Ask The Trades - Print Page

Ask The Trades
https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Can I put UK power into Canadian device? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1378243418 Message started by wes on Sep 3^rd, 2013, 10:23pm

Title: Can I put UK power into Canadian device?
Post by wes on Sep 3^rd, 2013, 10:23pm

Hi,

I've got a Canadian-bought streamer - http://www.belkin.com/uk/p/P-F7D4515 which I want to use in the UK.

Problem is I'm not sure if I can replace the power adaptor to one I found on ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-5V-2A-UKAD840050-2000-Aoition-Switching-Power-Supply-Charger-UK-Plug-/120970007644?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item1c2a5fd45c

On the back of the device it says 5V 2A..

Help please, I dont want to blow the thing up!!

Title: Re: Can I put UK power into Canadian device?
Post by Lectrician on Sep 4^th, 2013, 6:31am

It should be fine if you match the voltage exactly, and the power supply has a current rating equal to or larger than that required by the streamer.

You always want a switch mode or regulated power supply - They ensure that no matter what the input voltage (with in reason), the output is always the same voltage and will not fluctuate.

The only other thing to check is if it's DC (I would expect it is), and the polarity of the DC plug. This is shown with one of these logos usually:

Title: Re: Can I put UK power into Canadian device?
Post by CWatters on Sep 4^th, 2013, 10:31am

What he said.

The photo of the label on the adaptor shows it to have a "centre positive" plug. Check the streamer also needs centre positive. Most appliances do but best check first.

If it's not obvious from the label on the streamer check the label on the Canadian adaptor.

Title: Re: Can I put UK power into Canadian device?
Post by mountainman on Sep 25^th, 2013, 4:18pm

Lectrician wrote on Sep 4^th, 2013, 6:31am:

It should be fine if you match the voltage exactly, and the power supply has a current rating equal to or larger than that required by the streamer.

Exactly that!

Otherwise...