Plug Power Voltages

[oddaaron00]

I'm going to be buying a product that ships over from Japan to here in the UK. For this reason, the voltage will be between 100 and 240V. In the UK, we operate on 230V. Is this safe? I know 230V is in the voltage bracket but am I in danger if the product is not 230V? Thanks.

 

[InvalidError]

If the product really has a properly designed universal input power supply, then you should be able to use it anywhere that has line voltage within the specified range.

 

[oddaaron00]

Just thought I'd mention that it's a Nintendo Virtual Boy from 1995 (nostalgia) so I can't exactly ask the manufacturer but thanks for your help and lets hope my house doesn't explode
Thanks!

 

[InvalidError]

The original VirtualBoy uses the same AC adapter as the SNES which is just a basic AC transformer. If that's what you got, then it will only work on 100-130V.

If the adapter you got is actually marked as 100-240V, then it is either an aftermarket replacement or possibly from a SNES mini if they changed to a switching adapter with the redesign.

 

[oddaaron00]

Will it still work then?

 

[InvalidError]

Will what still work? A plain 100-130V AC transformer at 230V will output double the voltage and possibly fry the VirtualBoy assuming the core does not saturate and blow the wiring first.

A universal 100-240V switching power supply will work anywhere assuming it is properly designed and has the correct output ratings.

 

[oddaaron00]

If it doesn't come with a universal PSU, would I be able to find one anywhere, Amazon particularly?

 

[InvalidError]

You can find almost anything on Amazon or eBay.

Worst case, if you are a little handy with electronics, you can simply hack something together as long as you have a source that can provide 9-10V at 1A or so.

 

[oddaaron00]

I found this on Amazon, a voltage step-up/down converter:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rockstone-Power-Voltage-Transformer-Converter/dp/B01337AZV0/ref=lp_6672657031_1_1?srs=6672657031&ie=UTF8&qid=1449364298&sr=8-1

Will this work as a solution?
(Last question, thank you)
Thanks again!

 

[InvalidError]

If you can't find the proper local adapter or a universal equivalent, using a 110V/220V transformer is an option.

 

[oddaaron00]

OK. It's only £40 anyway so it's not a huge issue, but I'll have to see when I get a Virtual Boy.
Thanks for your help.