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Is there a difference between a mains adapter and a power adapter?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
The English term mains electricity usually refers to the general purpose alternating current (AC) electrical power supply. The term is not often used in the USA and Canada. There, mains power has a variety of names: These include household power, household electricity, domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, city power, and grid power. So you see, that a mains adapter must be a power adapter.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes, there is a difference. A power cord is a simple cable that carries direct AC current. It's the kind of cable you'd use to plug in generic electronic appliances such as a radio or television. A power adapter (also called an AC Adapter) is usually used to convert AC to DC, which is what you'd use to plug in your laptop, and many scanners/printers use them too. The main difference visually is that a power cord will just be a wire wrapped in insulation and a plastic coating while a power adapter will have a box somewhere along the cord that converts the current. If you're looking for more detailed electrical differences between AC and DC I suggest asking that separately because there's much more information about that. In short: the two are very different. The bad news is that they're not interchangeable, the good news is that you can't really break your equipment by using the wrong kind because they're designed to not fit in the wrong place.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoSame question already answered, see the related link.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoThey are the same thing, just two different ways of saying it. Like kleenex and tissue, same thing.
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What would happen if you used a 19V 3.16Amp power adapter on something that called for a 12V 3Amp power adapter power supply?
You would overload and damage the device and/or the adapter.
What is service mains in power transmission system?
A 'service mains' is not associated with an electricity 'transmission' system, but with a low-voltage 'distribution' system. The service mains is the name given to the cable that connects a building to the low-voltage mains supply.
What is the difference between PCC panel and PDB panel?
There is no difference between PCC ( Power Control Centre) and PDB (Power Distribution Board). Although they have different names, but their functions are same i.e. controlling power feeders.
What does the magnetic DC connector do in the Apple power adapter?
The Magnetic DC is not a vital component of the Apple Power Adapter. Rather, it is a guiding mechanism, that helps guide the plug into the jack for a more secure connection.
What multimeter readings set to measure resistance indicate an open circuit and short circuit in the primary and secondary windings of a mains power transformer. And what readings show good?
You cannot use an ordinary multimeter to assess the difference between a normal power transformer winding and a shorted power transformer winding. You need a Q meter and/or to power it up at a reduced voltage with limited current to see what happens. Note that a shorted power transformer is capable of exploding, so you need to take appropriate safety precautions.
What is the use of a power adapter?
A power adapter (sometimes also referred to as a power supply) is used to supply power to a range of devices. The power is taking from the mains electricity and transferred using the adapter to the device, such as a laptop.
What does an ac adapter do for a Nintendo DS?
It allows you to use mains power instead of batteries
What is the difference between a yamaha ypt230 and a yamaha ypt230di keyboard?
The only difference I see is the di version includes the ac power adapter.
Will your US laptop work in the UK?
Not without a suitable mains adapter to charge the battery. The UK mains voltage is 230 Volts - the US mains runs at just 110 colts.
A ups connects between a computer and a?
Mains power outlet.
What is the mains power voltage in new zealand the same as the united kingdom?
Yes but we use different plugs so if you are coming here you will need an adapter.
How much does a laptop power lead cost?
It depends what you mean by 'power lead' If you mean JUST the flex from the mains to the power adapter, cost is around £8.00 - However - if you mean to replace the whole power supply, it could be as much as £30 depending on the make & model.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mains electricity?
Mains electricity is nothing but main source of power in an installation. From the mains the power is then branched out to different end usage.
Is there a difference with the new iPad purchased in the US and Thailand?
The AC adapter may be different, as some Thai power plus are European style. The adapter will work with a 2 prong adapter for US plugs.
Where is the power on switch for my Toshiba laptop?
The switch is internal. If you plug into the mains, power will be supplied by the mains and the battery will begin charging. If you unplug from the mains, the battery takes over.
What is mains electricity?
Mains electricity is nothing but main source of power in an installation. From the mains the power is then branched out to different end usage.
What is special about AC power supplies?
AC power supplies are power supplies that use Alternating Current, which means that the current repeatedly changes its direction. AC power supplies are usually mains supplies as they are at a high voltage. Often filtering takes place between the mains supply and the device.
