A power adapter including a power reducer for no-load or light load applications and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a capacitor coupled to an input of the power adapter, and a bleeder switch coupled in parallel with the capacitor. The power adapter also includes a detection circuit configured to sense an ac mains voltage at the input of the power adapter and turn on the bleeder switch upon detection of a loss of the ac mains voltage. In addition to or in lieu of, the power adapter may include a power converter, and a disconnect switch configured to disconnect the ac mains voltage from the power converter in response to a signal from a load.