I have a 15" 2019 MBP and want to be able to charge it at work without carrying my adapter and cable back and forth. At work I have a Dell OptiPlex 7050 and two Dell monitors (one is HDMI, the other is VGA/DVI). Unfortunately, the way the office is set up I don't have easy access to an actual plug into a wall….
So far I've tried plugging my USB-C cable from my MBP to the Dell desktop. With that, the computer recognizes it's plugged into a power source (gets the little charging icon and says "Power source: Power adapter") but also states that the "Battery is not charging" and the percentage continues to drop. So that didn't work.
Are there any other suggestions?
Would be helpful to get input on a few things:
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Is there a way to get the USB-C from the Dell desktop to work?
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Would USB-A from the Dell desktop with a USB-A to USB-C cable work any better?
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Do all computer monitors allow pass through charging? What would be the best way to go about trying this (HDMI? VGA? DVI? Or USB-A?)
Best Answer
Assuming that the monitors use an IEC plug on the backside, you can use an IEC cable splitter, like this
https://www.amazon.com/Server-Splitter-Power-Extension-Cable/dp/B01G1JMFZQ/
to grab the mains power from the monitor power cable and gain an extra power plug.
Then use an adapter like this
https://www.amazon.com/SF-Cable-Prong-Adapter-60320-C14/dp/B004OC579E/
to convert the extra IEC plug to the power plug of your choice (this is a US NEMA plug, but these adapters are available for any power plug standard – UK, Euro, Schuko and whatnot).
Keep in mind that in many countries you have to ask you employer first if you want to charge external devices at work, otherwise it w/c/ould technically be stealing.