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Can I charge my Surface 4 Pro with this method

Surface49

New Member
I've seen many internet discussions (some here) where the consensus is that it impossible to charge a Surface via USB. Nothing is wrong with my Surface's charger, , but I have an external USB charger (https://www.amazon.com/mophie-powerstation-External-Universal-Smartphones/dp/B01JCIJJE8/) that I can use for when there is a power outage and was wondering if this setup would charge the Surface.

Step 1 - Buy this Surge Protector with 2 USB ports - https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-Outlet-Surge-Protector-Ports/dp/B01BYO79UE/

Step 2 - Buy this Male to Male USB cable - https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Super-Feet-Male-Cable/dp/B000BSJFFC/

Step 3 - Connect the magnetic charging part as one normally does, but then plug the prongs into the Surge Protector and connect the Male to Male cable between the Surge Protector and the External USB charger.

Would this work to charge the Surface? Would there be any danger of me damaging the unit if I tried?

Thanks
 

sharpuser

Administrator
Staff member
Yes, dangerous.

USB ports of computers like the Surface provide a small current. By doing a male-to-male, you will buck that current and cause heat and voltage to immediately begin damage.

Diodes cannot protect from damage in this case.

There is a reason why you cannot find male-to-male electric plugs in general, household AC or appliance DC. They are dangerous to circuits and usually also people.
 

EHoskinson

New Member
I've seen many internet discussions (some here) where the consensus is that it impossible to charge a Surface via USB. Nothing is wrong with my Surface's charger, , but I have an external USB charger (https://www.amazon.com/mophie-powerstation-External-Universal-Smartphones/dp/B01JCIJJE8/) that I can use for when there is a power outage and was wondering if this setup would charge the Surface.

Step 1 - Buy this Surge Protector with 2 USB ports - https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-Outlet-Surge-Protector-Ports/dp/B01BYO79UE/

Step 2 - Buy this Male to Male USB cable - https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Super-Feet-Male-Cable/dp/B000BSJFFC/

Step 3 - Connect the magnetic charging part as one normally does, but then plug the prongs into the Surge Protector and connect the Male to Male cable between the Surge Protector and the External USB charger.

Would this work to charge the Surface? Would there be any danger of me damaging the unit if I tried?

Thanks


Your setup in that configuration won't do anything as there is no input power going to the Surface. The surge protector you specified takes AC power from the plug on the back and feeds it to the three AC outlets on the front while providing power to the two USB ports. If it isn't plugged into an AC power outlet the surge suppressor does nothing. It will not take power from the battery pack via the USB port, convert it to AC power to feed to the Surface charger (prongs). If you were to plug it in with this configuration it would simply charge the Surface as normal from the AC outlet and most likely charge the battery pack as well.
 
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