A power adapter configured to provide power to a load is described. The power adapter may comprise a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element configured to receive power and a second contact element configured to provide power to a load; a first interface comprising a second plurality of contact elements configured to provide one or more reference voltages to the control attachment, wherein the first interface comprises an electrical interface; a second interface comprising a switch configured to control power applied to a load in response to an actuation of the control attachment; and a control interface circuit coupled to the first interface and the second interface, wherein the control interface circuit generates a power control signal based upon one or more actuation signals generated by the control attachment. A method of controlling a power adapter is also described.