Will my Dell laptop computer work with only an adapter in the UK? How about other small applicances?

Question

On some small electronic applicances, it says "120/240V", what does that mean and how is it different than th "120V" ones?

Answer 1

The ones that say 120/240V will work, the ones that just say 120V will not. The US runs on 120 volts, and Europe runs on 240. If you plug a 120V appliance into a 240V outlet, it will most likely destroy the device, and possibly start a fire, so be sure to check carefully before plugging anything in.

Most laptops are dual voltage. I know for sure my Apple laptop is; I can't promise your Dell is, but it should say the voltages on that box on the cord between where it plugs into the wall and into the computer. In general, most things that have their own voltage converters (that's what that box is) are going to be dual voltage, and things that don't aren't. Most laptops run on a lot less than 120V, so that box chances it to whatever the computer runs on. It can reduce it from 240 just as easily as from 120.

Most cell phones, computer add-ons (except printers and maybe scanners), battery chargers and travel hair-dryers tend to be dual voltage. TVs and radios tend not to be. Either way, check the appliance to make sure it can take 240V before you plug it into the wall in the UK.

You can buy voltage converters that will let you run your non-dual-voltage American appliances in Europe, but they tend to be somewhat expensive. Of course, you'll need a plug adapter no matter what, but those don't cost too much.

Answer 2

Short Answer...You should need only a plug adapter; "120/240V" means the appliance can be plugged into just about every outlet in any country where the "120V" kind need a convertor to be used outside of the US.

Longer Answer...
Look on the label on the Power Transformer (the black plastic box with the power cord). Under the Dell Logo, two or three lines down, it should say "100-240V ~ 50-60Hz". If it does, you DO NOT need a converter.

The "V" stands for Volts. The 120V means that the power supply (again, the black box) is designed to take in 120V AC power from the outlet in your home or office and convert it to the much lower voltage needed by your computer or small appliance.


Have a good trip.

Answer 3

"120/240V" means it will work on either of those voltages. If it says that on your computer, then it will work in UK with only an adapter on the end of your cord to adapt it to their style of plugs.

If something says only "120v" then it will operate only with 120V power, and would need a transformer to convert UK power to 120V to work in UK.

Answer 4

If your appliances have a 120/230V switch, switch to 230V otherwise you'll stuff them up. Alternatively you'll need a step-down transformer to reduce 230V to 110 V. British plugs and sockets are different to American ones, so you'll need either an adapter of fit new plugs. The British mains frequency is 50 Hz not 60, but this doesn't matter.

Answer 5

most of laptops are support 120~240voltage power supplies.
if the uk power system are range between 120~240v then you can use your laptop safely with your current adapter in uk.

Answer 6

If it's a newer laptop yes because they have all been made so that the cords have built in regulators that protect your laptop from this. It's common in pretty much all newer laptops because they know that people travel to other countries with them on business all the time. Other appliences you will need a converter or you will blow the motor or circuits or whatever it is they have. It could even cause a fire.

Answer 7

No. You need to go to a store and buy a adaptor convertor. Other countries run on a different voltage, and if you try to use a different voltage, you'll fry your laptop.