Battery-powered devices may have a lot of benefits but replacing the batteries every once in a while, can become annoying. If you want an alternative to rechargeable batteries, then the AC adapter is the way to go. You can easily convert a battery-powered device to wall power with the help of a few simple steps.

The only thing you need to know before you convert your battery-powered device to a wall-powered device is to find out the current (mAh) and the voltage (V) of the device at hand. Then, you have to attach the best-suited AC power adapter to the place inside the device where the batteries come in contact. Let’s look at this process in detail.

Finding the voltage of the device

The device’s voltage is one of the factors that affect the type of AC power adapter you would have to use. So, finding out the correct voltage of the device is an important task that must be done carefully. Take the batteries out of the device and count how many are there. There are different types of dry-cell batteries used in battery-operated devices that include AA, C, AAA, and D. All of the mentioned dry cell round batteries have a voltage of 1.5 volts.

So, if the device that you’re adapting is using four batteries, multiply four by 1.5 (the voltage of one battery), so the total voltage would be 6 volts. Similarly, a device using six batteries would have a voltage of 9 volts. In this way, you can easily find the voltage of the device you’re adapting.

Finding the current of the device

To find out the current (mAh) of the device, all you have to do is to find a sticker that’s pasted on the device. Typically, there is a current sticker used on all battery-powered devices. You will also find the current information in the operating manual. Then, find an adapter that is best rated to the value of the current mentioned in either the operating manual or the sticker.

Using a power adapter that has a lower mAh value will not power your device completely, and it may cause problems in the device itself. On the other hand, using a power adapter that has a higher mAh value is fine, too, because the device will only use the amount of current it requires. Still, it is advised to get a power adapter that has the exact value of current as the device requires.

Purchasing an adapter

There are several variations of AC adapters, and all of them serve different needs of different devices. You need to note down the voltage and the current of the device that you found out in the previous steps and buy an AC adapter that best suits your needs.

Preparing the adapter

A low-voltage connector that is typically found at the end of the adapter’s wires needs to be cut first. Then, take the insulation off the wire by pulling it apart, no more than about half an inch. Remember to strip the insulation only at the end of the wires.

Connecting the adapter to the battery

It is essential that you connect the wires of the adapter with the correct connectors of the battery. Examine the battery compartment, and you will see the two connectors that the battery is reaching, each on either side of the compartment. One of the connectors will be connected with a battery with two connections tied up by a piece of metal. The other side, however, will have two different connectors.

The naked wires of the adapter will need to connect to the side of the battery compartment that has two different and separated connections.

Identifying the wires of the adapter

The neutral wire of the adapter is identified by either a raised strip or a white strip. Take that neutral wire and attach it to the negative terminal present inside the battery compartment. You must attach the neutral wire of the adapter with the battery either by soldering it or by using electrical tape. Remember to take care before attaching the wire and only attach it at the end that has no tied connections.

Connecting the remaining wires

Now that the neutral wire has been attached, you must now attach the positive wire of the adapter. Look for an indication that says +, or you can see where the nub of the battery goes. Again, you must connect even the positive terminal of the adapter with the battery compartment only where the connections are not tied together.

All of the wires and the terminals of the power adapter and the battery, respectively, are now connected together, and you can power your device through a wall socket. Just plug the power adapter in the wall socket, and your device will power up!

With this conversion, you can have the portability of a battery-powered device, as well as use the device through a wall socket, not having to change batteries every once in a while.

Conclusion

Tired of recharging or changing the batteries of your favorite toy or equipment? Now convert it to wall power and use it for life. Making your life simpler and easier, with this guide, you will be able to convert a battery-powered device to wall power without any difficulty. Make sure that you know the right values of current and voltage. You have to follow the guideline for the rest, and you are good to go.