US Electronics' Compatibility in Germany

J

JCJones86

Gawd
2FA
Joined
Jul 3, 2003
Messages
781
I'm going to be living in Germany next semester for a study abroad program. I just want to see if anybody has resided in Germany with US electronics. If I'm not mistaken, the power supplies in computers are compatible with their 230V standard AC current, correct?

Will any other electronics be compatible, or will I need to get some sort of transformer? I won't have too many things, just my LCD monitor, Dell DJ, and Creative 5.1 surround sound speakers... That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure there will be a few other things.

As for adaptor plugs, I think I'm set with those. I found a site selling them for a dollar or two a piece.

Any advice, insight, etc. would be greatly appreciated! :)
 
It's hard to generalize what will work and what won't . Most modern PSUs and wall-warts are auto sensing so are fine, but there's still some that aren't. The way to check is to find the electrical info. If it says 'input voltage 100-250V, 50-60Hz' you'll be good. If it's only '100-120V 60Hz' you're going to need a transformer.

That info is usually mouled into the plastic on power bricks. You might need to take your PSU out of the case to see it because the label might not be visible.

The other gotcha with PSUs is that some have a physical switch to change between 110 and 240, while others are auto-sensing.
 
Don't forget that they have a different style electical outlet. Like the previous poster said, verify all your equipment works at 220V-240V. If that's the case, bring along a power strip so you only need to buy one outlet adapter.

edit: D'oh! didn't read the original post all the way through.
 
That makes sense. So as long as my equipment is labeled for use at 220V @ 60Hz then I shouldn't have any problems? I knew I shoulda kept that info from physics somewhere in the back of my mind. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top