Adapter vs Converter – Difference and Comparison

What is an Adapter?

Multiple kinds of plugs are utilized in various parts of the earth. This is not due to a technical problem. Distinct nations began to develop different types of plugs on their own. After several wall outlets were installed, it was too complicated to change everything to a single global standard.

To address this issue, an adaptor was built. An adapter is a device that enables a plug to be connected to a distinct kind of socket. Thousands of tourists traveling across nations frequently need to acquire these adapters in order to connect electrical gadgets from their native country into outlets in other nations.

On the market, there are several types of adapters that are utilized for specialized reasons. Adapters of many varieties include video adapters, electrical adapters, network adapters and audio adapters that function as per the person’s preference. An adapter contains fewer components. It’s very effortless to use and work with as a result of this. In certain circumstances, using the wrong adaptor may not result in any difficulties. As a result, the tourist does not have to be concerned.

What is a Converter?

Not only do various nations utilize various types of plugs, but the specifications for mains power vary as well. The majority of nations utilize AC currents with an RMS voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. RMS voltages of 220 or 240 V are also used in several places.

Certain devices are designed to operate at either 120 V or 230 V. As a result, if a person decides to plug such a device into the mains power of another country, a converter may be necessary. In a converter, a transformer is designed to step up or step down the voltage to an appropriate value. However, most contemporary devices can work at both voltage levels.

Convertor types are classified as high-wattage converters and low-wattage converters for usage with high-wattage devices and low-wattage devices respectively. Because converters actively participate in the transfer of media across interfaces, any flaw in the converter destroys the media’s content. This might lead to either equipment failure or data loss.

Difference Between Adapter and Converter

  1. An adapter is a gadget that links two items for charging reasons. A converter, on the other hand, is a gadget that is utilized to adjust the voltage from high or low to the appropriate normal voltage.
  2. Adapters cannot mechanically switch between alternating and Direct current or high and low voltage outputs. Still, converters can easily convert any Direct current voltage to alternating current or the other way around by rectifying the electric signal.
  3. An adapter connects a plug to a socket meant for another plug type. At the same time, A converter enables a device to be connected to the main power supply with a voltage that differs from the device’s standard voltage.
  4. When the wrong adaptor is used, it may not create any difficulties. On the other hand, in some circumstances, using the wrong converter may result in serious complications.
  5. Adapters are  compact and lightweight, including simply a socket; on the other hand, converters are larger in size and design because they contain a circuit board for switching or limiting voltage.
  6. An adapter contains lesser components. A converter, on the other hand, has a greater number of components.

Comparison Between Adapter and Converter

Parameters of ComparisonAdapterConverter
UsageAn adapter is a device that enables one plug to fit into another kind of terminal.A converter modifies the electricity to be utilized at the intended location.
ComponentsAdapters include fewer components than converters.Converters have a substantially larger number of components.
Incorrect Device UsageThere are no issues as a result of using the incorrect adaptor.Inaccurate converters might result in significant harm.
ConnectionAn adapter connects a plug to a socket for a distinct plug type.A converter enables a device to be connected to a mains supply delivering a voltage that differs from the voltage for which the item was built.
Voltage Conversion CapabilityAdapters cannot automatically switch between AC and DC or high and low voltage outputs.By correcting the electric signal, converters can convert any DC voltage to AC or the other way around.

References

  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7468191/
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7930938/