When I go overseas, I travel with my laptop, and other electronic equipment that have power supplies that automatically change voltages in the range of 100 - 240 volts depending on local current. However, I recently noticed that in some instances the power cord that goes from the "power brick" to the socket says something like "rated 125V."

Accordingly, I went to Radio Shack to see whether they had any power cords that connect to a typical laptop power brick, or similar power supply, that were rated to take voltages up to 220. It turns out the one they had similarly said "rated 125V."

So, does anyone know whether this is a problem that needs to be addressed, or do we just plug in the power cord rated 125V (but attached to a power supply that is good between 100 and 240 volts) and not worry about it? I should add I have appropriate plug adapters, so the issue would seem to focus on the wire in the power cord and whether it can safely withstand 220 volts.

Somewhere over time I found a little 220 to 110 adapter and I plug that into the wall and my powerstrip into that. Before that I blew out a couple of small things, speakers $10.00 and a thirty dollar accessory.

LA: You're just talking about the cord itself, right? I don't usually pay attention to the ratings of the cord, and have yet to notice any operational problems. I have noticed that the 220v cords sold in other countries are puny (less wire, thinner insulation) than the 125v you get in the US, so I wouldn't worry about safety issues. Thicker wire means more resistance and I don't recall the formulas, but I think it's so small as to be inconsequential. If anything, be concerned about using the cheap-assed 220v cords for 125v.


(Message edited by bendejo on January 09, 2010)

I recently had a boring as HELL overnight layover in HKG, which has completely inaccesible electrical outlets for US plugs. IMO it is THE biggest FUBAR sin any airport can have. Even in Changi a simple 2-prong adapter works wonders.

IN NRT and TPE, US plugs rule...

I never even noticed a voltage rating on a cord before. I'd think as long as you weren't trying to run a microwave or electric heater or something, just about any modern cord ought to be OK.

Porker, as a CO Plat, couldn't you get in the Thai Royal Orchid Lounge or United Red Carpet Club at HKG??? If the local outlets wouldn't work, the front desk at the lounge should always be able to provide a loaner adapter if you ask.

Sancho, I was outside security all night and those lounges close fairly early anyway.

I travel frequently on work, and have never had problems using local power outlets, but being on business I often have hotels that have the shaver 110 plug outlets in the bathrooms or 110 plugs at the desks. Still have used the 240 ones in a number of countries with a number of devices and no problemo.

I found a website that seems to address the question I asked, but it is a bit difficult to figure out what they are saying, specifically in the last paragraph under connectors.

http://www.answers.com/topic/power-cord-2

If I'm understanding correctly, it sounds like if you come from a country with around 110 voltage you are better off using the cord that came with your device rather than switch to a 220 (or is it 230/240?) cord, assuming your power supply is rated 100 - 240 volts, or thereabouts. Is this what others get from this less than straightforward article?

I stumbled across an answer when I wasn't looking for it.

Assuming a gizmo's load is the same wattage, than using a higher voltage will decrease the circuit amperage.

If you double the voltage, you halve the amperage.

So higher voltage equals less amperage which means you can use thinner wire.

So using a thicker 110v rated wire on 220v would be fine. However, using thinner 220v rated wire on 110v may be bad.

Most laptop computers will work on 110v/220v. This goes for 120v/240v.

I have used my laptop computer in Argentina, Brazil, Panama, South Korea, and Japan. In both Argentina and Brazil, some in wall receptacles will match a two-prong US plug, but I have never found found a plug in these countries that matches a three prong grounded US plug.

nI both Argentina and Brazil, it it ease to find an adapter to fit US two and three prong plugs.

Last time I was in Argentina, I found two prong adapter for less than $1 US.

I think that inexpensive adapters should be available in most of Latin America.

MM