Thread: Power Converter/adaptor

keithbj wrote: Watch out when you use power converters. Make sure you buy a high quality one. Other wise the hertz will be off and you might damage your electronics. Generally, the low quality ones are only suitable for heating devices (like coffee makers or hair dryers). The better ones will have a switch for low wattage (where the frequency is corrected to 60hz) and high wattage (where it is left at 50hz and just the voltage is stepped up)....

When I left the US to move to Beijing I brought my desktop computer and router ect. I was wondering if anyone knows where to buy a power converter powerful enough to run my computer.

A friend of mine has had some hair-clippers specially calibrated to the exact cutting length he wants for his hair in the US.He wants to use them in Beijing. He was told they can use a converter when he bought them but wants to check first. On the power supply all it says is "110v ac 60 cycle 10 watts". There is no little switch as mentioned above. Obviously, he doesn't want to fry the things. Will the converters mentioned...

i'm sure you can easily find what you need, but fyi: i bought an overpriced converter still in the package if you're into name-brand technology and want to take it off my hands. i never opened it because i realized that all of my equipment can handle the voltage here.

way late in answering this, but if you brought a desktop computer here, the easiest solution is to buy a new power supply here and swap it, that's easy... or like one poster said, check the power supply (on the back of the computer) and see if there a switch to change between 120V to 240V

Watch out when you use power converters. Make sure you buy a high quality one. Other wise the hertz will be off and you might damage your electronics.

Maybe in big supermarket as Carrefour, or in any of the Malls of beijing. But the cheaper will be at Hongxiao (pearl market) or even the silk market.

You may not have to obtain a converter. Your hardware might be able to handle the higher voltage here, but you will need to check a few things first. Standard disclaimer - Please bear in mind I am not an electronics professional, but as a frequent traveller I have an awareness of voltage and adapter problems, and the advice I give is based on my experience in this regard. Check the back of your desktop case where the power cable goes in....

Hit up Zhong Guan Cun, Power variance in China ranges from 150 to 220 volts of electricity, if you have a computer without a voltage regulator attached you will have a 20lb paper weight by the end of the day if you are unfortunate enough to experience one of those surges (usually they only occur in rural areas) Power bars themselves in china range from being legitimate to being spliced cables, be careful which one you buy and always plug into...

keeping in mind what has already been said, if you still need, you can get them in Gome shop (there are several) or the big electric shop with the yellow bell on it. There's a thread somewhere if you search forum that has more details about this.