Most of the well-known devices that we use everyday are converting Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) and using an equipment with Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) is also an option as well. First, let us understand the difference between the two. 

HOW DOES AC-DC (Alternating Current-Direct Current) WORK?

In most buildings you see in the city an AC-DC power supply is used since there’s a lot of devices that are needed to use electrical power and AC-DC power Supply is best to supply these huge demands.

ACDC converters need AC powers first from wall outlets and then convert them into unregulated Direct Current with the use of transformers that change the voltage to be compatible with what the connected device needs. This is perfect for office buildings that have different types of equipment.

The green line in the image above represents the AC-DC Power Supply. 

Now we understood how AC-DC Power Supply works, let’s find out 

HOW DOES DC-DC (Direct Current-Direct Current) WORK

Unlike the equipment you used in offices, DC-DC Power Supply is commonly used in Battery-Operated Devices. One perfect example is your Cell Phone.

A DC-DC power supply converts direct current coming from the power source (a battery) from one voltage level to another depending on the point-in-time needs of the device being supplied. In a Cellular Phone you’ll see several sub-circuits that need various voltage level requirements that they need for the power supply (battery).

Both AC-DC and DC-DC Power Supplies need converters and transformers. Most common peripherals that are used were Power Adapters and these Power Adapters are needed for the smooth operation of devices and Equipment.

Switching Power Adapters are very helpful. Not only do they help with the optimization of the equipment’s performance, but they are also specially designed to meet your specific technical and performance requirements. 

In a typical household scenario, we tend to keep all our phone chargers and device adapters in one place and when we need to charge them, we go and try anything that fits the device’s port without knowing you’re maybe frying your device by using an incompatible charger.

This article will save you and your device as we’ll be discussing ways to determine if you’re using correct chargers for the correct device.

What is an AC-DC Power Adapter?

An ACDC Power Adapter is specially produced for a device to fit the device’s power requirements. AC (Alternating Current) is the power supply you get from your electrical outlets. This AC is not compatible with your device so the ACDC Power Adapter is converting it to DC (Direct Current) that matches your Device’s power requirements.

Reading the AC-DC Adapter Label

Every manufacturer includes DC output on the label. Look for the “brick” part of the adapter for the word OUTPUT. Here, you’ll see the volts followed by the direct current symbol and then the current.

The DC symbol looks like this: image

To check the polarity, look for a + or – sign next to the voltage. Or, look for a diagram showing the polarity. It will usually consist of three circles, with a plus or minus on either side and a solid circle or C in the middle. If the + sign is on the right, then the adapter has positive polarity:

dc center positive polarity

If there is a – sign on the right, then it has negative polarity:

dc center negative polarity

Next, you want to look at your device for the DC input. You’ll usually see at least the voltage near the DC plug receptacle. But you also want to make sure the current matches, too.

Always bear in mind that the input of the device should be the same as the output of the adapter.

ACDC POWER ADAPTERS should always match your device perfectly. Or else you’ll be risking the flawless performance of your device or you might not see them working.