Imported USA ccomputer power - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Brian4radio · 3rd Oct 2022, 4:25 pm

Hi team, my grand daughter has bought a new computer from the USA.
It is fitted with a USA power plug. Will this computer automatically adjust to our 240 volt mains if the plug is cut off and replaced with a 13 amp one. The manufacture says it will. Regards Brian

Nickthedentist · 3rd Oct 2022, 4:29 pm

Yes, many switch mode power supplies will do exactly this.

Check what's printed on the power supply though. With luck it will say something like "90-250V" and have no manual voltage selector, in which case, change the plug (or swap the whole mains lead) and you'll be ready to go.

Brian4radio · 3rd Oct 2022, 5:19 pm

Hi Nick thanks for that, I don't think my old 486 had that feature. I expected there would be a lovely flash and the computer would have been toast. Thanks again, regards Brian

Brian4radio · 3rd Oct 2022, 5:31 pm

Hi again Nick, the PC is working great now off the 240 volt power. I won't ask how it works as I am just getting my head around FM transmittings HA HA, thanks again Brian.

3rd Oct 2022, 4:25 pm	#1
Brian4radio Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 108	Imported USA ccomputer power Hi team, my grand daughter has bought a new computer from the USA. It is fitted with a USA power plug. Will this computer automatically adjust to our 240 volt mains if the plug is cut off and replaced with a 13 amp one. The manufacture says it will. Regards Brian

3rd Oct 2022, 4:29 pm	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,843	Re: inported USA ccomputer power Yes, many switch mode power supplies will do exactly this. Check what's printed on the power supply though. With luck it will say something like "90-250V" and have no manual voltage selector, in which case, change the plug (or swap the whole mains lead) and you'll be ready to go.

3rd Oct 2022, 5:19 pm	#3
Brian4radio Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 108	Re: inported USA ccomputer power Hi Nick thanks for that, I don't think my old 486 had that feature. I expected there would be a lovely flash and the computer would have been toast. Thanks again, regards Brian

3rd Oct 2022, 5:31 pm	#4
Brian4radio Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 108	Re: inported USA ccomputer power Hi again Nick, the PC is working great now off the 240 volt power. I won't ask how it works as I am just getting my head around FM transmittings HA HA, thanks again Brian.