Will a U.S. PC be ok plugged into Japanese sockets?

I know there’s a slight difference in voltage (100 in Japan vs 120 in US), but I guess my main question is whether plugging my PC into a wall socket will fry or damage it? Or do I need a full-on power converter?

11 comments
  1. A problem you might run into more often than not is that Japanese plugs often don’t have a grounding pin. Many Japanese plugs that support a grounding pin work differently, but the more common plugs don’t support them. You might need a converter for that reason alone.

  2. Your pcs power supply should be fine. Modern power supplies do some autosensing magic to support 100v to 240v 50hz or 60hz. There should be a label on it to show the supported ranges.

    Your monitor should be fine as well, worst case you’d need a new power cable for it or an adapter like this one:

    https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000FGGRTM/

  3. I’ve been using US computers here in Japan for decades. No problem. Where you WILL find a problem is with large appliances like washing machines and refridgerators. Different cycles. Otherwise, stereos, shavers, computers, etc. are all OK. Before you use your electrical device in Manila, however, be sure that your device will work with 220v.

  4. Mi computer is doing perfectly fine. Like others said, power supplies will make it work.

  5. For everything you’re taking look at the plug or the electrical label. If it says 100-240V or anything including 100 you’re good.
    Even if it says 110 or 120V you’re often fine, though thermostats and heaters (e.g. hair dryers) and motors might be weaker or inaccurate.

  6. Check on the pc, or on the pc’s power supply. It should say the range.

    If it’s 100-240, you’re fine. Most stuff these days is.

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