I’m going to two countries in South America — Chile and Argentina. Both of them use different power systems than the U.S. does. And this means bringing my computer along becomes problematic. I’m afraid the DC-type (European) power used in those countries could fry my laptop.
The good news is I have a Sharper Image Dual Wattage International Converter set (FZ508). The bad news I read some of the reviews on Amazon and it could still fry my computer. I’m using a Sony Vaio with a 19.5 volt AC adapter rated at 50 to 60 hertz.
I’ve read up on power conversion for Argentina and Chile and I’m still not sure if I have the right stuff. Will using a surge protector in combination wiht the Sharper Image Power Converter work? If any reader know the answers to these questions, please reply in the comments.
UPDATE: I did some research and decided to go with the Kensington All-in-One Worldwide Travel Adapter. It says right on the box that it works for laptops. But if I could have found this one, I would have bought that.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Sean,
I’m in Argentina right now reading this post with my laptop that I bought in the United States (Asus eee netbook). Some electronic devices already have a transformer built into the power adapter. If you look at the information written on the power adapter, it will tell you. Mine says AC 100-240, so it’s able to adjust to the higher voltage of Argentina. The same is true for my ipod and my camera charger. But what I DO need in order for it to work here is the right plug adapter. The outlet that you plug into has a different shape, so you need an intermediate piece to make it work. The shape of most of the outlets that I’ve seen here look like / \ with the plug piece angling in rather than being straight up and down (like #2 at http://international-electrical-supplies.com/argentina-plug-adapters.html).
Both of those items are just plug adaptors, they don’t change the voltage. I used something similar. You can also find these adaptors at airports, but you’ll pay a bit of a premium for them. I went to europe with my north-american bought equipment and all my power supplies worked flawlessly. Battery chargers, camera charger and laptop worked normally. Just make sure the power supply says 50-60hz 110-240v and you’ll be fine.
Try just plugging in the power supply only, don’t attach it to the laptop or device and let it run for a couple minutes to see if it functions normally. If it over-heats or starts smoking, well you have a dud power supply, disconnect it immediately. Don’t get scared if you see a spark when you first plug it in, it’s normal because of the higher voltage.
An excellent reference for electrical mains for traveling: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_systems
Sean
You might want to look in to a small solor pannel to plug into and charge your laptop, I use one up in the High Mt. to charge mine all the time and it works great. They make a small one that folds out,that will fit right in your laptop case..
good luck..
Shane
I am an Aussie mining engineer running a business across Latin America with my base in Chile. Electrical supply here is AC, not DC. When travelling anywhere in the world with my laptop, I just use an ordinary plug adaptor because the laptop´s power pack handles all voltages between 100 and 240 V and frequencies of 50 and 60 Hz. You do not need a surge protector for a laptop. Simply check the power pack input details and confirm that it says something along the lines of “100 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz.”
If you want to catch up for a beer and a chat about mining while you are in Chile, feel free to drop me a line.
Hi Sean,
Are you bringing a pc or a laptop? I would be surprised if you traveled with a PC, I am asking because most if not all laptop’s power supply work on 100/240 at 50/60 Hz. Look at your laptop’s power supply it should tell you.
The nice thing about a power supply (PS)is that it sort of act as a UPS for a laptop. While it is possible to fry your laptop I have been using many laptops overseas (Asia, Europe, C. and S.America) for over 15 years and had no problem. I do however use a good power bar with surge protection and have an assortment of adaptors for the PS plug. A power surge is most likely problem to your power supply and cascade to your laptop. Especially in Chile and Argentina. Power is quite good there. Be careful to get one that works on 220v. Better to get locally.
Now if you still need a converter you need to know what is the watts/amps required for your power supply. If it is lower than 50 watts or ~ 0.5 amps you can get a small converter transformer. Quite cheap, nice and light. If more that 50 watts than get a bigger transformer. Heavier and bulkier but you safest best.
If you travel a lot by car you might want to get a 12 volt -> 110 inverter. They do the job. You can get them at Radio Shack or similar stores.
One last thing to remember if something bad happens (loose or fry the PS). You can use another PS on you laptop if the output is similar to your PS and the plug fits. The voltage output does not have to be bang on.
Happy travels,
Marc (living in Peru)
Europe doesn’t use DC power but AC power. Europe uses 230 Volt AC power.
Update: Europe, Argentina, Chile all use AC power, 230 Volts at 50 Hz while the US use AC, 110 Volt at 60 Hz.
Thanks for the info. We’ll see how my plug converter works. best, Sean
That’s very good advice. I’ll be sure to do that. thanks, Sean
I wish I’d thought of this before traveling — what a great idea! However, they’ve asked us to limit weight on this trip (due to all the traveling in small planes) so maybe I’d get some eyerolls if I took out my own solar panel, LOL. Thanks!
thanks for all the info, Jim. I’m on a tight, fixed schedule, otherwise I’d certainly be up for a beer and talking about mining. Maybe next time. Best, Sean
Thanks, Marc, that’s all good info. best, Sean