Adapter

This mains power plug travel adapter allows British plugs to be connected to American or Australian sockets.

An adapter or adaptor^[1] is a device that converts attributes of one electrical device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system. Some modify power or signal attributes, while others merely adapt the physical form of one electrical connector to another.

An electric power adapter may enable connection of a power plug, sometimes called a travel plug, used in one region to a AC power socket used in another, by offering connections for the disparate contact arrangements, while not changing the voltage. An AC adapter, also called a "recharger", is a small power supply that changes household electric current from distribution voltage (in the range 100 to 240 volts AC) to low voltage DC suitable for consumer electronics.

For computers and related items, one kind of serial port adapter enables connections between 25-contact and nine-contact connectors,^[2] but does not affect electrical power- and signalling-related attributes.

See also

• AC power plugs and sockets
• Dongle (includes all sorts of adapters)
• Repurposing

References

1. Both spellings are used in both British and American English. "Macmillan English Dictionary". Macmillan Publishers Limited. 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-14. adapter noun [countable] /əˈdæptə(r)/ or adaptor an object that allows you to connect two pieces of equipment of different types or sizes a. BRITISH an object that allows you to connect several pieces of electrical equipment to one electricity supply b. an object that allows you to use electrical equipment in countries where there is a different type of electricity supply from your own
2. Andrews, Jean (2007). A+ guide to managing and maintaining your PC (6th ed.). Boston, Mass.: Thomson Course Technology. p. 395. ISBN 0-619-21758-8.