dc jack

 DC JACK

  DC jack is a component used in many portable consumer electronic devices that allows a steady power source to be plugged in. Though electronics require direct current (DC) power, alternating current (AC) is the type of electricity supplied to and available in household wall sockets, mainly because of its ability to be delivered over long distances without losing strength. Therefore with most electronics, an AC adapter connected to DC jack is necessary to supply power in a usable way.

 Compared to domestic AC Power plugs and sockets, DC connectors have many more standard types that are not interchangeable. The dimensions and arrangement of DC connectors can be chosen to prevent accidental interconnection of incompatible sources and loads. Types vary from small coaxial connectors used to power portable electronic devices from AC adapters, to connectors used for automotive accessories and for battery packs in portable equipment.

 Unlike AC plugs, which are uniform and regulated on a country-by-country basis, DC jacks and plugs, which are technically referred to ascoaxial power connectors, are generally not standardized. Many electronics manufacturers have their own proprietary AC adapters, also known aspower bricks, which employ unique sizes of DC jacks. Currently Germany and Japan are the only countries that have attempted to issue standards for DC jack sizes. Different AC adapters and DC jacks can vary in many ways, ranging from voltage to physical diameter.

 Given the fragile nature of electronic circuitry, power supplies from different devices should not be mixed and matched. A DC jack is designed to accept only one size of connector. While various sizes may indeed look similar, it can be potentially dangerous to try and pair an unsuitable power supply with a device.