Adapter vs. converter

Adapters do not change the electrical voltage, though they may alter the shape of the plug or serve another purpose. For example, you can buy adapters that let you connect an Apple device to a conventional laptop computer, and you can buy adapters that have additional safety features like surge protectors built in.

Because converters are changing the power flowing through them, they have many more components than adapters. Adapters only have a few conductors in them and the plugs that connect them to the wall and the incoming device plug.

Power converters are typically larger and heavier. This is because they have to accept plugs and connect to power outlets like adapters, but they also have to convert the voltage flowing through them.

Choose adapters and converters so that your devices will work without being damaged unless you want to end up carrying battery powered travel versions. Hello guys! I'm a years-old author, traveler, writer, blogger, and a camper. I enjoy life as much as I can and love to visit beautiful places in my RV. That's why while traveling I have decided to dedicate some time to share my experiences with everyone that might be interested in traveling, camping, and RVs. The purpose of an adapter is to facilitate the connection between two interfaces.

It does not change or affect the state of the medium passing through, whether it is water or electricity or a data stream. The adapters used to connect the plugs male or female connectors of the circuits to a different type of plug base female or male connector act only to facilitate the electrical connectivity of the two ports.

Variety of computer hardware can be connected to a computer system with the use of the adapters. Converters not only facilitate the connectivity but also change the form of the medium passing through the component; hence can be considered as an active component.

It can be either a physical component or a software component. The simplest example is the power converters that are used to convert V AC mains power supply to a V power or vice versa using transformers.

Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Ben Joan. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. Summary: 1. An adapter is a device used to make one plug fit another type of terminal while a converter changes the energy to make it usable at the destination 2.

Converters have much more components in them than adapters 3. Incorrect adapter cause no complications while incorrect converters can cause serious damage Author Recent Posts. Ben Joan. Latest posts by Ben Joan see all.