AC to DC Converter

A regular power inverter converts the power signal from a DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). These are helpful for running standard electronic devices from power sources like batteries that only provide direct current power. However, sometimes it can be helpful to transform this power signal the other direction, which is when you need an AC to DC converter. These power converters are more commonly referred to as rectifiers.

Although most electronics need to be powered by an AC signal, they actually run on DC. Most devices actually convert the AC electricity from the wall into DC internally before making use of the supplied power. These internal rectifiers can be seen in anything from a cell phone charger to the power block for a laptop. However, they can also be purchased separately.

Having one of these external AC to DC converters will allow you to provide DC power to anything that requires it directly from your wall socket. Most electronics and appliances do not require this because they already have the functionality built in, but some things like welding require a steady source of electricity. There are also devices that do not provide their own internal conversion, so an external rectifier is needed. An example of this could be a server rack where some servers expect that power will be delivered to them in an already usable DC format.

Then there is the less complicated use that your average consumer would know about, like this device at Amazon. It converts the AC power from a wall socket into a 12V DC power signal so that you can use your car electronics in your home. Usually people want to accomplish this type of conversion the other direction, but if you’re in a bind it would allow you to charge your cell phone with your car charger inside a building. These nifty devices cost anywhere from a couple dollars up to about twenty five.