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    UK to US converter query...

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by FadingShapes, Oct 25, 2011.

  1. FadingShapes

    FadingShapes Notebook Enthusiast

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    My P180HM is being delivered tomorrow. I presently live in the US, but I ordered it with a UK plug 'cos I'm moving back there in a month or so. However, I obviously want to use the laptop for the rest of my stay in the US, so I just went and bought a UK to US converter. After reading the small print, though, I'm worried it's not going to be able to handle the 300w AC Adapter. If you could let me know one way or the other I'd really appreciate it. I'll give you the main specs of the laptop and the details for the plug converter and hopefully that'll be enough to make a judgement. Also, could you let me know what the "Caution" section's referring to on the converter. And what's the worst that could happen if it's not capable of handling it but I ran it through it anyway?

    P180HM:

    Processor: i7 2760QM
    RAM: 12GB (1333Mhz)
    Graphics Card: 6990m
    AC Adapter: Full Range AC-in 100~240V, 50~60Hz, 300W AC Adapter, DC output 20V, 15A

    UK/US Converter:

    AC Portion: 8A MAX. 100-240VAC
    Caution: The AC Portion of this product does not convert electrical voltage. You will require a converter or transformer for your single voltage appliances.
     
    FadingShapes, Oct 25, 2011
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  2. funky monk

    funky monk Notebook Deity

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    It'll be fine, your laptop won't be drawing 800W any time soon.
     
    funky monk, Oct 26, 2011
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  3. FadingShapes

    FadingShapes Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh, so 8A is the equivalent of 800W?
     
    FadingShapes, Oct 26, 2011
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  4. funky monk

    funky monk Notebook Deity

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    If you're drawing 8 amps at 100V then yes that is equivalent to 800W.
     
    funky monk, Oct 26, 2011
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  5. FadingShapes

    FadingShapes Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, great :) Thanks for your help!
     
    FadingShapes, Oct 26, 2011
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  6. wave

    wave Notebook Virtuoso

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    you dont need a AC converter to change the voltage. The AC adapter can handle 120V at 60hz for USA and 230V at 50hz for the UK. The only thing you need is an adapter so that the plug will fit into the wall socket.
     
    wave, Oct 26, 2011
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  7. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Yeah, you're good.

    The plug converter is physically capable (without melting) at the 8A rating @ 240V up to 1920W (even if the most it can draw in the US @ 120V is 960W).

    (To get the Wattage, simply multiply the Voltage by the Current).

    With your system's AC adaptor drawing around 3A to 4A (guessing) from the AC mains in the USA, you are well below the design specifications of the plug and should be 100% safe.

    The 'caution' part refers to the fact that the full, AC wall outlet Voltage is passed onto your equipment with no conversion except to physically allow you to connect/power up different plug type equipment. This only works properly and as expected with a 'Full Range' AC adaptor like you have - the adaptor is able the handle any Voltage within the (almost, world-wide standard) range of 100 to 240V.

    Keep in mind that some electronic equipment needs a localized and specific power adaptor for each country/region and these 'pass-through' type plug adaptors would simply fry this type of equipment if connected to them.

    A simple way to figure out wattage is to remember it is as easy as PIE.

    P=IxE

    Where P=IxE and P=Wattage (or Power), I=Current (or amps) and E=Voltage.

    Hope this helped?
     
    tilleroftheearth, Oct 26, 2011
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