Meaning of "drop in replacement"

[Man_From_India]

What is the meaning of "Drop in replacement"? I have searched Internet for the meaning of "drop in", but no meaning seems to go along with "drop in replacement"?

 

[SoothingDave]

The part exactly replaces the old one. It just "drops in."

No adjustments, no adapters, no re-wiring, no re-programming, etc.

 

[emsr2d2]

Would it not be a "drop-in replacement"?

 

[SoothingDave]

Would it not be a "drop-in replacement"?

Yes, if you want to get picky. ;-)

 

[emsr2d2]

I would hate to be accused of anything less! ;-)

 

[Rover_KE]

It wouldn't be hyphenated if used as a verb.

In a list of instructions you might see

- Switch off power.

- Lift out faulty component.

- Drop in replacement.

- Switch power on.