230V PC from Europe work in the States when I move back?

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I'm carrying the below thread over from Windows XP forum - - - - -
In a nutshell I have a Year 2004 Hewlett Packard PC running on 230V. It
doesn't have a switch in the back to switch to 120; Nor does the power supply
on it's shell indicate that the PC will work on anything but 230V.
Phil W. below says in all likelihood it'll automatically convert to 120V.
I would like to bring the PC back to the States with me, but only if it's
assured to work with easy adaptation (change out the power supply, or
utilizing a power adapter, etc). Any suggestions as to adaptability?

Thanks!


'OrbeaKickA' wrote:
| Forgive me if I've missed something... so even if there's no 120/230
switch
| on the PC to change to 120, I can simply buy a power cord with an American
| plug, and it will be OK when I plug it back in? I don't have to buy a new
| power supply, just change the plug, is that correct? ( I do realize the
| monitor will work simply with a new plug).
| Thanks again
_____

If there is no 120/230 VAC switch you should look for a label (the label
stating the permissible input voltage may be on the side of the power supply
rather than the rear) stating that the power supply will work automatically
on 120 VAC and 230 VAC, you should NOT assume that it will. You should
check your manual and/or get in touch with the manufacturer of the system.

The power supply SHOULD be designed to work with 120 VAC AND 230 VAC; that
is what the specifications call for ATX type computer power supplies. You
could just try it with 120 VAC; if the power supply for some odd and
unlikely reason is not designed for 120 VAC and is for 230 VAC only, your
computer will not start. No damage will be done.

Phil Weldon

| Forgive me if I've missed something... so even if there's no 120/230
switch
| on the PC to change to 120, I can simply buy a power cord with an American
| plug, and it will be OK when I plug it back in? I don't have to buy a new
| power supply, just change the plug, is that correct? ( I do realize the
| monitor will work simply with a new plug).
| Thanks again
|
| "w_tom" wrote:
|
| > One final point I forgot to mention. Do not change that 120/230 volt
| > switch when power cord is connected. Computer is still powered - some
| > circuits operating - even when computer appears off. Changing that
| > switch when power is applied can cause hardware damage. First pull AC
| > plug before changing a voltage selector.
| >
| > Connector on rear of that monitor and computer would be IEC type.
| > Simply leave European cord at home. Buy an American power cord for
| > American type AC wall receptacles.
| >
| > OrbeaKickA wrote:
| > > Thank you all. I've been out so haven't been able to ask for
additional
| > > info. The desktop PC in question does not have a switch in back, but
does
| > > show on it's label on the shell that it's AC Input is 220-230 VAC. So
then
| > > can I assume it's inside power supply will have to be changed to 120v?
By
| > > the way, the monitor does show on it's label a 100 - 240V power
capability -
| > > thanks for that, that one's easy since it's universal.
| >
| >
 
Radio Shack will sell you a generic charger that can be set to the input
voltage your laptop needs or just get an HP US adaptor...
 
OrbeaKickA said:
I'm carrying the below thread over from Windows XP forum - - - - -
In a nutshell I have a Year 2004 Hewlett Packard PC running on 230V.
It
doesn't have a switch in the back to switch to 120; Nor does the power
supply
on it's shell indicate that the PC will work on anything but 230V.
Phil W. below says in all likelihood it'll automatically convert to
120V.
I would like to bring the PC back to the States with me, but only if
it's
assured to work with easy adaptation (change out the power supply, or
utilizing a power adapter, etc). Any suggestions as to adaptability?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
HI!
I assume it is a normal PC not a laptop, in either case the power
supply should work all the way down to 120 volts (practically all were
designed that way, they are switch mode supplies.)
In the unlikely case that it does not, simply replace the power supply
in the PC, or the adaptor for the laptop.
By plugging it into a lower voltage is absolutely safe, may not work if
not designed for, but safe.
The only question is? is it worth it? Why not just take out the HD and
get a new PC when you are back home. Two years is a long time for a PC,
different if it is a laptop.
Cheers
 
Thanks - It is a desktop, yes. I agree, just purchasing a new PC would be
the easist way to go, but this PC is definitely powerful enough for what I
use it for, so no reason to upgrade it. Plus, if it's a matter of just
having to put a new power supply in, it'll be a much cheaper solution. "Mac"
had also said to use a transformer to change the voltage. What's the better
solution - a transformer or a new power supply?
 
OrbeaKickA said:
Thanks - It is a desktop, yes. I agree, just purchasing a new PC woul
be
the easist way to go, but this PC is definitely powerful enough fo
what I
use it for, so no reason to upgrade it. Plus, if it's a matter o
just
having to put a new power supply in, it'll be a much cheaper solution.
"Mac"
had also said to use a transformer to change the voltage. What's th
better
solution - a transformer or a new power supply?
Click to expand...
HI!
As I said, you may not need either, but if you do a new power supply i
far the better AND cheaper solution.
(not to mention far more elegant, no extra gear)
Good luc
 
Agreed - was just pointing out possiblities

lomaca said:
HI!
As I said, you may not need either, but if you do a new power supply is
far the better AND cheaper solution.
(not to mention far more elegant, no extra gear)
Good luck
Click to expand...
 
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