Travel Adapter / Confusion About Watts

Question

Level 1

4 points

Travel Adapter / Confusion About Watts

Hello Friends,

I have just bought a Mac Studio and I will travel to Turkey with it in May.

I used many devices there in the past with simple, cheap adapters, but this time, the product is a bit more valuable than my iPhone or Apple Watch so I would like to make 100% sure :)

While doing a quick research, I found out something and got confused.

Most of the travel adapters, even pricier ones, are advertised as '230-Watt' adapters. In the specs, they say 'not for devices with combined power usage of more than 230W'.

And here is what Apple says for Mac Studio:

'Maximum continuous power: 370W'

Are those two different types of watt measurements, or can a 230-Watt adapter actually be insufficient to run a Mac Studio properly?

I'm particularly looking at this product, but there is also this which is advertised as a 2000W adapter. I'm a bit confused, and I'd highly appreciate any guidance :)

Thank you!

Ozan

Mac Studio, macOS 12.3

Posted on Apr 4, 2022 5:02 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 4, 2022 6:44 PM in response to ozankarakoc

There is NO NEED for any step-down transformer whatsoever. The Mac Power adapter can be used with nominal 120 Volts, nominal 240 volts, 50 Hz or 60Hz in all combinations.

All you need is a physical adapter to the local wall outlet prongs -- nothing more. A custom set of local wall adapters for you MacBook Power adapter is sold in the Apple online store as the World Traveler Adapter Kit.

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Answer 2

stedman1

Level 10

265,132 points

Apr 4, 2022 5:16 PM in response to ozankarakoc

I certainly would not use a unit rated at 230 watts, especially when it is not even required. All that is required is a product such as: Apple World Travel Adapter Kit - Apple

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Answer 3

stedman1

Level 10

265,132 points

Apr 4, 2022 5:18 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The first Amazon link is actually for a 230 watt step down transformer…. So best used for a an electric razor ….. certainly not a valuable computer 😀.

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Answer 4

stedman1

Level 10

265,132 points

Apr 4, 2022 5:07 PM in response to ozankarakoc

You do not need a voltage converter. The Mac is quite able to accept voltage from 100 - 240 volts. You simply need a plug adapter for the local power system.

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Answer 5

Apr 4, 2022 5:15 PM in response to ozankarakoc

<< Most of the travel adapters, even pricier ones, are advertised as '230-Watt' adapters. >>

I think you may be mis-remembering. I think your read 230 VOLTS.

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Answer 6

ozankarakoc Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2022 5:11 PM in response to stedman1

Thank you @stedman1.

That was what I was thinking too because of my past experiences, but that 370W vs 230W issue forced me to think twice. Even if it's irrelevant, I would really want to learn what that means :) Thanks again!

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Answer 7

ozankarakoc Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2022 5:21 PM in response to stedman1

"The kit is designed to work with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters."

:)

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Answer 8

ozankarakoc Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2022 7:18 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you Grant, but the World Traveler Adapter Kit only works with Mac Books. Mine is a Mac Studio. It doesn't come with an adapter. It only has a power cable.

So, I believe I have two options;

— This 3rd party replacement cable

— or this or this type of a plug converter.

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