Alright, I hope this is a simple question. I am looking at all of my power cables for my laptop, battery chargers, etc as I pack them away for Australia. I am going from US plugs to Australian. OZ power is 220V compared to the US's 110V. My question is, if the device says 110V-240V under Input, does that mean I can just do a plug conversion and plug it in rather than having to run it through a transformer?
I ran into the same problem for my trip to Ireland. Everything I read seemed to indicate that you need to use a transformer rather than a plug converter. In fact, my plug converter indicated that it was not for use with electronics (makes you wonder what it is used for).
I picked up a transformer from my AAA store for around $30. They are heavy, but better than inadventantly burning out mucho-dinero worth of gear. I'm not sure if you can plug a powerstrip into them or not, if you could that would be a great help.
You will need a transformer unless your equipment is built for use of either 120V or 220V. If your equipment can handle either voltage, a switch is provided that you set manually for the appropriate voltage. . Some newer gear may handle such a switch electronically, but I'm not sure that's true. You might want to check the operating manuals for your equipment, or contact tech support to be absolutely sure
Since most electronic equipment have fairly good tolerance to voltage spikes and electrical noise these days, I would suggest that any transformer you purchase be capable of producing filtering noise and have a method to eliminate spikes.
Personally, I wouldn't plug a laptop directly into 120V stepped down from 220V. I would instead charge the laptop's batteries and switch them out as needed. Inconvenient? Yes; but given the choice, I'd rather fry a battery charger than watch my laptop have an electrifying experience.That would be shocking!
-PB
Posted by Scott Elliot on July 24, 2006 at 9:54 PM
I will only buy equipment that is rated for 100-240 volts for travel. (Some places in Africa rate their power at 240, not 220.) When travelling I just use an adapter plug and have never bothered with a transformer or converter. I have not had any problems.
Some equipment also has an available adapter that allows it to be charged from a 12 volt car batter via the cigarette lighter socket. This has been useful a few times when staying in camps that either had DC current or no accessible outlets.
Provided It is marked 110-240V you will be fine - As Scott has mention be aware that the voltage in Austrailia will be 240V not 220 put a 220volt appliance on at your peril the magic smoke will escape.
Check that there is not a voltage range selector switch- But most modern power supplys will automatically switch
Posted by Drew Fulton on July 25, 2006 at 12:34 AM
Thanks everybody. Just wanted to confirm what I was thinking.
Discussion
5 repliesAny clarification would be appreciated!
Drew
I ran into the same problem for my trip to Ireland. Everything I read seemed to indicate that you need to use a transformer rather than a plug converter. In fact, my plug converter indicated that it was not for use with electronics (makes you wonder what it is used for).
I picked up a transformer from my AAA store for around $30. They are heavy, but better than inadventantly burning out mucho-dinero worth of gear. I'm not sure if you can plug a powerstrip into them or not, if you could that would be a great help.
Cheers,
Alex
You will need a transformer unless your equipment is built for use of either 120V or 220V. If your equipment can handle either voltage, a switch is provided that you set manually for the appropriate voltage. . Some newer gear may handle such a switch electronically, but I'm not sure that's true. You might want to check the operating manuals for your equipment, or contact tech support to be absolutely sure
Since most electronic equipment have fairly good tolerance to voltage spikes and electrical noise these days, I would suggest that any transformer you purchase be capable of producing filtering noise and have a method to eliminate spikes.
Personally, I wouldn't plug a laptop directly into 120V stepped down from 220V. I would instead charge the laptop's batteries and switch them out as needed. Inconvenient? Yes; but given the choice, I'd rather fry a battery charger than watch my laptop have an electrifying experience.That would be shocking!
-PB
Some equipment also has an available adapter that allows it to be charged from a 12 volt car batter via the cigarette lighter socket. This has been useful a few times when staying in camps that either had DC current or no accessible outlets.
Scott
Check that there is not a voltage range selector switch- But most modern power supplys will automatically switch
Drew