Will a desktop presently working on 220V still function properly in New York City at 120V? [closed]

Will my desktop work in US, given there we have 120 volts supply and here in India we have 220 volts supply in households. I'm open for workarounds as well like a switched-mode power supply change, or something like that.

new-york-city power

Best Answer

Without more details about the components in your specific desktop, it is impossible to say for certain, but you can check the labels on the power supply.

Your computer does not, from a certain point of view, run on either 110V or 220V A/C power. The internal components run on DC power— fans and disk drives at +12V, the memory and processors at +3.3V, and so forth. Your computer has a power supply unit which converts the power from the mains to power that the components can use.

Although most portable consumer electronics like mobile phones or notebook computers are sold with a transformer that accommodates common consumer current around the world (100–240V, 50–60 Hz)— this is what is in the "brick" in the power cable— whether or not a desktop (or printer, monitor, or other large peripherals) can handle a certain voltage or frequency depends on whether or not its power supply unit can take the input.

Some power supplies come with a manual switch between something in the 110V range and something in the 220V range; here is a photo of that switch in a Lexmark printer:

This switch may be visible on the back of the desktop, but you might have to open up the case to find it.

Not all power supplies have such a switch. In some cases, it is because it automatically detects the current and adjusts accordingly— but in other cases, it is because it is designed to work only in one market, with a set voltage. You will need to find the label for the power supply unit, which should indicate what inputs it is rated for.

The above label is from a unit which only indicates compatbility with 200–240V A/C at 50–60 Hz frequencies. It would not work in the U.S., where most households are wired for 110V.

In contrast, the below label indicates the power supply unit is rated for either 115V or 230V inputs:

If your power supply not labeled that it will accept 100/110/115/120V current, or if there is no label at all, you will need to purchase a transformer.

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Can 220V work on 120V?

Tip. Do not plug a 120V device directly into a 220V wall socket, even if the plug shape and size are identical. Although goods sold in the U.S. but available around the world sometimes accommodate 220V voltages -- iPods, for example -- other devices can be destroyed by such high voltages.

Can 220V work in USA?

In most of the world, household outlet voltage is 220 volts. In the United States and neighboring countries, however, household outlets run at 110 or 120 volts. This can pose a serious problem for travelers. Connecting a 220 volt appliance to a 110 volt outlet can damage or destroy the appliance.

What happens if you use 220V in 110V?

If you plug a 220V device into 110V outlet, it will normally last a little longer before it dies. But: An AC mechanical drive may fail to start, or it may take up more current than it is designed for, and eventually burn out. The insulation is usually not a problem unless there is a major flaw in the design.

HOW TO GET 110V FROM A 220V OUTLET! SIMPLE!!

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