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
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, 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
1.5 V dc, 3 V dc, 4.5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
European Plug
-
-
-
+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
European Plug
-
-
-
+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, 5 V dc, 6 V dc, 7.5 V dc, 9 V dc, 12 V dc
Australia, European Plug, UK, US
-
-
-
+25°C
0.75 x 2.35 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 1.35 x 3.5 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 1.7 x 4 x 10 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.1 x 5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 2.5 x 12 mm Male Jack Plug, 2.5 x 5.5 x 12 mm Female Coaxial Plug, 3.5 x 15 mm Male Jack Plug
Description:
The VEL05 series from XP Power offers a
great range of 5 W plug-in power supplies, all of which feature level VI energy efficiency. These highly reliable power supplies have output voltages from 5.0 V to 12.0 V and all ...
Description:
The VEL12 series from XP Power offers a
great range of 12 W plug-in power supplies, all of which feature level VI energy efficiency. These highly reliable power supplies have output voltages from 5.0 V to 12.0 V and all ...
Description:
The VEP series from XP Power offers an
excellent range of 8 W to 36 W plug-in power supplies, which are IT and medically approved. These highly reliable power supplies all feature level V energy efficiency, apart from the 24 ...
Description:
The VER05 series from XP Power offers an
excellent range of 5 W plug-in power supplies, all of which feature level VI energy efficiency. These highly reliable power supplies have output voltages from 5.0 V to 12.0 V and all ...
