Editing AC adapter (section)

{{Short description|Type of external power supply}}
{{For|other senses of this term|Battery charger}}
{{Redirect|External Power Supply|the 2009 European standard|Common external power supply}}
{{Distinguish|Rectifier}}
[[File:Wall-Wart-AC-Adapter.jpg|thumb|A "wall-wart" type AC adapter for a household game console. The output has a [[Coaxial power connector|barrel connector]].]]
[[File:Notebook-Computer-AC-Adapter.jpg|thumb|"Power brick" in-line configuration, with [[IEC 60320|detachable AC cord]] and [[NEMA 1-15]] plug.]]

An '''AC adapter''' or '''AC/DC adapter''' (also called a '''wall charger''', '''power adapter''', '''power brick''', or '''wall wart''')<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of power adapter |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/power-adapter |access-date=2023-06-25 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}</ref>  is a type of external [[power supply]], often enclosed in a case similar to an [[AC power plugs and sockets|AC plug]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Brewer |first1=Dennis C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wuPdEjNZle8C&pg=PA22 |title=Wiring Your Digital Home For Dummies |last2=Brewer |first2=Paul A. |date=2006-12-06 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-10682-2 |language=en}}</ref> AC adapters deliver electric [[Electric power|power]] to devices that lack internal [[Electronic component|component]]s to draw [[Alternating current|voltage]] and power from [[Mains electricity|mains power]] themselves. The internal [[Electrical network|circuit]]ry of an external power supply is often very similar to the design that would be used for a built-in or internal supply.

When used with [[battery (electricity)|battery]]-powered equipment, adapters typically [[battery charger|charge the battery]] as well as powering the equipment.

Aside from obviating the need for internal power supplies, adapters offer flexibility: a device can draw power from 120&nbsp;VAC or 230&nbsp;VAC mains, vehicle battery, or aircraft battery, just by using different [[adapter]]s. Safety can be another advantage, as hazardous 120 or 240&nbsp;volt mains power is transformed to a lower, safer voltage at the wall outlet before going into the appliance handled by the user.