Wire 240v AC cable to 12v DC Cable?

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 3:22 pm

I have two devices which take the following DC output

2.5A - 12V
1A - 5v

They both have DC plugs which plug into my UK AC 240v wall outlet.
As the plugs are bulky they cause alot of inconvience in my small place.

If I cut both the plug sockets off an AC extention lead and the DC plugs from the DC cable, How can I wire these directly to the cable?

Or is there another way for example maybe buying a USB-C hub and wiring the DC cable to USB-C cable and plugging into port

Open to your thoughts

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 4:32 pm

: after.jpg (35.94 KiB) Viewed 1128 times

Somthing like this

wine~o · Post by **wine~o** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 4:48 pm

Don't even consider it.

The part that plugs into the socket is amongst other things a transformer/power supply. It contains various electronics that control the safety of the cable and output. As in internal fuses and circuit protection.

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 4:51 pm

Hey, thanks for the post.

I understand your concern, but providing a insulated the components correctly, or sourced smaller components and rewired correctly, there shouldnt theoretically be a problem?

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 4:53 pm

How about wiring something like this for each device accordingly

: s-l1600.jpg (21.01 KiB) Viewed 1125 times

ebay item id 313155393327

wine~o · Post by **wine~o** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:02 pm

More sensible option buy a 4 gang extension lead.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:19 pm

Hi 2Pringles, the reason you can not do as you first suggested is exactly as you pointed out, if you take away something you have to put back something.
The mains is 240v ac, one device you have changes the mains from 240v Ac to 12v D.C. @ 2.5A the other is from 240v Ac to 5v DC @1 A

12v it is only 1A, you need 2.5A, and the other you need only 5v so the ebay item is no use in either case.

The items you have are what is known as "wall warts" they change 240v to the required voltage and are as small as you can get, as wine~O suggested get a 4 way extenssion socket. You think you have problems, have a look at the picture below

: s1.jpg (18.79 KiB) Viewed 1118 times

Its a "problem" of the modern world, everything you have needs its own powersupply.

I could build something to do away with all the above, but it would cost more than what I would gain, so like most situations, you have to put up with it.

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:27 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:19 pm Hi 2Pringles, the reason you can not do as you first suggested is exactly as you pointed out, if you take away something you have to put back something.
The mains is 240v ac, one device you have changes the mains from 240v Ac to 12v D.C. @ 2.5A the other is from 240v Ac to 5v DC @1 A

12v it is only 1A, you need 2.5A, and the other you need only 5v so the ebay item is no use in either case.

The items you have are what is known as "wall warts" they change 240v to the required voltage and are as small as you can get, as wine~O suggested get a 4 way extenssion socket. You think you have problems, have a look at the picture below

s1.jpg

Its a "problem" of the modern world, everything you have needs its own powersupply.

I could build something to do away with all the above, but it would cost more than what I would gain, so like most situations, you have to put up with it.

Thanks for the explanation, this is what I registered and posted for, not for answers like "you cant"... when obviously you can its just a matter of knowledge.

In this case I would need two AC to DC regulators/converters/transformers??

One to take 240VAC and change to 12vdc, other 240VAC and change to 5vdc??? Correct?

In such case, if I sourced inline versions of these, and a 4 wire connector block from my 240VAC wire, I could safely resolder my 2 devices?

Correct?

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:34 pm

How about somthing like this

www.mr-resistor.co.uk/item.aspx?i=7579

: 4573_convertor_leddl2_2000.jpg (22.64 KiB) Viewed 1111 times

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:35 pm

You can purchase a 5V adapter that DOESN'T have one of those bulky packages you plug into the socket. They will look like a typical laptop power pack - 13A plug, power lead, rectangular block, power cable, power plug (for your device).

As long as it has 5V out or 12V out and the amperage is at LEAST the same (doesn't matter of it's higher) then it will work safely. They ARE available in the voltages you want AND the type of connector you need - you need only look for them on Google/Amazon/eBay etc.

Removing the casing of the existing power pack (commonly called 'wallwarts') is a BAD IDEA - as mentioned several times above - as you will expose mains voltages and have unsecured leads (easily pulled off the boards).

Such replacement power packs cost a few £ each - not worth the risk of messing with the method you 'feel' is correct. Trust us - we know what we're talking about.

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:38 pm

There are combined 12V and 5V adapters - I have a couple myself - and it would be ok to change the multi-pin plug on the OUTPUT of mine to two separate cables with the appropriate connectors on if you have the plugs, wires and are ok with soldering.

2Pringles · Post by **2Pringles** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:43 pm

kellys_eye wrote: ↑Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:38 pm There are combined 12V and 5V adapters - I have a couple myself - and it would be ok to change the multi-pin plug on the OUTPUT of mine to two separate cables with the appropriate connectors on if you have the plugs, wires and are ok with soldering.

the combined 12v and 5v adapters, do they have 2 seperate output cables(one for each v), or some type of technology inside to detect what the device requires?

Would somthing like this work?(with the adjusted amperage ofc because this one is too low, just for example)

https://cpc.farnell.com/sunpower/pcc2/l ... dp/PW03875

Scotty001 · Post by **Scotty001** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 6:04 pm

SE, something like this may tidy things up and free a little space

I have the same model and can't fault it
Hulker Extension Lead with USB C Ports Power Strip with 3 Way Outlets 5 USB Slots (1 PD 20W Type-C and 1 USB-C and 3 USB-A Port) Multi Plug Extension Socket Desktop with 2 Meter Power Cord 3250W 13A

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 6:27 pm

Not really, you keep looking for devices that need a power supply, you want something like kellys_eye said.

: ps1.jpg (20.97 KiB) Viewed 1101 times

This is a power supply.

The "problem" if you will is that (no disrespect to kellys_eye) they are NOT a few quid, the ones that are a few quid look just like what you already have. (wall warts) the ones I have shown cost £20, and you need two of them

Which goes back to what I said, its too much money for too little gain. (Prices are from Amazon)

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sat Apr 09, 2022 6:29 pm

Scotty001, nice but no use this time, it needs to have 12v output as well as 5v output