centernegative

centernegative refers to a type of electrical contact used in certain electronic components, particularly batteries. In a centernegative configuration, the positive terminal of the component is located at the center of the contact, while the negative terminal is on the outer rim or sleeve. This arrangement is the opposite of the more common centerpositive configuration, where the positive terminal is on the outer rim and the negative is at the center.

This distinction is crucial when connecting electronic devices, as using a power supply with the incorrect polarity can lead to damage to the device or the power supply itself. For instance, many guitar pedals and other small electronic devices utilize centernegative power connectors. When purchasing a power adapter for such a device, it is essential to ensure that the adapter also has a centernegative output, or that an adapter with the correct polarity configuration and voltage is used. The diameter of the barrel connector is also a critical factor in compatibility, with common sizes being 2.1mm and 2.5mm inner diameter. Using a connector with the wrong polarity, even if the correct physical size, will result in a short circuit or failure to operate. Therefore, understanding and verifying the polarity of both the device and the power source is a fundamental aspect of electronics usage.