115v/230v question

[mvidlak]

Hey,

I moved to US from Europe. I took my pc with me as I've built pc submerged in oil few years ago and it was too much work to just leave it back in Europe...

I have power supply - AXP SUPERNOVA 600W - label says: 115v/230v so it should be ok to use it in US. But there is another label near AC plug "230v ONLY".

I'm just wondering what do u think about that? "230v only" is there for some reason I guess... Maybe there is some switch inside? Some ideas?

Thanks!!!

 

[rolli59]

Yes it is rated for 115-230V 50/60Hz. The other sticker is probably just a precaution for your market. I do belief that there is no switch looks to have active PFC which eliminates the use of input voltage selection switch on the back of it.

 

[Bubbleawsome]

I think that means that the cable somehow makes it into 230v? So don't buy a 115v power cable*

*I am not an expert, do not assume I am right.

 

[Mark R]

Active PFC circuits contain a voltage regulator/booster, boosting the normal mains voltage to 385V inside the PSU. Because of the automatic voltage boosting circuit, it's very easy to make a PSU work automatically on pretty much any voltage, as long as it's less than 300 V.

However, the wider the voltage range, the more expensive the voltage booster - all the components in the booster must be rated for highest voltage, and also for highest current (lowest voltage).

It's possible to shave $0.05 off the cost of PSU, but under-sizing the voltage boost circuits, so that they will burn out at full-load on 110 V. To get around the safety issue, they just slap a sticker on the PSU saying "230V only". For PSUs sold for the European market, this type of cost-cutting is standard.

 

[mvidlak]

Thanks for answers! It makes sense... It's just weird that they use 2 different labels - one 230v only and another one with input/outputs sayin 115v/230v...

 

[rolli59]

Came across a picture of it on newegg (called XION in US) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817190012 It shows that it has a selector switch (passive PFC) for input. Maybe hidden under the label?

 

[mvidlak]

It shows that it has a selector switch (passive PFC) for input. Maybe hidden under the label?

Good idea, thanks for looking up pictures - I just tried to remove label - there is hole for switch. But EU version (AXP) has active PFC/no switch...

 

[Sheep221]

The 230V only sticker means it's the max voltage it can handle, you can use it in the US just like in EU, you also can use the cable if you got the EU>US outlet adapter. There is no such a thing as american or european electronics, so the computers, laptop and phone chargers, battery chargers and home appliances will work in both continents as their carry active PFC circuitry. There are some kettles and heaters sold in america that are only bound for use on 110V but that's all and some computers have passive PFC PSUs which have 110-230V switch on the backside.

 

[mvidlak]

Yeah, thanks!
I just wanted to make sure because of that "230v only" label on it... I went trough specs of this psu on some different sites and everywhere they say it has active PFC so it should not be a problem...