Study Abroad Scenarios: Power Issues

This page contains information about electrical and power supply issues associated with taking a computer from one country to another.

There are three main considerations when it comes to using domestic computers with foreign electricity: the voltage, the frequency, and the shape of the power plug.

(A fourth consideration is current flow, involving amps, but that issue relates primarily to transformers. Most laptops won't need transformers since the majority of them are designed to perform their own power transforming through the "power brick" -- although smaller electrical appliances such as hair dryers and irons will need external transformers, and you should read the electrical information about your laptop's power brick to be certain that it does support the other country's power settings.)

Voltage and frequency

Most of North America, Central America, and Japan operate in the 100- to 127-volt range, with frequency at either 50 or 60 hertz. Most of Asia, Europe, and Africa operate in the 220- to 240-volt range, again with frequency at either 50 or 60 hertz. (This map illustrates the different voltage and frequency standards around the world.)

If your computer supports both the 120-volt range and the 240-volt range and has an internal battery, your main concern will be locating the correct type of plug adapter. If your computer supports both voltages but its battery doesn't work, you may need a transformer in areas where the frequency is different from standard, in addition to the plug adapter to attach it to the wall. If your computer supports only the 120-volt range, you'll need both a transformer and an adapter.

Power plugs

There are far more variations in plug shapes than there are in voltage and frequency standards. Some countries use three or four mutually incompatible plugs in buildings of different ages (and in different types of rooms within the same building).

In some countries, you can use American plugs; in others you'll have to have a plug adapter to allow you to physically connect to the wall socket. (This map illustrates the different types of power plugs in use, and this page explains what each plug type looks like and the various terms that may be used for a particular plug.)

For more information about connecting domestic equipment to international power supplies, see the country and regional profiles and http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Guide_to_electrical_equipment_for_travellers.