Korean Job Discussion Forums

SpedEd · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Location: ROK

Hello people:

I hauled over some PC equipment over here from mainland China such as a switching power supply (PC), a surge suppressor, and a two-in-one power cable (one cable from main to both the PC tower and monitor). The obvious difference is the plug types which can be overcome with an adaptor, but I'm concerned with the fact that the Hz rate between China and Korea is different (50 vs 60) and this could adversely affect the hardware. Can I use this stuff over here without problems? (The line voltage is the same in both countries, but I'm uncertain re. the amps.) Thanks in advance.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

Like said above, Amps should be no problem. You component just draws as many amps as it needs. If your plugged into the wall, plenty of Amps are available.
The 50/60 Hz is a problem on things with motors or clocks. Anything that spins or counts tic/toc/tic/toc may have a problem with the Hz. Things that probably won't have a problem with the HZ are things with an internal power supply, like the power supply in a computer. Those Power supplies convert the AC current to DC (which has no hertz). Like said above, better to check the equipment to see if it says 50/60 Hz. If bought in China, they probably just assume it will be used in China though. Go ahead and plug it in; plugging in 50 Hz equipment into 60 Hz power shouldn't kill it. It will just run wacky if 60 Hz isn't OK.

SpedEd · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Location: ROK

Alright, thanks for helping me get the amps issue answered. And, yes, (I checked the label.) the equipment is listed as '50~60 Hz'.
Though, I'm still curious about whether or not I could use the 2-in-1 power cable on N. Amer. main power which as noted is 110-125 vac. The cable is listed as a 220 vac. I wonder if it needs the 220 to divide it between the monitor and tower, yet either hardware doesn't require this amount of voltage.... It's a handy cable to have bc it spares me from taking along a second.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

I don't think that cable takes in 220V and splits it into two 110V. Much more likely that if you put in 220V, you get out 220V on both of the other ends.
To convert 220V to 110V usually a transformer is used. It would be "boxy" and a bit heavy, like a small brick with wires wrapped around it 1000 times. If you cable doesn't have a transformer on it, it's not going to convert the 220 V to 110V. Good chance you would blow your 110V equipment if you plug that into 220V.
You can still use that cable though. Just buy a 220V to 110V transformer here and plug that cable into the 110 volt side (and the 220V side into the wall). Could save you from buying 2 transformers. When you buy the transformer, they are rated by watts. Check if your 110 V equipment gives the Watts required.