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AC/DC Power Adapters

An AC/DC power adapter turns mains electricity into the low-voltage direct current a device runs on. This collection covers plug-in and in-line adapters such as the LYYT 660.452UK, universal Mercury adapters with adaptor plugs, IP67 LED tape supplies, Haydon boxed supplies with battery backup, and makers' own adapters for cameras and network kit. Mercury USB chargers are on this page too.

Choosing AC/DC Power Adapters

Choose an adapter by the voltage and current your equipment needs, whether it wants AC or DC, and how it connects.

Match voltage, current and plug

Read the device's input label first: the adapter must give the same voltage and at least the current it draws. LYYT in-line adaptors such as the 660.452UK give 12Vdc at 3A through a centre-positive 5.5 x 2.1mm DC plug. Camera makers supply their own, such as the Dahua DH-PFM320D-BS at 12V 2A and the Hanwha SPU-60241 at 24V 2.5A.

Universal adapters

For small electronics, Mercury universal adapters such as the 661.403UK give 3V to 12V at up to 1500mA and come with 8 DC adaptors and a USB socket adaptor. The 660.446UK is a fixed 12V version rated 1000mA with 8 adaptors.

Waterproof and panel supplies

LYYT 153.7 series supplies are IP67 rated for LED tape indoors or outside, in 12Vdc and 24Vdc versions. For alarm and access control panels, the Haydon HAY-DC24V5ABBLPSU charges a standby battery and adds a mains fail output relay, and Mercury 13.8Vdc switch-mode supplies such as the 650.759UK are aimed at radio equipment, alarm and access control systems.

USB chargers

Mercury GaN USB chargers such as the 421.725UK give 65W across one USB-A and two USB-C ports for laptops, tablets and phones.

TypeExampleOutput
In-line adaptorLYYT 660.454UK12Vdc, 5A, DC5521 plug
Camera adapterHanwha SPU-6024124V, 2.5A, 60W
Universal adapterMercury 661.401UK3V to 12V, 1000mA
CCTV supplyVeracity VPSU-57V-80057V DC, 800mA
Boxed, battery backupHaydon HAY-DC24V5ABBLPSU24V DC, 5A
USB chargerMercury 421.773UK65W, 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C

Brands we stock in AC/DC Power Adapters

Ajax, AMG Systems, Axis Communications, Dahua Technology, Hanwha Vision, Haydon, Hikvision, Knightsbridge, LYYT, Mercury, Nitek, RGL Electronics, TRENDnet, Ubiquiti and Veracity.

Mercury supplies the most products here, including USB chargers, universal adapters and 13.8V supplies.

Related categories

Compare the full power adapters and supplies range, fixed DC power supplies and inverters, add leads from power supply accessories, browse batteries and power supplies, or read our Help & Support guides.

Frequently asked questions

What does an AC/DC adapter do?

An AC/DC adapter converts mains alternating current into the low-voltage direct current an electronic device runs on. The LYYT 660.451UK, for example, takes 100-240Vac in and gives 12Vdc at up to 2A through a 5.5 x 2.1mm DC plug for LED tape or CCTV.

What does centre positive mean on a DC plug?

Centre positive means the pin in the middle of the DC plug carries the positive supply and the outer sleeve the negative. LYYT in-line adaptors such as the 660.451UK, 660.452UK and 660.454UK are centre positive, so check that your device expects the same polarity and the same 5.5 x 2.1mm plug before you connect it.

How much current should my adapter supply?

Give the device exactly the voltage it asks for and at least the current it draws; a higher current rating is fine, because the device draws just what it needs. LYYT 12Vdc in-line adaptors include 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A versions, the 660.451UK to the 660.454UK. Mercury universal adapters include the 600mA 661.400UK, the 1000mA 661.401UK and the 1500mA 661.403UK.

Why do alarm power supplies give 13.8V?

Because 13.8V matches the voltage of a fully charged 12V lead-acid battery, which makes Mercury 13.8Vdc switch-mode supplies, such as the 650.756UK, compatible with systems normally run from a battery. Haydon boxed units such as the HAY-PSU12V3ABB give 13.8 Vdc nominal with battery backup from a 7Ah lead acid battery.

Which USB charger do I need for a laptop?

Choose a USB-C charger with at least the wattage the laptop asks for. Mercury GaN chargers suit laptops, phones and tablets that need a 45W charger (the 421.722UK, one USB-A and one USB-C) or a 65W charger (the 421.725UK and 421.773UK). The 20W 421.720UK is a phone charger that brings an iPhone 8 or later to 50% in about 30 minutes.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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