What Is an AC Adapter?

Unless an electronic device runs on batteries, it must have a source of power derived by converting alternating current from the power company to direct current. This alteration in the form of current is done with an AC adapter residing between a power outlet and the device.

Function

An AC adapter converts alternating current from an external power source to the direct current and voltage needed to operate electronic circuits found in devices.

Features

Adapters include parts that change the wave of incoming alternating current to half of the wave and filter out unwanted current. They also change the incoming power to that needed by the attached device.

Identification

An AC adapter usually is in the form of a small block with two plugs to match a wall outlet and a cable with a small plug at the other end, matching the power input of the electronic device.

Effects

Heat may be a source of problems with adapters since the conversion process generates heat. For this reason, adapters are not energy efficient because much of the process is wasted.

Warning

AC adapters are not interchangeable between devices. Each one has a rated input and output in this format: Input: 100-120V, 60Hz, 600mA. Output: 12v, 1250mA. The AC adapter's format must match that of the electronic equipment.