New 30Watt NP Series from EOS are
ideal for portable computing, multimedia, industrial, networking, printing and battery charging applications. The new NP series of power adapters are fully compliant with CEC and Energy StarIV requirements and provide their full ...
