Using an electronic device from one country to other

[Cookie Monster]

Im just not sure about this.

Lets say i bought a LCD from USA and decided to use it in new Zealand. Is it going to work properly? since the voltage differs, am i going to have problems?

Does this apply to all other PC related electronics device?

 

[Slowlearner]

Any device sold in the US has to meet US standards, so it will work best at 110V, 60 Mhz AC supply, most countries in the world on the other hand prefer to use 220V, 50 Mhz. So clearly the device for US will need a voltage transformer in NZ, most pc power supplies do have a setting for 220V so they will work too without a transformer. A LCD is a pretty sensitive device, so while the step up transformers from Radio Shack would work, its doubtful that it would be its optimal level. Even in the countries using 220V, the outlets differ in size and placement of prongs, so its a good idea to buy the transformer at the country where it will be used, carry one from RS with you anyway.

 

[bruceb]

First you would need a Transformer .. New Zealand is 230VAC at 50HZ ... US is 110 - 120VAC at 60HZ
Second, you need to check the info on the LCD to see if it will work on 50HZ .. most units can handle 50 or 60HZ
If it can you should be ok after you buy a Good Voltage Transformer to reduce the 230VAC to 110VAC

 

[Cookie Monster]

Thanks guys.

I knew there was a problem because of the difference in voltage. Does this apply to graphics cards as well?

I was also thinking of picking up a logitech G7 but this too is affected?

 

[Slowlearner]

Graphics card installs inside the pc and gets its power from the pc's power supply, that usually have 220V/110 selecter setting near the on/off switch - Check - the G7 mouse does not need separate power but its charging station does that will need a transformer.

 

[Navid]

Most electronic devices that need power from an outlet made lately (since 10 years ago at least) have a universal or auto switch voltage capability.

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/deskt...ys/lcddisplays/xseries/vx2235wm/#specs
This is just an example. Scroll down and look in the table of specifications under "Voltage".
It reads "AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz auto switch".

This means that, for this particular LCD, you don't have to worry about the line voltage from the outlet.

However, I don't mean to suggest that you should not ask the question. Just look in the manual.

Some Power supplies are the same http://www.seasonicusa.com/s12.htm. Some have a switch that you need to set appropriately depending on where you are.

It gets complicated when you go to TVs or cell phones since then you have to worry about modulation standards that could be quite different from country to country.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Thanks for the reply guys!

edit - looks like the G7 is powered through the USB from your PC. So im assuming buying a G7 will work perfectly fine with a PC running with NZ voltage back home.

 

[bruceb]

Correct .. if the computer can run on the 230VAC 50HZ you are all set
as far as the G7 mouse is concerned or anything that gets it power from
the computer ... you still need to check on the actual LCD Display Panel
for it's power requirements