85w Power Adapter and 400 hz

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Level 1

19 points

85w Power Adapter and 400 hz

Hello,

I spend a lot of time on aircraft and the power supply I tap into is 120 volts but at 400 cycles (hz) not the typical 50/60 hz found on the ground. My question is, does anyone know if the additional cycles would hurt the adapter or computer (Mac Book Pro)? The plug in for the power supply is a typical three pronged outlet found in any US home.

I have plugged in with my old powerbook adapter and had no problems so I'm assuming that I wont have any issues with this one, but it never hurts to ask.

I've seen a number of posts that have differing viewpoints in other forums, but nothing definitive. Was hoping the apple forums could help!

Thanks!

Macbook Pro 2.4ghz, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jun 18, 2007 11:38 AM

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Answer 1

carl wolf

Level 6

14,631 points

Jun 18, 2007 5:46 PM in response to Bill Langus

The Apple power adapter is not designed to work with an AC input line frequency of 400Hz. How old is your "old PowerBook adapter". If it's the same configuration as the current (white square), I'd assume that the newer MagSafe adapter would work. However, if you have an older brick, I'd be very careful - the circuitry was changed, and you might not have the same level of performance. Of course, in any case, if you have a power adapter or MacBook failure, and it was caused by the 400Hz AC, it would not be covered by a warranty.

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Answer 2

Bill Langus Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 18, 2007 10:28 PM in response to carl wolf

Thank you for your reply. My old Powerbook adapter was a white square as well, although not as large. It was for a 1.5 ghz G4 Powerbook bought in May of 2004.

Just curious, when you say the adapter is not designed to work with 400 cycles, where did you get that information? I'm not all that tech savvy but have heard old wives tales that 400 hz is a smoother power than a 60 hz supply. Again, not saying you are not totally correct, just like to know where you heard the info ;0) Thanks again for the help!

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