With the proliferation of battery-powered devices, electric chargers are an indispensable part of our modern world. But with so many types available, it can get confusing. In this guide, we‘ll provide an in-depth look at 7 of the most common electric charger varieties.
For each charger type, we‘ll explain how it works, provide examples of devices that use it, recommend top products, and more. Let‘s get charging!
USB Chargers
The most ubiquitous charger today is the USB charger. These compact blocks plug into AC wall outlets and convert the electricity into 5V DC current that devices can use.
Inside a USB charger is a voltage rectifier and transformer that steps down the 120V AC to a DC output. The standard is 5V, but amperage can range from 1A to over 3A for faster charging.
Nearly any mobile device like phones, tablets, wireless headphones, and more use USB charging. Even laptops and Nintendo Switch support USB-C PD that offers higher power delivery up to 100W.
We recommend Anker‘s PowerPort line as the best USB wall chargers. They offer high-quality construction, folding plugs, and multiple ports at affordable prices.
AC to DC Power Adapters
Larger "power brick" style chargers convert AC electricity into various DC outputs to power devices directly. These often accompany devices like laptops, printers, game consoles, motorized toys and more.
Internally, they use similar voltage rectifier circuits to USB chargers to transform the power. But they tend to deliver higher wattages, up to 200W or more. The DC cable and connector are custom to the device‘s power input.
AC to DC adapters have been around since the dawn of electronics. Today you‘ll find compact USB-C PD versions for laptops and smaller e-marked ones for global compatibility.
AA/AAA Battery Chargers
AA and AAA batteries perioded the world of gadgets before built-in rechargeables. Thankfully, you can reuse nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium batteries in chargers.
These chargers use AC to DC conversion and apply a controlled voltage to each battery slot. Once the batteries reach full capacity, the charging circuitry cuts power to prevent overcharging. Charging multiple batteries evenly is a technical challenge.
Battery capacities and charger technology continue advancing. Eneloop Pro AA batteries now store up to 2500mAh for extreme longevity. La Crosse makes excellent fast and smart AA/AAA chargers.
Automotive Battery Chargers
When your car battery dies, an automotive charger restores it to working order. Portable units connect via jumper cable clamps while high-end wheeled models look like generators.
Inside these beasts are complex SMPS circuits that convert AC into 12-15V DC current suitable for lead-acid batteries. More advanced chargers even desulfate batteries to recover lost performance.
For most drivers, a compact 12V portable charger like the NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 is ideal. It jump starts batteries and charges smartphones/laptops too. Professional mechanics rely on beefy cart models from Clore and Associated.
Electric Vehicle Chargers
One of the most complex charger categories is designed for electric vehicle batteries. The power transfer involves direct high-voltage DC at up to 350 kW!
There are Level 1 (120V AC) and Level 2 (240V AC) chargers for home use. But DC fast charging stations employ monster power inverters, liquid cooling, charge controllers and more to rapidly charge EV battery packs without damage.
Tesla‘s Supercharger network set early benchmarks, but now universal Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors are spreading rapidly. For homes, ClipperCreek, Grizzl-E and Wallbox chargers lead for simplicity and smart features.
Camera Battery Chargers
Digital cameras live on the bleeding edge of battery tech with demanding loads. Luckily, each model has an accompanying external charger.
These chargers cater to each camera‘s unique lithium-ion battery shape/chemistry. Contacts align with terminals, allowing reliable charging every time. Charging profiles are also tailored to maximize cell life.
Sony and Nikon camera batteries are incompatible between brands. But performance and capacity continue growing while chargers get smaller. Wasabi Power makes affordable replacements when OEM packs die.
Power Tool Battery Chargers
Heavy-duty tools thrive on interchangeable battery packs. Tool companies therefore produce dedicated chargers to replenish packs between jobs.
The latest lithium-ion cells allow outrageous power in familiar form factors. Chargers must sensitively charge multiple cells simultaneously without imbalance or overheating. Fancy ones even display per-cell diagnostics!
All major brands stick to proprietary battery shapes, but voltage and capacity increase steadily. FlexVolt 60/120V offerings from Dewalt and Milwaukee represent the state-of-the-art for extreme cordless capability matched by rapid chargers.
Frequently Asked Charger Questions
To wrap up our charger extravaganza, let‘s answer some common questions consumers have:
Why aren‘t there AC chargers?
AC power alternates directions dozens of times per second, preventing stable storage in a battery. All rechargeable batteries require constant-polarity DC.
What happens if a battery gets overcharged?
Excess charging overheats batteries, accelerating wear and creating short circuit or even fire risk in damaged cells. Advanced lithium batteries have protection against this.
Why don‘t desktop PCs have external AC to DC converters?
Desktops include internal power supplies that convert AC to the many DC voltages components require. This avoids an unwieldy external power brick you‘d have to hide.
What‘s inside a wall charger brick?
The plastic case hides transformers, rectifier circuits, filter caps and sometimes regulators that alter household electricity into low-voltage DC able to charge your device.
How much power does a USB port provide?
A standard USB-A port provides 5V DC at 0.9A for 4.5 watts of power. Newer USB-C ports support variable output up to 100W for charging laptops and other large devices.
