Looking for an adapter to connect two different plugs

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Adapter
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an adapter or converter to connect two different plugs for an outdoor Christmas decoration's power supply. Participants explore various methods and suggestions for making the connection work, focusing on practical solutions and potential products.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Practical application

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the issue of needing to connect a new power supply with a different plug to an old outdoor decoration, noting that the specifications are otherwise compatible.
  • Another participant questions the capability of a suggested small adapter to handle 5A, indicating uncertainty about its suitability.
  • A suggestion is made to use basic tools and materials like a screw terminal, knife, screwdriver, and duct tape for a DIY solution, though concerns about current handling are raised.
  • One participant proposes soldering a male connector onto the wires from the old power supply cable if the old plug is still available, questioning the polarity of the old plug.
  • Several participants share links to potential adapter products, with one noting a specific connector that visually matches the requirements.
  • Another participant suggests measuring the existing plugs to ensure compatibility before purchasing an adapter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various suggestions and methods for connecting the plugs, but there is no consensus on the best approach or product. Uncertainty remains regarding the electrical specifications and the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for compatibility in terms of current and voltage, but there are unresolved questions about the specific electrical characteristics of the plugs and adapters discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals facing similar issues with incompatible plugs for electrical devices, particularly in outdoor or decorative applications, may find the discussion relevant.

Messages
19,911
Reaction score
10,925
I got a neighbor who has an outdoor Christmas decoration. It's 20 years old and the power supply went bad. So we bought a new one that was said to be compatible. The specs were the same, but the connections were different. I'm wondering if there is a way via an adapter/converter to attach or other means to make this all work.

Power supply specs
newps.png


Old plug (decoration base has the corresponding female socket)
old.png


New power supply plug that we need to convert
new.png
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Sure that tiny thing can handle 5A? If you don't have to change current and voltage, there's always the old fashioned way.
 
fresh_42 said:
Sure that tiny thing can handle 5A?

Haven't a clue, but the power supply's specs are the same, the only different is the plug. I was hoping there was something simple I could buy.
 
With a screw terminal (10 c), a knife (0 c), a screwdriver (0 c) and duct tape (1 $) you probably can't get cheaper and simpler. I wonder if that Chinese plug fits into anything else as his mother socket. My first thought was "no prob, in Europe we have to deal with adapters all the time". But then I saw your coaxial RCA and the first time with so much current. Even on amazon I couldn't find a quick solution.
 
So from the pictures, you still have the old power supply's male plug? You can buy the male mate to your new power suppliy's coaxial barrel plug, and solder it onto the wires from your old power supply cable (cut the cord, strip and solder). It looks like the old 2-prong plug does not have polarity, right? Or does it only plug into the fixture one way?
 
dlgoff said:
maybe something like this?
Certainly looks like a match visually!
 
You could measure what you have and compare. Less than six bucks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K