What adapter do I need before moving to America?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of a power adapter for a Sony Vaio laptop when moving to America. Participants explore the voltage and frequency requirements for using the laptop and the implications of using a specific adapter rated for 250V/10A.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether a 250V/10A adapter will be compatible with American outlets, which typically provide 110/120V.
  • Another participant mentions that there are 240V, 60Hz outlets in the US for large appliances and suggests the possibility of using a plug adapter.
  • Some participants clarify that the numbers on the adapter indicate maximum outputs and that the adapter itself may not have frequency limitations.
  • A participant provides the specifications of their laptop charger, indicating an input range of 100V-240V and an output of 19.5V, which raises questions about the adapter's role.
  • There is a clarification that the adapter in question is a passive plug adapter, which does not convert voltage but allows for physical connection to the outlet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the adapter is a passive device and that it should work with the laptop given the voltage compatibility. However, there are differing views on the implications of using the adapter with respect to American outlet specifications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the adapter's specifications may not fully address potential frequency limitations, and there is uncertainty about the practical implications of using the adapter in different outlet types.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals moving to America with electronic devices, particularly those with questions about power adapters and voltage compatibility.

joana_b
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Hello,
I don't know if this question is appropriate for the forum, but I didn't know where else to ask. This is my situation: I'm soon moving to America and I'm taking my Sony Vaio laptop with me. In its battery the laptop says it works with 100V-240V and 50/60Hz which means that it will be compatible there, but I have an other problem. I have bought an adapter which reads 250V/10A. Will this adapter cause me trouble?Logically it needed to read 110/120 V to be compatible in America, or am I wrong?

Thank you.
 
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Oh, I see :/ I think it won't be worth it...I bought it on ebay, it wasn't too expensive. But anyways thank you very much for your answer :)
 
joana_b said:
Hello,
I don't know if this question is appropriate for the forum, but I didn't know where else to ask. This is my situation: I'm soon moving to America and I'm taking my Sony Vaio laptop with me. In its battery the laptop says it works with 100V-240V and 50/60Hz which means that it will be compatible there, but I have an other problem. I have bought an adapter which reads 250V/10A. Will this adapter cause me trouble?Logically it needed to read 110/120 V to be compatible in America, or am I wrong?

Thank you.

There are some 240V, 60Hz outlets in homes in the US, for things like large appliances (clothes dryers, etc.). They use a different plug, so you may be able to find a plug adapter to go from the 240V house outlet to your adapter's power plug. Does the adapter list any frequency limitations?

These are the typical US outlets for 120V and 240V:

http://www.heatersplus.com/images/heattr16.gif
heattr16.gif
 
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berkeman said:
There are some 240V, 60Hz outlets in homes in the US, for things like large appliances (clothes dryers, etc.). They use a different plug, so you may be able to find a plug adapter to go from the 240V house outlet to your adapter's power plug. Does the adapter list any frequency limitations?

These are the typical US outlets for 120V and 240V:

http://www.heatersplus.com/images/heattr16.gif
heattr16.gif
Thanks @berkeman. I checked it and it only has 250V/10A on. I also asked in another forum and I got a great answer, which said that those values are maximum outputs, so I'll be safe to use the 'shape' adapter I bought
 
joana_b said:
Thanks @berkeman. I checked it and it only has 250V/10A on. I also asked in another forum and I got a great answer, which said that those values are maximum outputs, so I'll be safe to use the 'shape' adapter I bought

No, if it's a power adapter, those numbers are the nominal input voltage (RMS) and the maximum output current. What is the output voltage?

Can you attach a picture of it?
 
berkeman said:
No, if it's a power adapter, those numbers are the nominal input voltage (RMS) and the maximum output current. What is the output voltage?

Can you attach a picture of it?

So my laptop battery charger has this values: OUTPUT: 19.5V - 4.7A ; INPUT: 100V-240V -- 1.1A-0.5A, and the outlet converter is really simple, it's shown below and it has 250V/10A. I hope this is the information you required...
 

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    adapter.jpg
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Oohhh! It's just a passive plug adapter. I was misunderstanding you.

So yeah, that passive plug adapter is rated up to 250V between the 2 conductors, and up to 10Arms passing through the conductors. You're good! :smile:
 
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Thank you! I really appreciate your help :)
 

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