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Epp · 10-24-2021, 08:25 AM

I am assuming this was sold as a gag or a joke. I cannot think of any use for this in the real world, can anyone else?

tetranz · 10-24-2021, 08:57 AM

Very strange. It seems kind of elaborate for a joke when you consider some company must have spent the money and effort to manufacture it.

Maybe long ago some DC powered devices used a normal AC type plug. There's no technical reason why that wouldn't work within the current capabilities but there probably would have been a big bang and the device would be history if you accidentally plugged it into the wrong socket.

richard5933 · 10-24-2021, 09:04 AM

There are Edison style light bulbs available which operate on 12v DC current. Perhaps this was intended to be able to plug in a lamp?

CRV2 · 10-24-2021, 09:09 AM

A lot of people (maybe not a lot) use that adapter in order to use a 120v lamp, or shop trouble lamp for example with a 12v bulb. You can purchase a standard size (physical size) 12v bulb that fits in a standard 120v lamp. If you use a 12v bulb for a work lamp then you can use that adapter to power the lamp fixture. I have one of those around here somewhere but haven't used it in forever. ~CA

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-41526...5087930&sr=8-5

Persistent · 10-24-2021, 09:49 AM

Assuming it is an inverter, its output is 120 volts AC. It would not be used to power a 12 volt DC light bulb.

Also you cannot "plug it into the wrong socket". It has a standard 120 volt AC output socket. The 12 volt input is via screw connections on the other end.

It uses a 12 volt 7 amp fuse, so its wattage is close to 24 watts. What ever 120 volt appliance you plug in, it must be lower wattage than 24 watts.

amosnandy · 10-24-2021, 09:50 AM

Yup, that is correct. I made one of those, not fancy and molded, 45 years ago to use some outdoor lamps on camping trips when a van was the biggest thing I had.

Nwcid · 10-24-2021, 09:56 AM

It is not an inverter, it is an adapter.

An inverter turns 12v into 120v. This item does not do that, it is still 12v output at 7 amp.

An adapter turns one type of plug style into another.

Epp · 10-24-2021, 10:19 AM

Yes, I know it is not an inverter. I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek with the title. I just could not figure out a use for it. The lamp use, does make sense. Just enough to run a 60 W bulb LOL, a 75 watt, would be too much.

No real need for it nowadays.