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An AC adapter allows a battery operated device to operate or charge using regular AC current. DC power, or direct current is provided by batteries. AC, or alternating current is the type used by a house. Plugging a DC device into an AC outlet without an adapter is an invitation to disaster. An AC adapter has a plug that inserts into the device, and an inverter that plugs into a standard AC outlet. The inverter "changes" the current into DC current the device can then use safely.
Battery operated devices such as radios, portable TVs, cassette and CD players are sold with AC adapters. If not used regularly, these items can be lost over time. They can also become damaged, or wear out. Look at the back of the device to see what the voltage and wattage is. Locate the adapter outlet and write down any numbers found there. These will help the user locate a replacement adapter.
Electronic stores have salespeople well- trained to help locate the right equipment for the customer. Sometimes they will ask the customer to bring the device in so the correct adapter can be chosen. This is a wise decision to make.
An online search may be conducted with success, but if the customer is unsure whether or not an adapter will work correctly, buying one that looks "close enough" may prove expensive with returns and exchanges.
Cell phone chargers are an excellent example of an AC adapter. These, too can be lost, damaged or wear out over time. If the user has the old one, taking it and the phone to the provider's store often yields the correct placement. If the phone is no longer manufactured and batteries are still available, it may be worth going to an electronics store for a replacement.
Universal AC adapters are sold to help reduce the frustration of searching for replacements. These adapters typically have four different plugs on one end so they can be used in a variety of devices. This reduces the need for multiple adapters and saves money with the purchase of a single device. By using the right adapter, any DC device can work or charge safely.
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where can i find an ac adapter?
Amazon.com has both new and used ac adapters for all types of devices. Depending on the device you need the adapter for, you can visit the company website and use customer support online to find the adapter replacement you need.
What if I Used wrong ac adapter in electronic device?
If the AC adapter gives too little voltage, the electronic device will probably not work. If it gives too high a voltage, you will probably burn out the electronic device, which will have to be replaced or rewired. If the AC adapter is too weak (provides less milli-amperes than the device needs), the AC adapter can burn out. In summary, you need to check: (a) that the adapter should have the correct voltage, and (b) that it provides the required amount of milliamperes (or more) for the device.
Can you use a 1A adapter instead of a 500mA adapter?
A one amp adapter is the same as a 1000 mA adapter. If your device requires 500 mA to operate then there is ample capacity in the adapter to operate a 500 mA device. Be sure to match the type of voltage AC or DC from the adapter to the driven device. Both have to be the same.
Where can one purchase a USB AC adapter online?
There are a host of different places where USB AC adapter are available and can be purchased online. It's always good to have an extra USB AC adapter. Electronic special stores like Radio Shack are also a good place to find the right charger for you.
Will the HP 402018-001 AC Adapter work on a Pavilion?
No the HP AC adapter will not work on a Pavilion. You would need to find the specific adapter for the model you have.
Can you use a 3.7v ac adapter for a digital camera that recommends a 4.3v adapter?
NO! It will fry your device. Use same V and possibly higher amp rated adapter.
Can you use 5v ac adapter instead of 4.5v ac adapter?
Yes the voltage is close enough to work. What you have to be cautious about is the milliamp output of the adapter. Make sure that the output of the adapter is higher than the device that plugs into it.
Can a 12 volt 0.5 amp ac adapter substituted with a 7.5 volt 1 amp adapter?
No, it is not recommended to substitute a 12 volt 0.5 amp AC adapter with a 7.5 volt 1 amp adapter. The voltage and amperage ratings need to match the requirements of the device you are powering. Using a lower voltage adapter may not provide enough power, and using a higher voltage adapter can potentially damage the device.
Can I buy an international AC adapter?
Yes you can buy an international AC adapter. Radio Shack or Amazon.com would be two places to find this item.
Can you replace 12v vdc adapter by 12v vac adapter?
No, 12 volt AC is a different from 12 volt DC. Have a second look at the 12 AC volt adapter's output label. Most adapters contain a bridge rectifier in them that makes a conversion within the adapter. An example of this is in phone chargers.
Does DC adapter mean the device converts DC to ac or ac to DC?
An AC adapter adapts the device that one wants to power up to the AC line. That means it converts the AC line voltage to something that can be used by the device in question. An AC adapter converts AC to DC. (In contrast, a device that runs off DC and makes AC out of it is called an inverter. An example of an inverter is the device that plugs into a vehicle's cigarette lighter and has an outlet on the other end that will permit someone to plug something like a kitchen blender into it. Great for tailgating! Don't run your vehicle's battery down....) There are times when an AC adapter is the little plug-in-the-wall thingie that converts the AC line voltage to some lesser value of AC. There are a few devices out there (usually older ones) that used their AC adapters to step down the wall voltage (115 volts AC) to 24 volts AC, 18 volts AC, 9 volts AC, or anything like that. Some new sprinkler control timers use an adapter that is an AC -to-AC step down converter. By looking at the information on the adapter, the user can see what the primary voltage is (and it's almost invariably 115 volts AC or 120 volts AC - same, same for this application) and what the secondary voltage is. As stated, the secondary is almost always DC, and if it is, the polarity is almost always indicated as well. That's so a user can tell if that little round connector has positive on the inside and negative on the outside or the other way round. (It makes a lot of difference to the device on which it is used, as one might guess.)
Can you use replace 5V 3.6A ac adapter to 5V 2.6A ac adapter?
Well, trying to clarify your question, if you have a device that normally has a 5V 3.6A adapter, than it likely needs to be able to draw up to 3.6 amps or so for the device to operate normally. So, a 5V 2.6 amp adapter may operate at times, but only when the device is trying to draw less than 2.6 amps. If the device tries to draw more than 2.6 amps than you run the chance of burning out your transformer (the AC adapter), or just not having your device work. Both adapters will put out the 5 volts, but the 2.6 amp adapter will not provide enough current. You can safely use a larger adapter than the 3.6A, as your device will only draw as much current at 5 volts as it needs. On another note, do not try an adapter that puts out the same current but more voltage. Such as 7.5 volts 3.6 amps. This will overdrive your device and potentially burn it out.
