What uses the -12v line? What uses the -5v line

cirthix

Diamond Member
Aug 28, 2004
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I"m curious if the -12v line is used for anything, as my -5v line is obviouly not (its been at +1v for a cople of months now iwth no problems).
edit: THIS HAS BEEN ANSWERED, thanks
 

lenjack

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
2,706
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Those lines are not used at all in modern computers. Some power supplies don't even have them.
 

Tazanator

Senior member
Oct 11, 2004
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Please - Electricity flows from + to - the -12 and -5 are the grounds to provide a path for the currant to flow.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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Get a clue Taz ;) . The -5 and -12V lines are actual negative voltage sources, not grounds. If you take a voltmeter and hook the Pos lead to a +12V test point and the Neg lead to a -12V test point, the meter will read 24V (assuming common ground as in most computer PSUs)... And as lenjack said, those lines aren't used any more. -12V was once used by some RS-232 serial circuits and a few other things and -5V was used by a few ISA cards - both obsolete for some time. My PSU lacks one or both.
.bh.

:moon:
 

cirthix

Diamond Member
Aug 28, 2004
3,616
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taz, the grounds are the grounds
zepper: thanks for the confirmation of lenjack's info