5V usb to 110V ac

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by vigeuth, Jul 8, 2008.

  1. vigeuth

    vigeuth Member

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    Does anyone know if there is an adapter on the market (or if it is even possible) that converts the 5V power supply of a usb port to a standard 110V power source?
    Thanks :)
     
    vigeuth, Jul 8, 2008
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  2. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    I highly doubt it - USB can source almost no power whatsoever. What are you trying to power off it?
     
    sammorris, Jul 8, 2008
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  3. ffg7

    ffg7 Regular member

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    that 5volts is also dc(direct current) whereas 110v is ac(alternating current)
     
    ffg7, Jul 8, 2008
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  4. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Yes, but getting an inverter from most DC power sources isn't hard, 12V DC to 110V ac is common for use with cars. Cold cathode fluorescent lighting in PC mods uses an inverter to get from 12V DC to several hundred volts AC to power the lights, but this requires a reasonable amount of DC current. Since USB can only source a couple of watts at best, it wouldn't be able to power anything that plugs into the mains, probably not even a phone charger, let alone anything more complex.
     
    sammorris, Jul 9, 2008
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