Adapter
Encyclopedia
Tool
A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...
that converts attributes of one device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system.
Some adapters may only affect physical attributes:
- An electrical adapter may enable connection of a socket used in one region to a plugPower connectorPower connector may refer to:* AC power plugs and sockets* Industrial power plug* DC connector* Blade connector, commonly found in cars for quick connection of wiring to electrical components* IEC 60309 , so-called "Commando" plug and socket...
used in another by offering connections for the disparate contact arrangements, while not changing the voltage. For more, see: Domestic AC power plugs and socketsDomestic AC power plugs and socketsAC power plugs and sockets are devices for removably connecting electrically operated devices to the power supply. Electrical plugs and sockets differ by country in rating, shape, size and type of connectors...
. - A garden hoseGarden hoseA garden hose is a flexible tube used to carry water. There are a number of common attachments available for the end of the hose, such as sprayers and sprinklers...
adapter can convert between threadScrew threadA screw thread, often shortened to thread, is a helical structure used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force. A screw thread is a ridge wrapped around a cylinder or cone in the form of a helix, with the former being called a straight thread and the latter called a tapered thread...
s and quick-release, "snap"-type connections. - One kind of serial portSerial portIn computing, a serial port is a serial communication physical interface through which information transfers in or out one bit at a time...
adapter enables connections between 25-contact and nine-contactD-subminiatureThe D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smaller connectors used on computer systems....
connectors, but does not affect electrical power- and signalling-related attributes.
Other adapters may affect electrical attributes:
- A transformerTransformerA transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic field...
adapts household electric currentElectric currentElectric current is a flow of electric charge through a medium.This charge is typically carried by moving electrons in a conductor such as wire...
from high voltageVoltageVoltage, otherwise known as electrical potential difference or electric tension is the difference in electric potential between two points — or the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points...
(100 to 240 voltVoltThe volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
s ACAlternating currentIn alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
) to low voltage suitable for consumer electronicsConsumer electronicsConsumer electronics are electronic equipment intended for everyday use, most often in entertainment, communications and office productivity. Radio broadcasting in the early 20th century brought the first major consumer product, the broadcast receiver...
. These adapters will warm through converting between direct current and alternating current, but are safe to the environment and can withstand months of continuous prolonged activity.