Question about power...

[ooOO00OOoo]

For a long time now this question has bugged me because I can't an answer anywhere.
If I bought an American product(or from another power frequency) can I use it here? So for example If I bought a power supply from U.S.A and brought it here, bought a nz cord..would it damage the pc in any way? And would the same apply for mp3 players, digital cameras etc? Sinse now I tend to take advantage of the low prices overseas I want to know what the consequences would be.
Thanks
James

[Kelburn]

as far as I know, if you get an adapter it'll be fine as AUs and NZ use the same Voltage as the U.S. I think (220V or 240V not to sure)

[Timmo]

It depends on a few factors.....

A lot of 'power packs' (ie that change mains power to 12V for charging Mp3 players) do allow different input voltages but the pin layout is different in each region for the mains plugs so, at least, youll need a plug convertor. For the most part we share commonality with Japan so the input voltages are usually 100-240 V and 50/60 Hz which allows us to use Japanese goods here.

American stuff is 'similar' to Japanese voltages and cycle but im not sure if it works....


There is also a distinction between power packs for 'electric' and 'electronic' devices....Transformers for electronic devices need to supply power a lot more 'cleanly' as electronic devices are more sensitive...

Its really a case of checking the stats of the device/power pack you are going to buy...probably for the cost youd save it would just be easier to buy an NZ specific power supply.

[HardCorePawn]

QUOTE (Kelburn @ Oct 15 2007, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

as far as I know, if you get an adapter it'll be fine as AUs and NZ use the same Voltage as the U.S. I think (220V or 240V not to sure)

No! This is not correct! AU/NZ operate on 240V... Japan/US operate on 120V... if you plug in items from Japan/US without a stepdown transformer, chances are you will get a loud bang and lots of smoke... as my sister-in-law and her friend discovered about 10 years ago when they tried plugging in a japanese playstation!

Note that Hong Kong use 240V...

Having said that... if the unit has a switch (like a lot of PSU's used to) that allow you to change between 120V and 240V then you dont have an issue... just set it to the appropriate voltage. Also, if the unit uses an external power pack (ie. like cellphone chargers, laptop power bricks etc.)... you should check the rating information on it... if it says something like "INPUT: 110-240V" then it will be OK... as the unit will auto adjust.

Obviously, you will need some sort of pin converter so the overseas units can actually be plugged in to a NZ plug... as the only other country using plugs like NZ is Australia.

[brownbox]

As far as I know, it would be alright PROVIDED you change over the switch and use an adapter.

As said above, dont try turning it on with the voltage switch on 120v. Big bang...

[mjrhealth]

Its not that hard. Most switch mode powersuplies have a 240 / 120 switch on them just make sure it in the correct possie. As for frequency it isnt much of an issue with switch modes which is what most things use these days. Just be aware that your mains power is very rarely 240 volts, i have being in places where its down to 232 or as high as 245. This is mainly an issue with devices that only have a 220V switch as they may be running slightly over stressed and may fail.