How to test 110/220 V on a PC

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03-16-15, 12:54 PM

pintree3

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How to test 110/220 V on a PC

I questioned if this question should go under the computer category but felt it is better here.
I bought a computer in Taiwan which in the back has a switch for both 110v or 220v which I thought was good since it can be used there, or Canada/USA. And I thought should I move to Europe or China I could just flip the switch and not buy an adapter. I am now in a position to do exactly that--move to China where 220V is used instead of 110v. And then I got worried and asked myself, considering the importance of my PC can I trust the switch? Which then begged the question, Can such a thing be tested, and if so, how?
Thank you

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03-16-15, 01:11 PM

PJmax

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Just make sure the switch is fully in the direction you want it in. There isn't a way of pre-testing that I know of.

You'll also need a power cord that matches the location you're moving to.

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03-16-15, 01:16 PM

ibpooks

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You could buy an autosensing power supply which usually can adapt to a range of 100-220V automatically.

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03-16-15, 02:36 PM

pintree3

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Thanks guys. :-)
PJmax, so you would trust the switch, is this correct? And as to, ''power cord that matches the location you're moving to'' Do you mean the wiring inside is different or just the plug. I assumed I could just change the plug (add a little thing in the front that switches flat tongues for example to round ones).
ibpoks: Not knowing what an ''autosensing power supply'' is made me look it up. I would think therefore that mine which has a switch is not auto-sensing, but should do the job. And if autosensing simply means the Power supply will sense it automatically and convert automatically on its own, then why not just buy a 110v/220v converter?
I don't know why I haven't thought of it before but I will contact the manufacturer of my power supply and see what they have to say. Meanwhile if anyone does find out a way to test it please let me know.

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03-16-15, 04:46 PM

ray2047

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The female end of the power cord is the same for all countries. Only the male (plug) end is different. You just buy to fit the local receptacle.

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03-17-15, 07:26 AM

ibpooks

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Yes yours will work as long as you move the switch to the right position for the country you're in. No need to worry about it, this is very reliable technology.

The nice part about an autosensing power supply is that you don't have to remember to make the switch and it works on a wider voltage range. It is very handy for people who travel a lot.

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03-17-15, 10:46 AM

AllanJ

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The least expensive method is to buy a little adapter thing that switches flat tongues for example to round ones.

You still have to remember to flip the 110/220 switch on the back of your computer.

Whether you buy an external 110v/220v (120v/240v) converter to daisy chain with or buy an autosensing power supply to swap out the existing power supply for, either would work too but probably cost more.

Many ways to skin a cat.

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03-17-15, 10:54 AM

ray2047

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Quote:

The least expensive method is to buy a little adapter thing that switches flat tongues for example to round ones. - See more at: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el....XGzD7HMT.dpuf

Using the correct cord for the country makes as much sense and probably as cheap.

Examples:
New Dell 2M UK Ireland Type G BS 1363 to C13 Computer Power Cable Cord 016583 | eBay

6ft England UK Computer Monitor Power Cord Fuse BS 1363 to C13 | eBay

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European:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO5VV-F-3-Pr...item43d8d78c0c

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Electrical - AC & DC
Installing generator + inverter in a living quarter horse trailer.

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Jewbacca1 on Mar 16, 2015

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Electrical - AC & DC
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