Energy efficient power adapter

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an AC power adapter for providing voltage to an electrically-operated device includes a power converter module electrically coupled to a power source via at least one hot lead and at least one neutral lead. The power converter module is configured to convert voltage received from the power source to voltage suitable for use by the electrically-operated device. The AC power adapter also includes a relay circuit coupled to the hot lead to control the voltage passing from the power source to the power converter module.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method of remotely operating a circuit to connect an electrically operated device to an AC power source, the method comprising:
 causing transmission of a signal from a control device to a relay circuit, the control device remote from the relay circuit, the relay circuit coupled to a power converter module, the power converter module electrically coupled to the AC power source via at least one hot lead and at least one neutral lead, the power converter module being configured to convert AC voltage received from the AC power source to at least one voltage suitable for use by the electrically-operated device, the relay circuit coupled to the at least one hot lead to control the AC voltage passing from the AC power source to the power converter module; and   switching, in response to receipt by the relay circuit of the signal from the control device, the relay circuit to control the AC voltage passing from the AC power source to the power converter module.