Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > Travel Technology
Reload this Page >

silly 110-220 question, please

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

silly 110-220 question, please

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 6:01 am
  #1  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Israel
Posts: 993
silly 110-220 question, please

i can;t believe i am asking this--really, i can't believe i don't know the answer....but

i have a question about the voltage of my small electric appliances. when it says AC in 100-240v on the little black box part of the electric cord, does that mean that it is suitable for 110 and 220, and that all it needs is an adaptor for the actual plug that goes in the wall? can i assume i don't need to switch a little switch and that it is automatic switching?

btw, what is this feature called, it being suitable for both voltages?
haniboo is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 6:41 am
  #2  
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: The People's Republik of MSN
Programs: Hilton Diamond. Anti-Apostheid Platinum, PWP CentCom
Posts: 4,768
Yes, you should just need an adapter tip. I'm betting you're talking about things like battery chargers?

One thing I have noticed is that my dual-voltage chargers tend to get a little warmer when they're plugged into 220V.
bdjohns1 is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 7:07 am
  #3  
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: houston
Programs: UA Lifetime Platinum, 2MM since 1981, MAR Lifetime Plat, IHG Plat Amb. Global Entry
Posts: 561
Beware of high voltage!

Talk about hot, try running in 240v like Australia. You could fry an egg on my adapter.

In fact, I had to switch to a Targus (universal) adapter, purchased in Australia, because I burned out three, yes three, Kensington (universal) adapters down there. Kensington did replace them under warranty, but obviously they were not designed for that voltage, even though it said so.

Voltage is always stated with a variance, because due to power distribution requirements, it will vary during the day. For instance, in Austrailia it is 240v plus or minus 9%, which means it can rise as high as 261. If you happen to be using it at the time, boom! (off to the Targus store)

Even in Europe, it is 230 plus 6%, or minus 10%, making it between 207 and 244, which is higher than the usual rating.
Platcomike is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 7:11 am
  #4  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
40 Countries Visited3M100 Nights20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
Originally Posted by Platcomike
Talk about hot, try running in 240v like Australia. You could fry an egg on my adapter.

In fact, I had to switch to a Targus (universal) adapter, purchased in Australia, because I burned out three, yes three, Kensington (universal) adapters down there. Kensington did replace them under warranty, but obviously they were not designed for that voltage, even though it said so.

Voltage is always stated with a variance, because due to power distribution requirements, it will vary during the day. For instance, in Austrailia it is 240v plus or minus 9%, which means it can rise as high as 261. If you happen to be using it at the time, boom! (off to the Targus store)

Even in Europe, it is 230 plus 6%, or minus 10%, making it between 207 and 244, which is higher than the usual rating.
It also depends on the load hooked up to it. If you are just charging a cellphone then it shouldn't get hot, if you are maxxing it out to charge a 90w laptop then yes; expect a lot of heat and pushing the charger to its limit.
ScottC is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 1:17 pm
  #5  
10 Countries Visited
2M
50 Countries Visited
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: TAS
Programs: A3*G, UA 1K
Posts: 9,250
OP - all you will need is the actual PLUG adapter, not an electric adapter.
Palal is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2006 | 2:07 pm
  #6  
Original Poster
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Israel
Posts: 993
thank you.
haniboo is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.