What are AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount?

This article provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the basics of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount, including the types and shapes of pins, the form factors of the enclosures, the history of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount up to the present, and their advantages.

What Exactly Are AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount?

More specifically, AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount are electronic devices used in electrical appliances that require a power supply. Rather than drawing electricity directly from the main source, these devices convert commercial power supplied by power plants from AC to DC, or change the voltage as needed. In Japan, commercial power is supplied at 100V with a frequency of 50Hz to 60Hz.

The internal circuit design of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount closely resembles that of built-in or internal power supplies.

• For information on how the circuits of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount work, see How Do AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount Work?
• For explanation of their role, see What Is the Role of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount?
• To learn how to extend their lifespan, visit Usage and Maintenance of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

Which Devices Require AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount?

Devices generally fall under the following categories:

• Devices without an internal power source
• Devices powered by batteries

By plugging an AC/DC Power Adapter — Desktop & Wall-Mount into an AC outlet, you can power these devices or charge their batteries.

As discussed later under the section “Benefits of Using AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount,” an external power supply eliminates the need for internal power sources, making devices more portable when powered by either the main power or battery.

If you want to supply power to the same device from 100VAC or 240VAC mains, or from car or airplane power sources, using an appropriate AC/DC Power Adapter — Desktop & Wall-Mount allows for broad usability. This eliminates the need to manufacture products that work only with specific power inputs.

Additionally, using these adapters improves safety. They convert commercial electricity of potentially lethal 100V–240V AC into safe, low-voltage DC, enabling safer handling by end users.

Types and Shapes of AC Pins

There are foldable AC pins and interchangeable ones that comply with global standards. We provide AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount tailored to each target market worldwide.

The table below introduces some of the main AC pin types and shapes.

Type A

Used in Japan, the USA, Canada, Mexico, parts of South America (e.g. Brazil), Taiwan, parts of China (central & northern regions), and Thailand

Type A Without Pin Holes (China Certified Version)

Round 2-Pin

Used across Europe, former European colonies, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Egypt

Type O

Used in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), parts of China, Argentina, and the Philippines

Type BF

Used in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Malaysia

Features of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

These adapters come in various shapes such as L-shaped, straight, and inlet types. Recently, models are being developed to match the design of the connected device.

We also offer round-body types in addition to the above.

Inlet-type input sockets include commonly known standards like the pig-nose IEC60320-C1, figure-eight IEC60320-C7, and three-prong IEC60325-C5 or IEC60320-C14.

Tips for Selecting AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

Choosing for Longer Lifespan

Generally, selecting a model with 30% more rated output helps extend the adapter's lifespan. For example, if your device needs 60W, you should choose a model rated at least 75W to avoid stress and overheating under maximum load.

Consider Operating Environment

Take into account the operating temperature and cooling conditions when choosing a model. For high-temperature environments or specific needs, contact our sales team.

Select the Right DC Plug

The wrong DC plug can result in malfunction or accidents. Make sure to confirm polarity (center-positive or center-negative) and voltage classifications like those from EIAJ. Options for DC cable lengths are also available.

Account for Peak Current

Devices with motors like dental tools, printers, shavers, or massagers may require adapters that handle peak current. We offer models rated for peak currents up to 10 seconds at twice the normal load.

Check Safety Standards

Required standards vary based on device type — e.g., medical standards for medical devices, harmonic current limits for LED devices. Also ensure compliance with regional safety and energy efficiency regulations such as DoE, ErP, or FCC.

History of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

Part 1: Rise and Drawbacks of Linear Power Supplies

Originally, AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount used linear power supplies with transformers, rectifiers, and filters to convert AC to a lower-voltage DC. These devices were large, heavy, and inefficient, especially when used above 10W, making them impractical to support with wall outlets.

Voltage output varied with load, requiring linear voltage regulators, which further reduced efficiency and dissipated excess energy as heat even without load.

Part 2: Emergence of Switching Power Supplies

To address these limitations, switching-mode power supplies (SMPS) became mainstream in the early 21st century. These efficiently convert AC to DC using high-frequency switching, which allows smaller transformers, lighter weight, and better efficiency. They also handle high-frequency ripple more easily.

SMPS transformers use galvanic isolation for safety, and operate across wide voltage (100VAC–240VAC) and frequency ranges, making them universally usable. However, they're vulnerable to surges, overvoltage, and extreme temperatures — for which we offer robustly designed models.

Part 3: Spread of USB AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

USB connectors are now widely used in portable devices, supplying DC5V at up to 500mA (900mA with USB 3.0). Many devices — from coffee makers to alarm clocks — are powered this way. The 2012 introduction of USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standardized up to 100W output.

Recently, compact adapters using GaN semiconductors have appeared, improving portability and convenience.

Summary of Benefits of Using AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount

1. Safety

By using external adapters, device manufacturers can avoid regulatory compliance for internal power safety in each country.

2. Reduced Heat

Externalizing the power supply reduces internal heat, which improves reliability and extends component life.

3. Reduced Noise Influence

Moving power sources away from noise-sensitive circuits reduces electrical interference (noise drops with the square of distance).

4. Lightweight and Compact

External power supplies allow for smaller, lighter device design.

5. Easier Maintenance

External adapters are more easily replaced by users, reducing downtime and repair costs.

6. Improved Flexibility

Devices using AC/DC adapters can support various voltages and be used worldwide with universal adapters.

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