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Electrical question about moving to Europe

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popester:
Howdy,

I'm in the middle of building my cab and happened to get a job offer in Norway for two years (woo!).  I'm going to finish really quickly and send the cab over with me. Here's the rub: the monitor only supports 110v :(  The computer has a toggle to switch the PSU to accept either.  I'm thinking the marquee lights I'll use USB to avoid this problem.

How should I wire this?  I would like to use a 'smart power strip' to easy turn on and off the TV (it supports power-on).  Do these power strips all support 220v?  Are there ones that are recommended for switching between the two voltages? 

In any case, I'll need a transformer between the TV and power strip.  Are there issues with sticking one of these transformers into a smart power strip?

Any other thoughts or issues that I should anticipate?  Thanks!

H2obuffalo:
Hi If you are talking about a MAME cabinet or any PC based emulator. Look at your power supply there is usually a small switch on the power supply that will let you choose sinlge phase 208, 220vac or 120vac. The computer runs on DC through it's own transformer so you will be fine.If your monitor does not clearly show this feature, then you will need a separate 220vac 50hz to 120 60hz single phase transformer to safely turn your monitor on. I would use a separate switch for the monitor on the load side of the transformer.

Congratulations on your new job.
Norway is beautiful. Dress Warm!

MonMotha:
I kinda doubt the TV will care too much about being run at 50Hz.  You may get a little ripple on B+, but it's doubtful.  You can just get a 220/120 step down transformer for it.  Things that convert line frequency will be much more expensive and probably unnecessary.

There shouldn't be a problem putting a transformer on a switched output of e.g. a "smart strip".  Putting one on the "control" outlet could be problematic due to magnetizing current, but even that will probably work fine.

popester:
I'm talking about a mame cabinet.  My biggest worry is about the smart power strip: will that handle 220v?

MonMotha:
But you're using a TV in it, right?  Or do you have an arcade monitor?  Either way, it's doubtful it will care about the line frequency difference, so a simple step-down transformer is fine.

You will need to get a 220V smart strip or similar.  I'm sure they sell them for the European market.  You should not attempt to use a 120V power strip of any form on 220V (e.g. using a plug adapter) as the circuit breaker may not be rated for the higher voltage, among other things.

Your other option, perhaps easier, would be to just run the whole cabinet off a step-down transformer.  You may need a somewhat sizable transformer, but they're readily available.

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