04-06-2003 20:41									#1
	Quick Power Conversion Question Inflate your Upload Space

I want to bring a North American desktop PC to Korea (220V 2 pin) and I want to know if there is an adapter that will let me use my 3 pin North American power bar in a 2 (round) pin 220V Asian plug.

Is it possible? Or will I have to buy a Korean powerbar and bring a bunch of adapters?

I will obviously buy the bulky monitor in Korea.

	04-06-2003 20:49									#2
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IIRC, North American is 110V AC, right?

	04-06-2003 20:52									#3
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Normal outlets in your house are 110VAC, your drier, however, would be a 208 or 220VAC..

	04-06-2003 20:54									#4
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In any case, I don't see any trouble. if the voltage is different you might have to pick up an adapter, though. ( but these must be available also. plus, IIRC, there is a switch in the back of the PC powerpack that allows you to use both 110V, and 220V )

	04-06-2003 20:59									#5
	Re: Quick Power Conversion Question Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: Originally posted by Seeker I want to bring a North American desktop PC to Korea (220V 2 pin) and I want to know if there is an adapter that will let me use my 3 pin North American power bar in a 2 (round) pin 220V Asian plug.

Just slice the old plug off and attach a new one.

However, you need a transformer to step down the voltage. Otherwise you will fry your PC. Unless the power supply can run on dual voltages with a switch to toggle.

	04-06-2003 21:09									#6
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I already said all of that.

	04-06-2003 22:19									#7
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I think you will need a transformer so that you don't destroy your computer...

	04-06-2003 22:33									#8
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No, NO NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just buy a new PC power supply when you get to Korea. It will be MILES cheaper than buying a step down transformer, and it means it will cost less to transport (just leave your current one at home).

It's ALSO GUARANTEED TO WORK. Running a step down transformer just adds another gadget to the system - why spend more money AND make things more complex?

Over here in Europe, about half of computer PSUs have a 110/220 volt switch. If you move to a different power zone you just get a new power lead (with the right plug attached) and flick the switch. Easy eh?

	04-06-2003 22:41									#9
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quote: It's ALSO GUARANTEED TO WORK. Running a step down transformer just adds another gadget to the system - why spend more money AND make things more complex?

You answered your own question --> More Gadgets!!!

	04-06-2003 22:41									#10
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So Europa& Asia has more RAW POWER!!!!


..wow that was a good SpamPost :=)

	04-06-2003 22:45									#11
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Wtf can't the US get a unified 220 voltage. instead it has to split it to usual and washing machines?

	04-06-2003 23:55									#12
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quote: Originally posted by Azazel Wtf can't the US get a unified 220 voltage. instead it has to split it to usual and washing machines?

But wouldn´t they need then lots of transformers for their current hardware?

	05-06-2003 00:08									#13
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quote: Originally posted by Azazel Wtf can't the US get a unified 220 voltage. instead it has to split it to usual and washing machines?

Oh, I don't know. It's probably more efficient than having individual transformers in all the gadgets that step down to the right voltage.

Statiscally the UK gets less electrical accidents than Europe with the same voltage system due to the huge earth plug on UK mains systems. Unfortunately, we get more fatalaties (when it goes wrong, it goes SERIOUSLY wrong).

quote: Originally posted by Japherl You answered your own question --> More Gadgets!!!

WTF are you talking about???????

I am suggesting he take the PC LESS the PSU. You are suggesting he take the PC with PSU AND a step down transformer - do you have ANY idea how much these weigh? Or how much the baggage handling change will be for that extra 10 kilos when the poor guy could save 2 kilos and take an extra pair of sneakers or a couple of good books?

Get real.

	05-06-2003 10:52									#14
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quote: Originally posted by Azazel Wtf can't the US get a unified 220 voltage. instead it has to split it to usual and washing machines?

Some home appliances need tri-state outlets

	05-06-2003 12:57									#15
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The voltage in Europe usually is 230V now (with 10% allowed fluctuations) - and wash machines, stoves and stuff like that usually connect to 400V
here in Switzerland all houses are usually connected to all 3 phases produced by power generators which gives you 3 times a 240V connection and also three times a 400V one by taking 2 phases together (and no, taking all three phases together won't raise the voltage again ).

	05-06-2003 13:31									#16
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Ok, thanks guys I've been searching Radio Shack for stuff like this for a while now and I think I've got it figured.

Did someone think I was actually bringing a monitor with me? At international shipping rates it would be cheaper to buy one here.

	05-06-2003 14:45									#17
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Of course not. Even a History major wouldn't do such a thing.

	05-06-2003 14:51									#18
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quote: Originally posted by Seeker Ok, thanks guys I've been searching Radio Shack for stuff like this for a while now and I think I've got it figured. Did someone think I was actually bringing a monitor with me? At international shipping rates it would be cheaper to buy one here.

If you are happy with your solution, fair enough. If it doesn't work, I've told you how to make it work. If your PSU is 110/220 switchable, Urban's comments are completely relevent (and probably the most economical course).

Of course, if you had a flatscreen monitor....

	05-06-2003 19:12									#19
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quote: Originally posted by Cruddy Statiscally the UK gets less electrical accidents than Europe with the same voltage system due to the huge earth plug on UK mains systems.

What about UK/Europe versus North America? Does the difference in voltage levels make for more or fewer electrical accidents, or does it make no appreciable difference? Anyone know?

As for the original question, I'd also say you're better off just buying a new power supply when you get there, unless the one you have now is dual-voltage and dual-frequency (typically if it's one it's also the other). Running equipment designed for 60 Hz power at 50 Hz won't really do them any harm, but they won't perform as well.

	06-06-2003 05:48									#20
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I regret I have no available data on this, but I would speculate it's very difficult to quantify, bearing in mind the differing levels of appliances vs number of households and that plug types are not Pan-European (Brit ones are totally different). So it won't be an area for easy cross comparison, although I'd be interested to find out.