External USB Drive Casing Power Overseas

  • Thread starter Thread starter Poddys
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Poddys

I want to buy an external USB case for one of my HD's so I can backup
data onto it.
There are a number to choose from, that's no problem, my question is
what happens if I want to use the drive in say Europe where the
voltage is 220/240 not 110...
I don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement power supply
(for any external device for that matter), or how easy it is to get a
power converter, particularly one that could be used reliably if the
device was to be used overseas for some time.
Thanks in advance, and please feel free to redirect me to a more
relevant group if there is one.
 
Poddys said:
I want to buy an external USB case for one of my HD's so I can backup
data onto it.
There are a number to choose from, that's no problem, my question is
what happens if I want to use the drive in say Europe where the
voltage is 220/240 not 110...
I don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement power supply
(for any external device for that matter), or how easy it is to get a
power converter, particularly one that could be used reliably if the
device was to be used overseas for some time.
Thanks in advance, and please feel free to redirect me to a more
relevant group if there is one.
Click to expand...

First, check if your drive can be powered via a second USB connector
(some cases can do that, using a split USB cable, one connector for data
and an additional one to provide enough power). If the answer is yes
this could be the end of your problem.

Second, check if the AC-adapter can use 110V AND 220V (some can) - again
if yes -> end of problem (you might need an electrical socket adapter
anyway, but no voltage converter -> much cheaper)

If not, or if stable and reliable long-term power supply are an issue
you'll have to buy another power supply which shouldn't be difficult.
You want to bring your original AC-supply though to compare the stats
(output voltage & amps) and plug size and shape.
 
[snip]
I don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement power supply
(for any external device for that matter), or how easy it is to get a
power converter, particularly one that could be used reliably if the
device was to be used overseas for some time.
Click to expand...

Most external USB drive's I've seen have a fairly standard power
socket. !2v DC, centre positive, fat pin. You should be able to get
something from eg "Maplin" (in the UK)(see their website, and they
have shops) or almost any European electrical / computer shop.
 
Previously Poddys said:
I want to buy an external USB case for one of my HD's so I can backup
data onto it.
There are a number to choose from, that's no problem, my question is
what happens if I want to use the drive in say Europe where the
voltage is 220/240 not 110...
Click to expand...

Make sure you get a wide-range power supply with it. These
have AC input ranges of, e.g. 100-240V and can be used all
over the world. Then you need either an adapter for the target
country to US socket (no conversion done, just electrical contacts)
or an additional cable (usually the power-bricks have a socket
fopr the cable and the cable can be changed). I use these converters
here: http://store.travelwithavid.com/swisworad.html
wgich yiou can get under different brands and it basically fits
everywhere in the world.
I don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement power supply
(for any external device for that matter), or how easy it is to get a
power converter, particularly one that could be used reliably if the
device was to be used overseas for some time.
Click to expand...

Don't use a converter. They are heavy, expensive and generally
problematic.
Thanks in advance, and please feel free to redirect me to a more
relevant group if there is one.
Click to expand...

Relevant enough, I think.

Arno
 
Thanks everyone, I think that pretty much answered everything.

If I can get a replacement power supply in the UK that seems to be the
best solution, and I agree that from what I have seen the connectors
are standard.
I could make do with an adaptor plug if necessary and if the PS ran
both 110/220v, but that means having to use an adaptor all the time,
which is a bit messy, especially as my experience has been with plugs
that don't stay in too well...

I heard of Maplins and they sound pretty good, probably the UK
equivalent of Radio Shack maybe. I will go take a look and they could
probably offer some advice too.

Of course the double USB plug sounds nice - fully flexible... But I
haven't seen a drive like that yet... Worth looking...

Thanks again for your help.
 
Poddys said:
I want to buy an external USB case for one of my HD's so I can backup
data onto it.
There are a number to choose from, that's no problem, my question is
what happens if I want to use the drive in say Europe where the
voltage is 220/240 not 110...
Click to expand...


USB cases come with internal or external [wall-wart] supplies.

Either may actually be a switcher supply capable of 100-240v in.

Looking at NewEgg, my first hit is a DS-2316B2BK that's an
external with a 100-240 supply. I'm sure there are lots more.
 
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