NC 10 - will the power cord melt down when traveling?

Hi,
I got my NC 10 in the US and the AC adapter says it can handle voltage up to 240 but the power cord that goes from the AC adapter to the wall clearly says 125V on it. Has anyone used the 125V cord with only a plug shape adapter at a 240V outlet? Will my power cord melt if I try it? I called Samsung and they said it would be fine but I'm curious if anyone has _actually_ tried it. They also said they don't sell the power cord with a higher voltage rating and a European style plug. (I find that hard to believe but that's just a side note.) I'd love to travel with only outlet adapters and not a whole bonus heavy voltage converter if possible - as in if my power cord won't melt/start on fire in the process.

Thanks in advance for your expert advice.

 

The voltage isn't exactly the rating that a cable is entirely based upon, it is mainly the amperage.

120 V, 15AMP is basically the same current draw/load as 240 V, 7.5AMP. As the voltage increases, the amperage tends to drop. This applies to both single and 3 phase loads, both inductive and resistive

Many fan motors I have changed are multiple voltages, and they usually say:

208/240/575V 15/12.5/5.5AMP

Which is basically the different voltages and amperage's. Your power brick should have a similar rating as well. The cord, as long as its rated for 7.5 Amps, it should be OK. The Voltage doesn't matter much, just make sure to keep an eye on it. Feel the cord for temperature and if does start to get warm, definitely unplug and don't use it.

Most laptops don't draw too much current anyway.

Just, as I usually say, keep an eye on it. Just, one more thing, if anything does happen I'm not responsible Just go after Samsung as they said it could work with 120/240 on the adapter but they only supplied a certain cord.

 

Thanks - I got the name of the guy I spoke to at Samsung just in case.

 

Unless the insulation on the power cord is extremely thin then it will be fine for 240V. I've never had problems of this type.

As already noted, it is the current which causes the wires to heat up and then the insulation to melt. However, the current drawn by a 40W adaptor is very small (< 0.5A @ 120V and <0.25A @ 240V) so this is not a potential problem.

If you are worried, then go to your local electronics store and buy another mains power cable. They are standard parts with the connector on the PSU being either a 2-pin "Fig-8" or a 3 pin "cloverleaf" type. The PSU itself will handle both US and European voltage, and more.

John