110/220V input question with Antec PSU

[keplenk]

Hi,

I just recently purchased an Antec earthwatts EA380 ATX12V v2.0 380W Power Supply as advised by the forum members here (thanks by the way).

I don't have the PSU yet (still in transit) and I was just wondering about the input voltage.

I noticed that the PSU doesnt have a switch to change it from 110v to 220v or vice versa. My previous PSUs has this switch. I only based this info from the Newegg pictures.

I'm in the US right now and they use 110v ... I'm going back to my home country next week and we use 220V there.

When I checked the specifications it says:

Input Voltage 100 - 240 V

Does this mean its AUTO Volt? or do I have to do something else first. like a switch or something.

Its actually not a biggy because the UPS I use has (1) 110v plug and the rest are 220v. But I just want to be sure because someone could accidentally plug it to 220v.

1) Is it safe to just plug it in 220v?

2) Let's say I can use either 110v or 220v: Is it better to plug it into 110v or 220v? If I use higher voltage, does the power supply lifespan shortens?

*If you use 220v, will it stress the power supply more?


THank you very much!

 

[thecoolnessrune]

The power supply has PFC (Power Factor Correction) which all higher quality PSU's should have. PFC automatically regulates the power coming into it from the 110V all the way to the 240V range as long as it's between 50-60Hz.

Your previous PSU lacked PFC and therefore its voltage had to be set to 110V or 240V.

PSU's are more efficient at higher voltages but less efficient in the PFC, or it's ability to condition the power going into the rectifiers.

EDIT: But any voltage within its range will not stress the PSU anymore and is more efficient the higher you go. Most manufacturers of higher quality PSUs draw there efficiency measurements from running on 240V.

 

[keplenk]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
The power supply has PFC (Power Factor Correction) which all higher quality PSU's should have. PFC automatically regulates the power coming into it from the 110V all the way to the 240V range as long as it's between 50-60Hz.

Your previous PSU lacked PFC and therefore its voltage had to be set to 110V or 240V.

PSU's are more efficient at higher voltages but less efficient in the PFC, or it's ability to condition the power going into the rectifiers.

EDIT: But any voltage within its range will not stress the PSU anymore and is more efficient the higher you go. Most manufacturers of higher quality PSUs draw there efficiency measurements from running on 240V.

THanks for you reply

Now I guess my next question is .. would it be better to plug it in lower voltage like 110v (my UPS has this outlet)? If I plug it into 220v would it stress the PSU more? Or it doesnt really matter at all?

Thanks again

 

[keplenk]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
The power supply has PFC (Power Factor Correction) which all higher quality PSU's should have. PFC automatically regulates the power coming into it from the 110V all the way to the 240V range as long as it's between 50-60Hz.

Your previous PSU lacked PFC and therefore its voltage had to be set to 110V or 240V.

PSU's are more efficient at higher voltages but less efficient in the PFC, or it's ability to condition the power going into the rectifiers.

EDIT: But any voltage within its range will not stress the PSU anymore and is more efficient the higher you go. Most manufacturers of higher quality PSUs draw there efficiency measurements from running on 240V.

Ok ... I just read your edit now

Thanks for answering my question.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Not a problem ^_^

Oh, and welcome to the forums!