What does "power source: main" mean? This is listed on online products that need to be plugged in.?

Question

Does this mean that it simply needs to be plugged in (vs. needing batteries), or does that mean it uses an AC/DC power pack? I'm trying to figure out if I can use this product outside North America simply by changing to a 240 AC/DC power pack, or if I have to use a transformer.

Thanks.

Answer 1

"Power source: main" means, would you believe, main power source.

(But why the hell they can't say so up front simply eludes me.)

This suggests that there will also be an alternative power source, no doubt called "Power source: alternative." Or, if they don't speak English very well, "Power source: alternate" or something similar.


"Online products that need to be plugged in" confirms in my mind that they indeed do not speak English very well. Online?


Since whoever wrote it has so much difficulty expressing themselves I can only suggest that the main power source would be the domestic (110Vac) mains and an alternative source would be a battery, (or cells.)

If my guess about the prime (main) power source is correct then there are two possibilities.

One is that the device is connected directly to the mains.
The other is that it uses a plug-in converter between the mains and the unit.

If the first case is true then you can buy a 230 to 110V transformer, although above about 100 watts or so they tend to start getting big, heavy and expensive.

If the second case is true then you can buy a converter with a 230V input and an output which corresponds with the supplied one.

Answer 2

Do to the different main power sources around the world this is something that you have to consider when buying a product from some country other than your own, or for use in some other country. For example, in the US the main power source for most consumer products is 120VAC at 60Hz. and 240VAC/60Hz for such things as cloths dryers. Some other countries use 50Hz AC and some even use DC. Much military (PX and BX stores) sell consumer products that come with a switch on the back to operate on US 120/60 or Euro 220/50 by using a special transformer that will run on either 50 or 60Hz circuits. You can generally get away with adapters on a US 60Hz product for use in other countries, but don't even think about running a 50Hz system on 60Hz or you will get smoke!!!

Answer 3

Main means you plug it in to AC from the electric company. Since different countries supply different volts and cycles per second just make sure your AC power matches these two specs

Answer 4

The only thing I can think of would be a power inverter which would be able to convert a 12v source, such as your car to 230v. Check out the link below for more information.