European to US Power Question

[mscher]

I should know this, but most of my electronics training is long gone.

Recently purchased an "imported" motorola cell phone, apparently the Spain version.

Phone works great and is the menues were already in english.

The big surprise was the charger (which probably should not have been a surprise) - is the big prong 250V. It did include a US 2-prong adapter and I purchased a similar adapter from Radioshack, that appears to be simply a physical connection converter only.

Can a 250v phone charger work properly with 120v US power?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: European to US Power Question

no, not unless you run US 240 to it. If you have 240 for a compressor or something in the garage then you can adapt to it.
Cant you use a car charger?
I really dont under stand why we are the only ones to us 120v. Less wiring i guess.

 

[dingbat]

Re: European to US Power Question

Chances are its auto ranging (100v - 240V) but check to make sure.

I work for a German company. The guys from Europe have no problems with their portable devices over here and I don't have any problems using my stuff over there.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: European to US Power Question

Look at the charger. It will probably say something like 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz. If it does, then you're good to go....

 

[jlinder]

Re: European to US Power Question

In the old days power supplies worked with transformers and simple voltage regulators and worked with a specific input voltage.

Today they are typically a switching power supply which is electronic and can accept a wide range of input voltages. This makes it cheaper to build and they only need one model for the whole world with just plug adapters. Real nice if you are traveling between countries - only need an adapter for where ever you go.

Of course check the supply before you plug in. It should say something like the input voltage can be 90-240 volts

 

[mscher]

Re: European to US Power Question

I must be losing it, at least my eyesight.

Looked all over that tiny charger, for voltage information, either molded into the plastic, or on an actual label. On the end, it is olive ink on black.

It says 100-240 volts. 50/60 hts.

Talk about making a mountain out of a mole-hill.