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Hi all. I want to buy something from the States. It comes with a plug which says 110v - 220v. Will this work safely in the UK with just an adaptor for the 3 pins? I'm used to getting gear that has a switch to switch voltage but this doesn't. Many thanks
 
It depends what it is and exactly what that rated refers to, we use 230v nominal in this country and is more often than not about 240v so intially the answer is No but its dependent on what you want to buy, any links descriptions etc

We get this question alot tbh and most of the time the risk of running a higher voltage could make it a shock risk or fire hazard or the fact you may need to get a transformer to suit out system means its not viable with the extra cost implications

More info please :)
 
It used to be that you could change the transformer winding arrangement to switch between 110 and 220.
However most modern kit now uses switch mode powersupplys which convert the incoming AC to DC and then pulse that to through a transformer moderating the pulse duty to regulate the required output. But these are normally rated at 90V or so to 250V
Its possible yours auto switches but you'd need to know more about how it works.
 
There is NO 220v in the USA, it's 240v.
There's also NO 110v in the USA, it's 120v.
I think you will find like everywhere else it is closer to 240v.
What is the appliance involved ?

Just Like Australia officially 230v, in reality its 240v.
 
Where you say the plug states 110V -220V this may just be the rating that the plug is designed for and nothing (much) to do with the appliance itself.
If you mean that the rated voltage given on the appliance is 110V -220V then this is an odd voltage range as it really only covers the usual lower voltage in the USA and nothing else.
More details woudl be needed to provide a safe response.
 
How old is this Appliance. 110v to 220v was the Old American Voltage rating. Check the Specs of the appliance. It should give you certain voltage range which the user above mentioned.
 
As well as voltage, the frequency of the supply is different. Here we use 50 cycles per second (Hertz) in the US it is 60 Hz.

Frequency isnt important for stuff like a power supply for a PC/iphone, etc, but can make a difference for motors, etc.
SO check that also.

But please tell us what is this "something" that you want to buy?
 

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