Using North American Imac in UK

Question

Level 1

4 points

Using North American Imac in UK

Hi,

We are moving from Canada to the UK. I called apple support to inquire as to whether or not we can use our iMac in the UK, which they said yes, all we need is the world travel adapter kit (after confirming the version of the computer I had). I went into the apple store to confirm and pick up the adapter kit. When I got home I found the kit only works for iphone and ipad...(despite asking when it said this on the box).

The version of my computer is:

iMac, 27-inch, Late 2009

3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

When I got home I checked the power cord and this adapter will not work. It doesn't have an adapter that works with the kit, rather it has a power cord with three holes that plug into the back of my computer. Is it possible to just purchase a replacement cord that has a UK plug in rather than a North American plug without frying my computer? I don't want to move my computer over if it is useless. Is this something I can buy from Apple? I am quite disappointed by how mislead I was by BOTH the apple support line and the apple person in the store as I did provide all the details of my machine.

Can anyone help?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 28, 2012 5:07 PM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Aug 28, 2012 7:55 PM in response to elisabethmj

Late 2009 electrical requirements are 100v - 240v. You can see the specs here. It should also be engraved on the bottom of the base on your iMac, in small print. For the UK, you can buy a plug adapter (as you tried to) or you can buy a new power cable from Apple in UK when you get there (It is a service part, and they may have to order it). The cable adapters aren't expensive, you can buy them off Amazon or even at the airport.

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Answer 2

Aug 28, 2012 8:03 PM in response to elisabethmj

elisa,

You are correct. To operate your imac in the UK you simply need one item -- an adapter plug that will allow you to adapt the plug you have on your Canadian mac to the socket configuration in the United Kingdom. You will be able to find that adapter plug quite easily when you get to the UK. I've even seen them sold in airports. The adapter plug will do the job and be MUCH less expensive than the World Traveler adapter kit you were told to buy.

Your imac, as it is, will accept AC voltages from 110volts AC to 250 volts AC, and from 50hz to 60hz.

You ought to go back to the Apple store and return the adapter kit that you purchased.

BTW, you can probably buy the adapter plug online.

Wuz

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Answer 3

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Aug 28, 2012 8:24 PM in response to wuzradioman

Your imac, as it is, will accept AC voltages from 110volts AC to 250 volts AC ...

Not a biggie, but it's 240V not 250V.

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