US\European Power Converter

I just recently purchased a Macbook laptop, as well as a Jensen (model no. JEN50) Foreign volatage converter for when I am in Germany (or any other part of Europe). It says that it converts 220-240V AC to 110 - 120V AC. Got it at BestBuy for $15. Now, I just attempted to charge my MacBook with it here in Germany, and for some reason, the converter stopped working right away. Not sure what happened and was wondering if there is anyone who can help me with this. It seems as if I won't be able to find a converter here in Germany for my Macbook, I was wondering, if it makes a difference or not if I just go out and buy a European version of the Magsafe power adapter for my laptop without frying it. Not sure what I should do. Anyone who knows and can answer my question? Really, REALLY appreciate it!!

The MacBook 65 watt power supply should have an input range from 100 to 240 volts RMS sine wave. A voltage converter is not needed and not recommended. What you do need is an adapter to convert the US flat blade style NEMA 5/15 plug to pin style CEE 7/17 Europlug. You should be able to find an adapter for a few Euros at an electrical parts supplier. That would be substantially less expensive than approximately 75 Euros a new MacBook power supply might cost.
You could also order a replacement cord from an Apple parts supplier, but an adapter is sufficient and more readily available.
An inexpensive voltage converter does not work properly because it reduces the average voltage by using a diode to distort the waveform. The MacBook power supply needs a sinusoidal waveform to function properly.
Bill

Similar Messages

US iPhone on European Power

My wife has an original iPhone, and a 3rd Gen iPod and is going to Europe in a few days. I've looked for hours in the Apple support pages and in the forums and can't find an answer to this: We have the USB adapter, large old, and a new smaller one that came with my 3G iPhone (green dot). Using the appropriate plug adapter, can she just plug the iPhone USB adapter into the 220V European power safely, or does she need to take a transformer/converter with her? I even got out a magnifying glass and looked at the extremely small print on the USB adapters. I think both say input voltage can be between 100 and 240V ac, 50-60 cycle, but the print is so small I can't be sure. The last time we went to Europe, it wasn't a problem, as I took my iBook with me, and it could be plugged directly into the 220V power, so I recharged the iPhone from the computer; she is not taking her computer, so this is not an option this trip.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Claude

The iPhone charging unit is universal across couuntries the only difference is the plug attachement that slides on and off (which you can buy a travel adaptor pack from Apple).
try these
Apple kit
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8794G/B?fnode=MTY1NDA4NA&mco=MjE0OTQ4NQ
Aftermarket kit
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS616VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MQ&mco=MjkwODU3NQ
Message was edited by: r.cloud

HT201897 Does a Mac Mini purchased in the USA require a power converter for operation in Europe or should I only purchase a different power cord for it?

Does a Mac Mini purchased in the USA require a power converter to operate outside of the USA or can I simply purchase a different power cord for it?

Depending on which European country (should their mains access plug/port shape vary) the
cord set with correct ends on it has to match. You can buy a cord that plugs into the Mini
where the factory cord goes, and the other end has one for the wall source shape. The wire
for the application should be able to support 110~240VAC.
With the cord or an accurate image in hand, you could either get a new cable to match both
realities (mini + wall supply mains local) or an adapter (US/Standard to EU/Local) for just
the head or input part of the original Apple cable. One plugs into the other, then into wall.
If you have a new Mini with a small modular plug/port on the computer end of the power wire,
it would have only two holes and no ground; the other end would have two prongs of equal
shape and size. Not a polarized plug and not a grounded three-prong. To get a replacement
power wire for the MINI to go from power source to the Mini is recommended, if you are going
to be staying in one location for awhile. A Travel Kit that offers no electrical conversion but only
the physical shape adapter kit, should a available in travel stores, airports; big box discount
stores, computer and electronic stores. This page shows the cord end of the appliance shapes.
The other end would be the mains shape for whichever country you are going to....
http://www.signalandpower.com/European-Power-Cords/
So to match the country or regional power mains type is a primary concern for obtaining the
correct replacement cord to supply the Mini with local mains power. The end which plugs into
the Mini is of a certain type (numbers for EU and elsewhere are published, see link + images)
& the end that gets plugged into the mains or utility side, needs to match the local specification.
The link to Apple, to contact for Support and Service information in prior post, should be able
to help find a source for the local replacement type cord they'd sell local people with a Mini.
Apple local sources offer replacements for this purpose; and for travelers, a second cord for
a direct use (not adapter plugs) is a better bet. For those who only need a cord in two places.
If you are traveling to Denmark, UK, Swiss or other EU countries require different adapters.
Even places where the power itself may be somewhat similar. However your MINI has an
automatic power supply that will conform to that energy standard, you only need to supply a
correct non-transforming adapter. Simply a connection to adapt one shape to another.
The general purpose travel kit that is not specialized to Apple power adapters, would have a
plastic plug/adapter with the local pins on one side, and the US/standard two slots on the other.
So, no circuitry nor any other change of electrical power inside this device would be required.
http://www.signalandpower.com/2-Prong-Plug-Adapters/
http://www.signalandpower.com/Convert-to-Europe-CEE-716-plug/
http://www.signalandpower.com/Swiss-AC-Power-Cords/
In other words, I believe my other post already covered this. On the ground on either end of the
path, adapters are common and the Mini does not use proprietary electrical components IF you
have one of the more recent shape aluminum models with the power supply built in. The older
Mini has the power brick and two wires. A US/Standard plug adapter to EU/Local would work in
either case, since all you'd do is plug the adapter plug into the local mains and the US plug into
that one... I see these kinds of discards for as little as 25¢ in thrift stores in Alaska. Or you can
buy a new one. Or you could get a complete cord with correct ends on it, for Mini + local mains.
Hopefully this helps somewhat. The only info missing is which EU country or region is involved.
Their shapes of plug are different, so the adapter end for local supply has to match their standard.
Swiss, Denmark, UK, and others offer different shapes and so on.
The Apple store in the location you are traveling should be able to supply you with a replacement
cable for a modern MINI, that has the correct local mains end, and the correct Apple mini end on
the opposite. Since the unit is automatically switching, the magic is done.
Since I supplied a means to locate any number of Apple stores, authorized service providers &
other Apple related vendors in my earlier reply: https://locate.apple.com/country you could contact
any of them along your route in the City in whichever EU country, to find a local MINI power cable.
In any event, I'm done...
Good luck and happy trails...

Overseas Travel - do I need a power converter or not?

I've got a MacBook Pro from just before the unibody models. I'm going to Germany at the end of this month and need to know: Will my Apple branded Magsafe battery charger work with a European plug adapter or do I need to buy a power converter to step the voltage down from 240 to 110v?

Scott:
Your computer is equipped with dual voltage and your power supply will be fine. I suggest you get an adapter for the plug before you leave the US. I searched all over London once before finding one in a little hardware store (and ancient one at that).
Travel safely.
cornelius

European Power Adapter Question

So I'm traveling to France next week and will be there for three weeks. I bought the global travel pack which has an adapter for European power. However, is using this adapter all I have to do? I don't have to "flip a switch" on the computer itself? Just plug in the adapter and go? I don't want to accidentally fry my laptop...

However, is using this adapter all I have to do?
Yes. Any power supply which is 100 to 240 volts and 50 or 60Hz can be plugged into the MacBook Pro without being converted. France uses 230 volts at 50Hz.
(34131)

Can my USA iMac 2.4Ghz work on European power

I have an iMac 2.4GHz Model A1224. We moved to Amsterdam and they of course run on European power. My iMac label states it is 100-240V range.
The local Mac store has a cable that plugs into the USA 3-prong and has the European plug on the other end. Basically it's an extension cable that converts to the Europe plug.
Will my iMac support the European power or do I also need a power converter. Thank you in advance.

You don't need a power converter for the iMac. Just a plug. In Europe we use 220V. So your iMac should be fine. It has a universal transformer incorporated.
In fact, just get a new "European" cable from the Apple store for your iMac.

Power converter required for new iMac?

I have taken my new iMac to Germany. The provided power cord does not have a converter like the Mac laptops have. Do I need to purchase a power converter that will step down the voltage when plugging into the outlets in Germany, or is there a control on the computer to adjust for the increased voltage?

To add additional clarification, I understand that I will need a plug adapter and have used one before without issue for my macbook laptop as the provided cord allows for switching the plug end to match the european outlets. The converter box on the cord (the white box) then steps down the voltage so the laptop can run safely being powered by the 220v outlet. The new desktop iMac, as I mention above, has a cord without the converter box. I am concerned that if i just use a plug converter, the computer will not be able to handle the additional voltage.

Gigaworks G550W speakers for European power and I'm in the US

I have a set of Creative labs G550W wireless surround sound speakers and they are for European power. The plugs are European and the power says 250 volts. IS there any way to use them in the US. The wireless module will work on 10 volts but the plug configuration is different than a standard 3 prong IEC computer plug. Please help me. Expensive speakers and no sound is no fun. Scot

If the wireless module says it will run on 0v then you should just be able to use a travel adapter with it.
As for the rest, there is no easy/cheap way of doing it. The power supplies inside really will be designed for 240v only. You can buy step up voltage converters, but there doesnt seem to be much information on them. What you need is one that gives a proper sine wave output. Most of the ones I can see available are quite cheap, so im guessing they are the ones that output more of a square wave. Electronics will hate these. You also need to be sure it wont have much noise on the 240v output as this may be audible through the speakers. Lastly, it needs to be quiet as you dont want it humming next to you.
Perhaps someone who has tried this before can correct me, but I would think a converter good enough (high quality and high wattage) would cost too much and you might aswell just buy some american speakers.

Taking white MacBook from US to UK. Do I need a power converter?

I recently purchased a white 13" MacBook for college, which is in the UK.
Am I going to need a power converter for my MacBook when I go to the UK? The voltage in the US is 110V, and the voltage in the UK is 220V.
Thanks!

Your power adapter will work with 110 or 220 V. However, the actual 220 V socket is different. You'll need a little adapter that just converts the standard US outlet into the standard 220 V UK outlet. Apple sells a whole kit, but that's sort of overkill:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDEwMQ&mco=NjcxMjczMg
I'm not sure which specific plug you would need. I'm sure someone here can chime on on which one would be appropriate then you can pick up just the plug you need vs. an entire kit.

Does my Macbook Air need a power converter in the UK?

I am traveling to the UK soon - will I need a power converter for my MacBook Air, iPad and iPhone?
thanks

Input voltage for iPad and iPhone is same. 100 -240 Volts.
You will need plug adapters for those power adapters.
No converters are necessary.
Certification Label:
https://www.apple.com/power-adapters/

Do i need to buy anything besides a power converter to use my US ipad in europe?

I am traveling abroad to Europe and bringing my iPad. They told us somethings would work like our cell phone chargers and computer chargers while others like blowdryers usually blow the socket. Do I need to buy some kind of special converter for my iPad or can I just get a regular power converter?

The power supply for the iPad is auto-ranging and should adapt to different voltages in other countries. See the Apple Store for their travel adapter kit with different plugs, etc.

Do I need an power converter when charging in Africa?

Are my Apple products able to convert power from various countries safely or must I use a power converter (i.e. 220v to 110v)?

Yes.
                 Input: 100-240 volts
                 Certification Label
                https://www.apple.com/power-adapters/

Do I need a power converter or just adapters for charging in Spain for iPad, iPhone, IBook?

What do I need to charge my iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro in Europe (Spain). A power converter of just plug adapters?

Just physical plug adapters. Apple chargers work on any voltage from 110 - 240v worldwide.

Do I need a power converter for my ipad in Ireland?

Do I need a power converter for my ipad2 and my macbook air (11 inch 2010) in Ireland?
Sorry, I'm new to this site and just found the answer to my question in another post.

I was on my way out earlier and didn't have time to see if easily bought in USA, but I also would have suggested a power strip for the UK. Also, not aware of Picachu's needs - if traveling with others, etc., ...
For many years, once our sons got ipods, I have always brought a power strip (w/usb) on vacations and even on long weekends to weddings for all the items I listed above plus rechargeable tooth brushes, beard trimmers, and two ipads. It has made recharging so much easier. (I have friends in similar situations who hadn't thought to bring a power strip for charging things for their family all at once overnight.)
So thanks for bringing it up. Meanwhile, Picachu got an answer early and without having checked 'get e-mail notif.' he/she might not have a clue. Still happy you brought it up.
Thanks.

Do i need a power converter for macbook in the philippines

i was wondering if i needed a power converter to charge my macbook in the Philippines or do i just need the 3 to 2 prong adapter

You only need a wall outlet plug adaptor.

US\European Power Converter

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for