Can My Laptop Work in USA and What Kind of Plugs Do They Use?

[Clausius2]

Hi!

I am planning to carry my laptop to USA, if finally I fly there. But I don't know if it can work properly in USA. Although in the transformer it says "50-60Hz", I am not sure. Have you got any problem those who usually travel from Europe to USA?.

Also, I don't know exactly how are the electrical plugs and sockets in USA. My plug has two connections. I heard that USA ones have three. Is it true?

Thanks.

 

[Evo]

Hi!

I am planning to carry my laptop to USA, if finally I fly there. But I don't know if it can work properly in USA. Although in the transformer it says "50-60Hz", I am not sure. Have you got any problem those who usually travel from Europe to USA?.

Also, I don't know exactly how are the electrical plugs and sockets in USA. My plug has two connections. I heard that USA ones have three. Is it true?

Thanks.

When I travel to Europe, I use an electrical converter that converts both the plug and the voltage. I use my laptop in Europe using the adaptor without any trouble.

Some plugs in the US have a third prong for grounding. The converter kit you buy usually comes with an assortment of adaptors.

 

[Integral]

In the US you will find 120VAC in a 3 wire configuration. You may need to get a cord. If your power supply is rated for 60Hz /120VAC

I am wondering about the same thing, as I may be heading to Europe this summer. I see the transformer/charger on mine is rated for 50/60 Hz and 120- 240V so it looks like I should only need a cord.

 

[Clausius2]

When I travel to Europe, I use an electrical converter that converts both the plug and the voltage. I use my laptop in Europe using the converter without any trouble.

Some plugs in the US have a third prong for grounding. The converter kit you buy usually comes with an assortment of adaptors.

Thanks to the most beautiful girl in PF!

So, you mean I need an adaptor for

i) the plug. Is it different in USA? Here we have two prongs in the plug.
ii) voltage. Here the voltage is 220V. How is it in USA?
iii) you didn't mention frequency. Is it necessary to adapt it too?.

 

[TOKAMAK]

Yeah in the US, it would be called a "reverse voltage converter", where you would plug the device into an american wall socket, and then just plug your (european) device into it. Here they are sold at radioshack, and a bunch of other places I'm sure. Just make sure that the output is rated at like less than a hundred watts, and not like 1500 watts or something, since the one rated with the higher wattage will fry sensitive electronic devices.

Additionally, this will convert 60 hz american signal to the 50 hz (or whatever it supposed to be in europe)

 

[Clausius2]

In the US you will find 120VAC in a 3 wire configuration. You may need to get a cord. If your power supply is rated for 60Hz /120VAC

I am wondering about the same thing, as I may be heading to Europe this summer. I see the transformer/charger on mine is rated for 50/60 Hz and 120- 240V so it looks like I should only need a cord.

Yes, my transformer is rated the same!.

But I have an english problem. What is "a cord"?. I think I don't have the idea about what is a cord talking about this stuff.

 

[Evo]

In the US you will find 120VAC in a 3 wire configuration. You may need to get a cord. If your power supply is rated for 60Hz /120VAC

I am wondering about the same thing, as I may be heading to Europe this summer. I see the transformer/charger on mine is rated for 50/60 Hz and 120- 240V so it looks like I should only need a cord.

Any of the dual voltage devices only require an adaptor.

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/thumbnail.asp?world_code=4&category_code=39&search_type=subcategory&cm_ven=Search&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Bidword&cm_ite=electric%20converter

 

[Evo]

Yes, my transformer is rated the same!.

But I have an english problem. What is "a cord"?. I think I don't have the idea about what is a cord talking about this stuff.

The cord is the wire from your computer with prongs on the end that plugs into the electrical outlet. You won't need a different cord, just an adaptor. You plug your cord into the adptor, then plug it into the outlet.

Integral, appliances like hairdryers are normally dual voltage also, you just need the adaptor.

 

[Evo]

This site has many different adaptors.

http://www.goinginstyle.com/gis/body_sub_new.asp?dept_id=2

 

[Moonbear]

This site comes with pictures of the different types of plugs in different countries (click on the letters in the column labeled "plug"). That should help clarify things. Our outlets in the US are often "polarized" too, which means one of the holes is a little bigger than the other. For things where the direction of current is important, the plug will have one prong bigger than the other so it will only fit in the outlet one way.

http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

 

[Clausius2]

Thanks Everyone!

 

[moose]

I know that this has been answered, but Laptops are one of the things which have transformers which work bassically anywhere... I've used laptops from here in europe, etc.. I once bought a laptop here and gave it to someone in europe.

 

[Clausius2]

I know that this has been answered, but Laptops are one of the things which have transformers which work bassically anywhere... I've used laptops from here in europe, etc.. I once bought a laptop here and gave it to someone in europe.

Thanks moose. Anyway, I have to buy an adapter for the plug shape.

 

[moose]

Thanks moose. Anyway, I have to buy an adapter for the plug shape.

Well, the best alternative would be instead of an adapter(which can cost about 3 dollars...) is, you know the cable which goes from the wall outlet to the transformer? If you buy one of those, you won't even need an adapter for plug shape, since it will be already for american outlets. This way you don't have to worry about the cheapness of most adapters. This cable should be easy to find since it's used for a lot of stereo systems and such.

Just my .02

EDIT: It actually depends on how long you actually plan to stay here.

 

[Evo]

Well, the best alternative would be instead of an adapter(which can cost about 3 dollars...) is, you know the cable which goes from the wall outlet to the transformer? If you buy one of those, you won't even need an adapter for plug shape, since it will be already for american outlets. This way you don't have to worry about the cheapness of most adapters. This cable should be easy to find since it's used for a lot of stereo systems and such.

Just my .02

EDIT: It actually depends on how long you actually plan to stay here.

I disagree, an adapter is cheap and can be used for any number of appliances he might need, like a hair dryer, or a PDA, or cell phone. I have used a couple of different laptops and the electrical cord is not interchangeable on them (I can't take the power cord from one and use it with the other).

 

[Clausius2]

I disagree, an adapter is cheap and can be used for any number of appliances he might need, like a hair dryer, or a PDA, or cell phone. I have used a couple of different laptops and the electrical cord is not interchangeable on them (I can't take the power cord from one and use it with the other).

Don't worry, Evo. I will make it as you said, but please, give me your address. It is because if my laptop gets burned being your blame, I will look for you to return me my money...

 

[moose]

I disagree, an adapter is cheap and can be used for any number of appliances he might need, like a hair dryer, or a PDA, or cell phone. I have used a couple of different laptops and the electrical cord is not interchangeable on them (I can't take the power cord from one and use it with the other).

You have a point, I forgot he may have different appliances... Just make sure that your appliances CAN be used here O.O
The items you listed should be able to though... That is weird that it wasn't interchangeable considering that It's always been for me... Maybe I've been lucky so far, who knows.