Moving iMac from USA to Europe

Im totally clueless about this. Ive read most Computers are built so they can work in multiple ccountries. so if i move my iMAC from the US i can get away with just buying a plug adaptor and not needing a voltage controller? will Apple sell me a power cord for my iMAC G5 for use in Europe?

thanks!

Posted on Oct 14, 2005 9:25 PM

Reply
16 replies

Oct 14, 2005 9:55 PM in response to Fred Royster

NO, NO, NO!

If you bought your iMac G5 in the USA and it didn't have Tiger (OS X 10.4.x) installed as delivered, the power supply is not switchable. It handles 110-120 volt power only. Your computer description says you are running the Panther OS. You have a "Rev. A" G5 iMac.

So if you plug it in (using a plug adapter) to a 220-240 volt European outlet, you will blow the power supply, and probably do other damage to the computer.

Oct 15, 2005 12:27 PM in response to Fred Royster

Make sure you invest in a surge protector. You don't need an UPS but a GOOD QUALITY power cord with built-in surge protector is a must have.
Europe is well known for poor power control.
And yes, I speak from expeience having lived there for 10 years.

Look at the wattage of what you are plugging in and get one rated about 25% higher.
And pay attention to what you are plugging into it.

We had a little 300 watt transformer and the (now ex) plugged in a toaster (1500+ watts).
Made the house stink for a week!

Oct 16, 2005 1:57 AM in response to Fred Royster

Fred,

Keep in mind that besides the voltage, the frequency is also different in Europe -- 50Hz there, 60Hz here in the States. My iMac is newer than yours, but it has the electrical info printed on the back of the display -- check yours to see if it is there too. I believe it's required by international law to have this info visible on all electrical appliances.

I am not sure how computers differ from other appliances in this regard, but I do know that electrical alarm clocks, for example, use the electrical current's frequency to keep the time. My European alarm clock did work in the U.S. on a voltage converter, but the time was WAY off -- like ten minutes every hour. It would stink if that happened with your mac. Please check this too.

That said, if it turns out to be simply a matter of converting the voltage, then I don't think you need a step-down converter with such high wattage (750W). Since converters get more expensive (and bigger) as the wattage goes up, you would be well-advised to not go too much higher than what you actually need. According to the Apple site, the new iMacs have a maximum continuous power of 180W. Getting a 200W converter would be cutting it a little close, but 300W should be more than plenty. Just don't plug your toaster in there too... 🙂 (Tip: anything that generates serious heat, like coffee makers and toasters, requires a high wattage converter.)

However, if you have peripheral devices (external hard drive or whatever) that you also want to plug in to your power strip, you may need to go higher. And do get the converter before you go; you'll have much more choice at much better prices here. I used www.voltageconverters.com and was happy with their service.

Hope this helps.

Oct 17, 2005 10:01 AM in response to An Moonen

b I am not sure how computers differ from other appliances in this regard, but I do know that electrical alarm clocks, for example, use the electrical current's frequency to keep the time. My European alarm clock did work in the U.S. on a voltage converter, but the time was WAY off -- like ten minutes every hour.
The frequency (may) matter only if the appliance runs on AC (as most alarm clocks do).
A computer uses DC. When you pluc it into the wall, the power supply simply converts the AC to DC.
The iMAc won't have a problem

Oct 17, 2005 10:07 AM in response to Fred Royster

Yes, those are what you are looking for.

Also, depending on where in Europe you are going, you may have to get a different plug to fit into the wall.
UK is different than Germany is different than Italy.
This won't be problem as you can get a plug (if needed) when you get there. Just make sure to follow the directions about which wires (ground, hot, neutral) connect to which pin..

Oct 17, 2005 11:03 AM in response to Fred Royster

I live in Europe and have brought my computers from the USA. As long as the power supply is rated for auto switching 110v-240v 50/60hz there should be no problem. The iMac G5 that we have has that rating and works fine. The only thing you will need is to change the plug. You can find a plug adapter for a couple dollars (2 euro). You can buy a power cord in any local electronics store here in Europe, or cut off the plug and replace it with a European plug.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Moving iMac from USA to Europe

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.