Buying harware in USA ---> To use in Europe (Danmark)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Morten Holberg Nielsen
  • Start date Start date
M

Morten Holberg Nielsen

Hi All You Guys!

Im building a new computer, and some of the components have I found from
American online sites. I hesitate to buy, because of the difference in
voltageuse. In Denmark we use ~230V and if I dont remember wrong, the
voltage in USA is ~120V?

Does the American firm have different versions they send out depending on
the recipient country? Or is the hardware universal in the terms of voltage?
 
Morten Holberg Nielsen said:
Hi All You Guys!

Im building a new computer, and some of the components have I found from
American online sites. I hesitate to buy, because of the difference in
voltageuse. In Denmark we use ~230V and if I dont remember wrong, the
voltage in USA is ~120V?

Does the American firm have different versions they send out depending on
the recipient country? Or is the hardware universal in the terms of voltage?

--
Mvh
Morten Holberg Nielsen

In an interstelaaarrr buuuurrssst im baaack to saaaveeee the uuuunivereerse!
Click to expand...

Most computer components do not depend on the mains (line) voltage at all. A
CPU or stick of RAM or a motherboard or a hard drive are all the same no
matter where you use them. One slight difference might be in DVD drives
since these are coded for use in particular areas of the world but even this
has nothing to do with the power plug. Even power supplies which must
obviously work on the local power are not always a problem -- some of them
will work on any mains voltage from 100 VAC (Japan) to 240 VAC (your local
power). The only difference from US standards will be in the type of power
cord used to connect the supply to your mains wall socket and your local
computer shop should be able to provide a new cord to take care of that.

You might want to do more research if you are buying a display or monitor --
I'm not sure what the situation is with their power use.

I don't know what Danish customs charges will do to the price of imported
components but I suspect that they won't be too helpful in your bargain
hunting.
--
John McGaw
[Knoxville, TN, USA]

Return address will not work. Please
reply in group or through my website:
http://johnmcgaw.com
 
Morten Holberg Nielsen said:
Hi All You Guys!

Im building a new computer, and some of the components have I found from
American online sites. I hesitate to buy, because of the difference in
voltageuse. In Denmark we use ~230V and if I dont remember wrong, the
voltage in USA is ~120V?

Does the American firm have different versions they send out depending on
the recipient country? Or is the hardware universal in the terms of voltage?

--
Mvh
Morten Holberg Nielsen

In an interstelaaarrr buuuurrssst im baaack to saaaveeee the uuuunivereerse!
Click to expand...

Computers are ok as long as the power supply is dual voltage 220 - 110 and
most are. but the monitors, printers, and other perifs are all 110 and
should not be used in Europe.

You would still have to buy the correct cord for the computer.

Lane
 
Computers are ok as long as the power supply is dual voltage 220 - 110 and
most are.
Click to expand...

Yes, I've actually never seen a single voltage PSU. I've seen some which
*appear* to be 240V only, but on closer inspection there was just a big
"240V" sticker over the switch. Many things have automatic voltage switching
nowadays, so no switches are required.
but the monitors, printers, and other perifs are all 110 and
should not be used in Europe.
Click to expand...

Well that's a half-truth. Most monitors I've seen are multi-voltage (again
most newer ones are automatic), then again many things like printers aren't.
Some portable devices designed for travelling like my USB Zip Drive do come
with with multi-voltage transformers, though, so it's not always the case,
especially with newer products. And with products that aren't supplied with
suitable adaptors, it's very likely that you will be able to get 220-240V
ones from the manufacturers or elsewhere.
You would still have to buy the correct cord for the computer.
Click to expand...

All monitors and PSUs use the standard 3-pin AC cords - you can buy these
easily or just change the plug - but make sure it's an EARTHED (3-wire) plug
you're replacing it with*! Also many other multi-voltage things just use
standard 2-pin AC cords (with the 8-shaped plug), which you can also get
easily or just change the plug.

*Make sure the sockets in your house - and your actual house - are earthed
correctly. I don't know what household electricity regulations are like in
Denmark but here in Ireland you're supposed to have the earth circuit in
your house connected to a big rod put in the ground outside. If your house
is made before the 60s/70s you really should get the electrics checked as it
may not be earthed at all! Earthing is very important for things like PCs...
 
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