What is the difference between a power adapter and a battery charger?

Author: Aus Electronics Direct   Date Posted:4 May 2023 

What is the difference between a power adapter and a battery charger?

A power adapter and a battery charger are both devices used to provide power to electronic devices, but they work in different ways and serve different purposes.

A power adapter, also known as an AC adapter, is a device that converts AC (alternating current) power from an electrical outlet into DC (direct current) power that can be used by an electronic device. Power adapters typically have a specific voltage and current output that matches the requirements of the device being powered. Power adapters are commonly used to power laptops, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

A battery charger, on the other hand, is a device that is used to recharge a battery by providing a current of electricity to it. Battery chargers are designed to work with specific types of batteries and typically have a charging time and capacity limit. Battery chargers are commonly used to recharge the batteries in smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other portable devices.

In summary, the main difference between a power adapter and a battery charger is that a power adapter converts AC power from an electrical outlet into DC power that can be used by an electronic device, while a battery charger is used to recharge a battery by providing a current of electricity to it.

Comments (1)

Using a charger in stead of a switching adaptor

By: on 20 July 2024
Can a laptop for example be damaged by using a charger rather the switching adaptor the laptop was issued with ?

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