Can an American computer be used in the UK with different plugs?

Question

Moving to UK and want to keep my PC, but worried about the difference in electricity there.

Answer 1

mmmm check the power supply at the back of the unit. 1/2 inch away from the IEC lead connection you are looking for a little switch (sometimes covered with sticky label) normally red marked 115V, it moves across to 230V (220V). ONLY do this with the lead out.
Once in the UK buy a new IEC computer lead.
Maplin list one at 4.50 GBP (shops in major citys. maplin.co.uk) thats 9 bucks.
Now for laptops check the power supply box should list 100v to 250 volts if so buy an travel plug in the States or at airport.
UK voltage is 230volts at 50Hz unlike US 110v and 60Hz

Answer 2

The correct answer is probably. It all depends on your power supply. The UK uses 220 volts. To use your computer here you will need to be sure that your power supply is dual voltage. If it is there will be a switch on the back with 110 on one side and 220 on the other. Before you plug in your computer make sure it is set to 220.
The other alternative (which is probably a better one) is to buy a power supply when you get here (about $40) and put that in.
The other thing you will need is a power cable. They cost about $20 (Unless you are nice to the IT people where you work and can talk them into giving you one). The best place to get stuff like that is called PC World. They are a bit more expensive then you would get online but they are more convienent.
Once you have 220 voltage set up you will be fine.

Answer 3

Judging by the previous answers I think you should try asking at your local computer store or even the manufacturer of the computer. I do know that some of the operating systems are incompatible but am not sure about how the electricity supply would effect your hard wear. If it is useful to you, I travel to the states with sick children. We always hire a converter and plug their electrical medical equipment into that to ensure that the power difference does not damage the equipment. You may need to do the same. UK voltage runs at 230-240 while the US is 120V.

Answer 4

Look for a selector switch on the back near the power inlet to see if there is a 110/220 choice, or a label that shows 220 as acceptable. If not people like www.maplin.co.uk sell transformers for this. Quite inexpensive.

Answer 5

No the UK plugs have a different voltage and you computer will blow out........If you get the power converter that costs like 5 bucks at any computer store you should be fine. As long as you have the correct power running into your computer it shouldnt matter. The power has nothing to do with the computer besides running it. internet though iono.

Answer 6

yes, on most power supplys( the place where you put the cord into the computer) there is an input voltage selecter switch. in the USA, it should be set to the 110, or 115, or 120 setting. in a country where 220 is the standard, then select 220, easy,right?

Answer 7

yes it can.
On back of your computer by the power supply there is this thing (red) its like a switch push it to the right. Instead of 120 it will say 210 that basically lets you use it in the UK (europe).

Answer 8

Yes you can.

On the back of the power supply there is a small switch, one way for 120v and the other way 240v.

Then just change the leads to 3 pin type.

Answer 9

*yes but you would have to change the power pack as they have a different power voltage to the uk

Answer 10

Yes you can on the back of the power supply there is a small switch, one way for 120v and the other way 240v.