A secondary adapter for receiving a DC power signal and providing an ouput power signal as an input to an AC power adapter is disclosed. The AC power adapter may then provide a DC power signal to meet the input power requirements of an electronic appliance. While the AC power adapter is adapted to receive power from an AC power source, the secondary adapter converts a DC power source to provide an input power signal which is sufficient to power the AC power adapter. The secondary adapter enables the AC power adapter to provide power to the electronic appliance from either an AC power source or a DC power source.