Technical > Electronics > Use 220V AC Adapter in North America?

Use 220V AC Adapter in North America?

Hardest part will be finding a 220V outlet. You might be able to find a 120 to 240V transformer.

Probably would be easier to replace the adapter with one that will work on 120V.

What would happen if I plugged it into a 110V outlet? The plug physically fits.

Ok, so if I measure it with a multimeter, and it matches what the AC adapter says it should output, I'm good to go?

reply to Mango
What exactly happens when you use it on 120V depends on the design of the AC adapter.

For an old-style transformer based AC adapter the output voltage will be too low. This in itself may not harm the AC adapter but could potentially be harmful for the attached device in a variety of ways (too low and unregulated output voltage).

With a switch-mode AC adapter the input current will be too high (to compensate for the low input voltage). This could overheat and damage components on the input side of the AC adapter and might even start a fire if those components are of poor quality.
--
Got some spare cpu cycles ? Join Team Helix or Team Starfire!

Thank you very much.

One final question if I may. I think I'll replace the adapter just to be safe. What should I look for so I know I'm getting a good one? I Googled 120V 24V 5A and found a bunch of them with the right plug, just not sure which one to pick.

Before choosing a "good" adapter, narrow down the search for the correct adapter. This means:
- input voltage or voltage range is correct
- output voltage matches exactly
- output current of the adapter is equal to or higher then the device input current
- output is of the correct type: AC or unregulated DC or regulated DC (it is ok to use a regulated DC adapter for a device that is designed for an unregulated DC power supply but not vice versa).

From the remaining list of adapters you can determine which ones are "good" by checking:
- Does the adapter have certifications from independent safety organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL, cUL) or Technischer Überwachungs Verein (TÜV, GS) or VDE ? The CE (Europe) and CCC (China) markings are assurances from the manufacturer to comply with safety regulations but may not be independently verified and therefore are not as reliable. Stay away from adapters that don't even claim to comply with safety regulations.
- Efficiency if known. This is often not published or only in meaningless marketing terms. A good power supply / adapter will have a high efficiency over a wide range of load currents. If it is a computer power supply look for 80Plus certifications that show that the power supply was tested to be more then 80% efficient with Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum even better. A high efficiency is not only an indication of a better quality power supply, it will also save you money.
- Warranty period. Generally a longer warranty period indicates a confidence by the manufacturer that the product will outlast the warranty period. However keep in mind that the warranty is only as good as the company backing it and a no-name company may go out of business as quick as it started up.
--
Got some spare cpu cycles ? Join Team Helix or Team Starfire!

reply to Mango

I think I'll get this: »www.ebay.ca/itm/4-Pin-24V-AC-Ada···c99a0186

That one actually has the wrong pinout. The 220V adapter has + on pins 1 and 3 and - on pins 2 and 4.

The one I linked has + on pins 1 and 2 and - on pins 3 and 4.

>.<

reply to Mango
It is definitely a switch mode power supply. The labeling is poor and shows 230V in English and 220V in Chinese. The fact that it shows 50/60Hz makes it appear as if it is intended to be a universal power supply. It is always possible that only the maximum voltage and not the voltage range was given and that the adapter would work fine at 120V. It is the potential danger that prevents me from recommending to just try it.

There appear to be two notes (warnings?) in Chinese on the label and the second of them is mentioning the voltage. It would be really interesting to hear what those notes say. Is anybody here able to read and translate those ?
A warning that this adapter is for use on 220V only would be a very clear indication against using in on 120V.
--
Got some spare cpu cycles ? Join Team Helix or Team Starfire!

Korean, but sorry I can't read it.
--
The talented hawk speaks French.

reply to Mango
i found the specs on it. »translate.google.com/translate?h···%3Dimvns 190V-240V.

reply to Mango

reply to Mango
With the model number being "0120" it may even be rated for 120V and they just didn't bother to mention it since it was intended for overseas operation.

reply to Mango
If in any doubt find a local electrical shop used by electricians (try a yellow book) and take along your adapter. In any case I think you are safer buying a new unit here.

reply to Mango
Looking at the specs it's rated 190-240V, 50/60Hz.
There are countries with 220-ish V and 60Hz (S Korea being one of them), so 60Hz is not an indication that it's meant for 120V/60Hz.
Will it work with 120V? Very likely, at least for a while. Will it get fried? There is a chance...
The safe approach would be to find an adapter rated for 120V.