HI all,

I jut got a laptop from the US - I know the actual power brick/adapter
is OK for UK voltage as it is auto-sensing - i.e. rated from 100v -
240v so all I should need is an adapter plug. so far so good.

However, I noticed on the actual flex that goes from the power brick
to the plug socket it says in small letters:

7A - 125V 875w

Now this is the actual CABLE itself i am taling about - will this
still be ok to use in the UK? I asked in a local electrical shop and
the guy said that he never worried about the cable ratings as long as
the adapter was auto-sensing and said it would be fine. I however,
remain unconvinced!

anyone know for usre?

cheers!

On Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:37:52 -0800, 151 <gavin@my-deja.com> wrote:

Which cable? If it is the one from the brick to the laptop, that is
just the maximum its insulation was designed for, and since dc is
being sent down that line at a low voltage it will be fine. If it is
the cable going to the wall, it will be fine but I'd search for a
replacement with better voltage ratings.\
\

"151" <gavin@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:1194183472.514969.93150@k79g2000hse.googlegro ups.com...
If it did it would be the size of a Greyhound Bus.

You didn't say who the maker was but all reputable makers would have a cable
equal to the power ratings of the brick. All my cables have a 300 volt
rating, yours is 125 volts. The insulation properties are not good for the
foreign 220 volts. You should be able to find a cable in any computer store
in the UK and with the correct plug so an adapter isn't needed.
"olfart" <olfart65@excite.com> wrote in message
news:5p6adrFpm11jU1@mid.individual.net...

hi all - thanks for helping out so quickly, most appreciated.

to clarify, yeah it is the cable that goes from the wall to the brick
and having read your responses I think I will try and get a
replacement "just in case" though it sounds like it will never draw
enough power to do any harm.

The laptop is a fujitsu lifebook u810 (sort of a UMPC) and the cable
seems to be made by "hirakawa" but I assume as long as I get one with
the same connector (that plugs into the brick) on the end it should be
OK? it *appears* to look like a standard "figure of 8" connector...



On 4 Nov, 19:19, "Woody" <TheD...@pond.net> wrote:

In message <1194183472.514969.93150@k79g2000hse.googlegroups. com>, 151
<gavin@my-deja.com> writes
I assume you are talking about the cable that plugs into the wall outlet
110V for USA, 220V for UK ( it was 240V but has changed to 220V I
believe)

this cable should have a US 2 pin plug on one end and a moulded 'RENDAR'
plug on the other end.

This RENDAR plug goes into the brick. The 2 pin plug into the wall.

All you need to do is get a replacement RENDAR lead with a UK 3 pin plug
on one end and a RENDAR plug on the other end and your good to go.

Try PC world, Tesco, Maplin, or any other electrical retailer.


However...

it maybe that the cable from the 2 pin wall plug is hard wired directly
in to the brick.

In that case you really need a new brick from the manufacture, or third
party supplier.

You could try opening up the brick and replacing the whole cable but
then you have voided your warranty, house insurance and heavens know
what else. If you get it wrong then you have a fire risk on your hands.

If you use a US to UK adapter and use the 125V rated cable on a 220V
supply then you have a fire risk and void insurance etc. again.

If after all this your talking about the cable between the brick and the
laptop then you don't have a problem as that is low voltage DC, about
12V I guess. So your well within the rating. The laptop will not draw
875W.
Unless it's on fire that is! By which time the fuse will pop.
--
Nospam

In message <1194214538.792934.50160@19g2000hsx.googlegroups.c om>, 151
<gavin@my-deja.com> writes
Hi,

I have just posted to the original message.

To add to that message...

if the plug that goes into the brick is a figure of 8 plug then it's not
a RENDAR connector I was talking about.

But the same theory applies.

You can get a replacement cable from most electrical suppliers.

Take your brick to the shop and they will find you a cable that will fit
and be rated for the UK.

best to be safe.


--
Nospam

hi again,

yep I was just reading about connectors and it is apparently a C7
connector (the figure of 8)
that plugs into the brick (the other end being plugged into the
wall). I shall give Maplin another try although hopefully I will get
a different assistant since the guy I spoke to already shrugged and
said "och dont worry about that" when I pointed out the actual cable
rating!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_connector was quite an educational
read about adapter types

I am assuming a C7 "figure 8" connector is standard across the world?




On Nov 4, 10:36 pm, Nospam <nos...@nospam.demon.co.uk> wrote:

In message <1194221167.715000.36670@z9g2000hsf.googlegroups.c om>, 151
<gavin@my-deja.com> writes

I think C7 are fairly standard across the world. you should have no
problems getting one.

Take the brick in and get the guy to find you one.

BTW
The connector I was talking about (RENDAR) is actually a C13 on the page
you suggest.

I'm not sure why we called it a rendar plug possibly it was the name of
the manufacture or supplier we got it from.





--
Nospam

It is just the rating on the cable. But he says "on the actual flex
that goes from the power brick to the plug socket" ... I take that to
mean from the wall socket to the power brick, e.g. the AC power cord.
In that case, although I am sure it would work (and be safe), I'd get a
new power cord with a 250v rating.


olfart wrote:

"151" <gavin@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:1194183472.514969.93150@k79g2000hse.googlegro ups.com...
All cables and plugs have to have a rated voltage and current on them to
meet the various electrical safety requirements for the contry in which they
are sold. The rating tends to be that for the actual country, hence yours
is marked at 125 volts. In practice the insulation requirements to meet US
approval are ridiculously over specified, which is why US sourced gear has
mains leads that would not look out of place as mooring lines for a large
cruise ship.

The upshot is that the cable that you have will be perfectly OK when used on
UK 240 volt mains supply. As the current will be around half what it would
be in the US, the current capacity isn't a problem. If you are really
worried, why not by a UK mains lead with the correct connector for the power
brick?