This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the AC/AC Wall Adapters category on DigiKey.com
AC/AC Wall Adapters are a completely enclosed unit that converts an alternating current voltage input to a lower alternating current voltage output. The AC wall adapters come with or without a cord. The corded adapters come with a barrel plug, phono plug, rectangular connector, or stripped & tinned wire leads.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which AC/AC wall adapter is right for your application.
Region Utilized: What geographical region the device is designed to operate within.
Voltage Input: The voltage range the device can accept and convert, exceeding this range may cause erratic performance and/or damage the device or the system.
Voltage-Output: The voltage at the output of the device. This type of power supply is typically unregulated, due to this the actual voltage output will vary depending on the load. The output load is typically higher than what is listed as it will drop to the correct voltage once the load is applied.
Current-Output (Max): The maximum amount of current that can be output by the device.
Power (Watts): Maximum amount of power the device can provide - due to losses you generally want your applications power needs to be between 40%-60% of what your power supply can provide.
No Load Power Consumption: The amount of power used by the device when the input is connected but there is no load on the output. This is due to small electrical losses within the device.
Efficiency: Ratio of output power to input power, typically measured at nominal voltage under full load. Typically listed as a percentage, or with an Energy Star rating denoted by a Roman numeral.
Energy Star Ratings
Level I
Does not meet any of the standards.
Level II
Meets minimum efficiency standards required by China in November 2005.
Level III
Power supply meets Energy Star Tier 1, CEC Tier 1, and Australian MEPS
standards.
Level IV
Power supply meets EISA 2007, CEC Tier 2, and the Australian MEPS High
Efficiency category.
Level V
Power supply meets CEC Tier 3 and EU phase 2 standards.
Level VI
Power supply meets DOE new standards effective in the US on February 10, 2016.
For specific requirements for each level please visit https://slpower.com/data/collateral/AN-EFF_MEAS.pdf
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Output Connector: The type of connector used to connect to the device to the system.
Available Connector Types
Barrel Plug
A common round connector almost exclusively used for connecting power supplies. Each consist of an inner sleeve and outer sleeve, which prevent shorting when inserted. When selecting a barrel connector, you will need to know the inside (ID) and outside (OD) dimensions. It is also important to check the polarity of the connector as some are positive center and negative outer sleeve while others are negative center and positive outer sleeve. Using the opposite polarity can damage equipment. If a third dimension is listed, it is typically the insertion length of the plug. Some also contain a switch. Typically, the switch disconnects the battery supply while the device is plugged in.
Barrel Plug R/A
Functionally the same as a regular barrel connector. The difference is a 90 degree turn at the input side of the connector. Comes in more than one size.
Phono Plug
A small coaxial connector. Typically has one charge on the tip and the opposite charge on the sleeve, the two signals being separated by an insulator. Because of its wide use in audio products, it’s use in power supplies has declined and at the time of this writing all part listings we have with this connector are obsolete.
Rectangular, 3 Position
Used by Triad Magnetics this rectangular plastic connector connects to
Molex part# MOLEX 43640-0300 or equivalent connector.
Screw Terminal
Has screw terminals on the power supply that allow for direct connection to the wires of a cord.
Stripped, Tinned Wire Leads
Has attached cord with stripped and tinned ends ready for connection.
Size/Dimension: The physical dimensions of the device. Typically length, width, and height.
Approval Agency: Meets the minimum safety standards of the approving agency. These agencies are either government entities or private third-party labs that protect consumer safety.
Approval Agencies
CE (Conformité Européenne)
Manufacturer’s declaration that it meets the legal requirements of the European Economic Area.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
Identifies products acceptable in Canada and the United States.
cUL
Issued by Underiters Laboratories it identifies products that meet Canadian Standards Association regulations.
cULus
Issued by Underwiters Laboratories it identifies products that meet U.S. and Canadian regulations.
FCC
Identifies products that meet Federal Communications Commission requirements.
GS (Geprüfte Sicherheit)
Identifies products that have been tested and conform with Germany’s Equipment and Product Safety Act (GPSG = Geräte- und Produktisicherheitgesetz).
NEMKO (Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll)
A private organization that provides testing and certification for an array of safety standards.
TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein)
Identifies products that have been tested and meet all regional, national, and international regulations. It is globally recognized.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.)
Identifies products that have been tested and meet UL safety requirements.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | BPE2E |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | HM1577-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Hammond Manufacturing |
| DESCRIPTION | 12VAC 3.33A AC/AC External Wall Mount Adapter Fixed Blade Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | WAU24-1000 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 237-2300-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Triad Magnetics |
| DESCRIPTION | 24VAC 1A AC/AC External Wall Mount Adapter Fixed Blade Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 77DE-06-09 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 2882-77DE-06-09-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Ideal Power Ltd. |
| DESCRIPTION | 9VAC 670mA AC/AC External Wall Mount Adapter Fixed Blade Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
How to Change a Blade on a Universal Wall Plug Power Adapter
Triad WAU Series AC-AC Wall Mount Transformers
Wall Adapter Videos
Articles
Choosing a Wall Charger
Solving the Wall Mount Power Supply Dilemma
Wall Adapter Articles
Product Training Modules
External Adapters Overview - Kaga/Volgen
Wall Adapter Product Training Modules
TechForum
Alternative for Sino-American A41219C Wall Mount Transformer
Power Supply TechForum Posts