AC adapter
We have dozens of electronic gadgets in our homes: cameras, cell phones and music players. Almost all these run on AC adapters, the familiar black, chunky wall-plugs. If you lose them, you can get replacements. With a power strip, you can keep them organized. Use them wisely and you can trim your electric bill.
Multiple Use Adapters
Electronics stores sell adapters with switchable voltages and multiple plugs. They can replace dozens of different single-use types. If you rely on several gadgets that run on adapters, consider getting a switchable unit as a spare. Find the adapter with the largest current rating you can afford. An overrated adapter can power less demanding equipment safely, but an underrated one will run hot and probably fail.
Power Strips
Its odd, blocky shape means an adapter will take up too much room on a regular power strip. Some power strips feature extra space for power strips. Widely available, you should have no trouble finding one at a music shop. Musicians' electronic boxes are largely powered by AC adapters.
Another item, the Power Strip Liberator, is a short AC cord that plugs into your power strip. It accepts an AC adapter on the other end. Its slim plug fits a socket on a conventional strip, keeping other sockets available.
Some power strips have built-in surge protection. This keeps severe voltage variations in the household AC power from harming your equipment. Power surges can damage all kinds of equipment, including adapters. Spending the extra money on this feature is worth it.
Specifications
AC adapters come in hundreds of sizes, shapes and ratings, but three factors count most.
Voltage: Adapters typically provide between 3 and 24 volts.
Current rating: Electronic items typically consume between 100 and 3,000 milliamps. The adapter provided with the electronic item will deliver enough current, but no more,
Plug type and polarity (the plug that goes into the gadget, not the wall): Most adapters have two-conductor plugs, some have three. You can have an adapter with the right voltage and current, but if the plug's wrong, you're stuck. Polarity also varies among different models; some have a positive internal pin with a negative outside, some have it the other way around. A multi-use adapter allows you to switch polarity, so it will work with the widest range of equipment.
Unplugged
AC adapters consume current even when they're not powering anything. If you touch one that's plugged in, it will be warm. To save energy and money, unplug the adapter when it's not in use. If you are recharging your cell phone, note when it's full, so you don't waste anymore power than necessary.
Testing
If you have a piece of equipment that's working poorly, the cause might be its AC adapter. You can check the voltage and polarity easily with a handheld multimeter. If you're lucky enough to have an oscilloscope, use it to test the adapter. Look for excessive ripple (bad capacitors) or lack of DC offset (bad diodes). If you find anything amiss with the adapter, simply replace it with an equivalent.
Tags: power strips, some have, adapter with, power strip, Some power