Question

Your company relocated you to their United Kingdom office in London. You brought your personal computer with you and are in the process of setting it up. Your computer was previously configured to receive 110 V AC, but the electricity in London uses 230 V AC. Which of the following would allow your computer to run on 230 V AC?

1) Use a voltage converter
2) Use a power adapter
3) Change the power supply unit
4) Use a power strip

Answer 1

To use a computer configured for 110 V AC in London with 230 V AC, you can use a voltage converter, a power adapter with voltage conversion, or change the computer's power supply unit to one compatible with higher voltage. Using a power strip alone without voltage conversion is not safe.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you've relocated to the United Kingdom and brought a computer set up for 110 V AC, now having to use it with 230 V AC power supply, you have several options to make your computer work safely:

1. Use a voltage converter: This device converts the higher voltage to a lower voltage so your computer can run safely without damage.
2. Use a power adapter: Some adapters include the ability to convert voltage, though they are more commonly used for adapting plug shapes.
3. Change the power supply unit (PSU): Many computer PSUs support multiple voltages and can be switched to operate on the correct voltage manually. First, check the PSU to see if it has a voltage switch.
4. Use a power strip: While a power strip can provide multiple outlets, it does not change the voltage. You would still need one that includes a built-in step-down transformer to handle the voltage difference.

The safest and most reliable method is usually to use a voltage converter or change to a power supply unit compatible with the higher voltage. It is essential to ensure that the voltage converter or new PSU you're using can handle the wattage requirements of your computer. Additionally, using a power strip without voltage conversion capabilities could damage your equipment at higher voltages, so be cautious when choosing this method.