Can a laptop power adapter bought with a UK power cord be used with a US power cord?

laptop power-supply power

6,027

One option is to purchase a universal "220v to 110v plug" (which is a "travel" power adapter), such as this adapter plug;

3 prong Adapter

If you see a UL certification, that's a strong indication that it can be used in the US (vertical center, right side of the transformer image at the bottom of this answer).

UL Labs

Another option is to check the laptop's transformer, it's almost certainly marked. You're looking for the "input" line; for example (in the lower left of the image at the bottom),

INPUT: 100-240 V ~ 1.7 A 50-60 Hz

Transformer detail

That means the (HP) transformer (pictured) can handle the AC/DC for both US and Europe, and it would just need a new lead. Note that the US does not use Ring circuits.

6,027

Frank

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

Frank almost 2 years

I bought a Lenovo laptop here in the UK and am shipping it off to my girlfriend in the US. Can she use a standard US power lead for the lead that goes from the laptop power adapter to the wall outlet or will I have to buy a US power adapter for that laptop model?
- Daniel R Hicks about 10 years
  
  If the adapter is rated 110-120V 60Hz then it can be used in the US. Most laptop bricks are rated about 100-240 and are fine anywhere in the world.
- Daniel R Hicks about 10 years
  
  For her convenience she should get a HP power cord for the US. I'm thinking that's a 3-pin cord.
- Elliott Frisch about 10 years
  
  @DanielRHicks Lenovo bought the ThinkPad business (and several others) from IBM. The HP image was found on the 'net.
- Daniel R Hicks about 10 years
  
  OK, I thought the OP said HP, but I see it's Lenovo. I think those are 3-prong as well. Buy the cord for the specific adapter, as the brick-end connectors vary widely.
- Elliott Frisch about 10 years
  
  @DanielRHicks It isn't on the T410 I have sitting next to me. But that's irrelevant. A 3 pin plug is just generally better (assuming your outlets are up to modern code).
Frank about 10 years

She has a UK -> US travel adapter so that should take care of conversion. Thanks very much Elliot!
Elliott Frisch about 10 years

@DanielRHicks An "AC/DC" adapter is a transformer. The laptop takes DC, the mains is AC. Note that the Input is 1.7A and the output is 3.5A (nominal). Also 100-240V in, 18.5V old.
Daniel R Hicks about 10 years

The top-pictured device is a simple adapter, not a transformer. The "brick" can be considered a "transformer", though it's an electronic vs magnetic one. (A transformer does not convert AC to DC.)
Daniel R Hicks about 10 years

And the presence/absence of a "ring circuit" is irrelevant, aside from the interference those produce.
Daniel R Hicks about 10 years

which is a "travel" power transformer ??
Elliott Frisch about 10 years

@DanielRHicks OP's question was unclear, but in the UK the "lead" incorporates a fuse because they typically use ring circuits in the home. That "travel power transformer" was a mistake. Edited.
Daniel R Hicks about 10 years

Note that if there is a 3-prong plug on the cord the top-pictured adapter should not be used, but rather a 3-prong version. Pretty sure HP uses 3-prong plugs.
Elliott Frisch about 10 years

@DanielRHicks Edited. I agree. Plugs with ground pins are nice (because electrical shocks aren't very fun).