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Does the MacBook Air power extension cord work with 230v?

Hello,

I understand that the MagSafe power adapter supplied with the MacBook Air is compatible with an overseas input of up to 230v, as printed on the adapter itself. However, the extension cord supplied with the laptop states 125v. Furthermore, even the small plug connected at the end of the adapter states an input of 125v. Does this mean that the plug and the extension cord are incompatible overseas at 230v, but the adapter is? Then, how must I connect a MacBook Air to a 230v outlet? I do have an outlet converter that does not transform voltage. Thank you for your support.

User uploaded file

(The adapter states it is compatible with 100v-240v, however, the circled plug is only compatible with 125v.)

Mukund

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Apr 6, 2014 3:48 PM

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Posted on Apr 6, 2014 5:24 PM

You'd use the correct AC power cord that replaces the toggle-head

part, and that would be the best part. These can be bought with a

variety of different ends on them; while the adapter itself will work

with any of the supported voltage ranges, automatically.


•Intel-based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter & power cord

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2346?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US


If you cannot find the correct cord-end, you could use any adapter that

does not change the power output, to use with the AC-end on Magsafe.


In certain markets, you could buy just the AC cord, or a non-converting

adapter plug that lets local current pass-through to the Apple Magsafe.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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Question marked as Best reply

Apr 6, 2014 5:24 PM in response to muku2001

You'd use the correct AC power cord that replaces the toggle-head

part, and that would be the best part. These can be bought with a

variety of different ends on them; while the adapter itself will work

with any of the supported voltage ranges, automatically.


•Intel-based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter & power cord

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2346?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US


If you cannot find the correct cord-end, you could use any adapter that

does not change the power output, to use with the AC-end on Magsafe.


In certain markets, you could buy just the AC cord, or a non-converting

adapter plug that lets local current pass-through to the Apple Magsafe.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Apr 7, 2014 1:41 PM in response to K Shaffer

Thank you for the help. Therefore, would these setups work without any issues?


MacBook Air → Apple Power Adapter → "Duckhead" AC plug → non-converting adapter plug → 230v AC current


MacBook Air → Apple Power Adapter → Apple extension cord → non-converting adapter plug → 230v AC current


Thanks again.

Mukund

Apr 7, 2014 5:01 PM in response to muku2001

Yes, for the most part...


If you get the AC in-cord to the Adapter with your regional plug on it,

then the need for any other shape-converter or plug kit would vanish.


Here's an example of the Apple (UK) world traveler kit for power adapters:

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit


The part number (less UK) would be similar across all Apple Stores online

& regional stores should have them in stock to match local/traveler shapes.


Another example of regional parts with local plug ends, otherwise automatic

conversion built-in, can be seen among these UK Apple Store items. {The US

store has the local ones for North America; the AU store, for there, etc.}

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_accessories/all_accessories/charging_ devices


(You should be able to buy the Apple AC cord, for a MacBook/Air/Pro power

adapter, in the region where you hope to use it. -- Better to have the whole

device, in case you don't find an Apple Store or authorized reseller w/ Cords.)


Other stores with the generic end-fit shape adapter w/o power conversion

may be found in major cities near airports or border points. Luggage stores

and travel accessories, or a travel outdoor outfitter, such as REI, Inc.


And then, there are those kits with a power conversion adapter & transformer

inside; these should not be necessary with any Apple product that has a near

universal automatic AC power switching capability built into it. You can get a

local regional AC power cord with the local plug affixed, or use a basic kit.


Each online regional Apple Store sales pages show these kinds of products

with their local power plug version, so it is possible to buy the replacement

AC cord with the correct local plug on it. No further modifications necessary.


{Another device that won't do much good, if you can't adapt, is a DC-to-DC

adapter; this would need to have a MagSafe cord on the exit (output) end

so as to avoid the MagSafe adapter altogether. Such as on a boat or a train

where you may find no AC power, only DC. Uncommon, but possible.}


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Apr 7, 2014 6:11 PM in response to K Shaffer

Yes... for the most part?

I want to use the USA adapter entirely, including the duckhead plug, and connect that into another outlet converter which doesn't transform voltage.


Which would be:

MacBook Air → Apple Power Adapter → "Duckhead" AC plug → non-converting adapter plug → 230v AC current


I do not want to replace the duckhead plug with another plug. I simply want to connect the duckhead plug into another adapter (to change the shape of the outlet, not transform voltage). This is a more economical option. Is this at all possible, or must I replace the duckhead plug itself?


That is, will 230v current pass through the duckhead plug provided?

If so, I will not have to replace the duckhead plug, because:

  • the Apple 45w AC adapter is converting the voltage.
  • there only needs to be an adapter just to change the shape, so the plug is accepted into a 230v outlet.

Is this correct?

If so, will the same occur with the AC extension cord?


That is, will 230v current pass through the AC extension cord provided?


Essentially, if the two bolded questions are answered, I will be able to understand. This is what I am unsure of.

Thanks for all of the help.

Mukund

Apr 7, 2014 6:30 PM in response to muku2001

The duckhead itself and the cord can both easily handle the voltage and current that will be applied..both can easily handle either 110 volts or 230 volts at the corresponding current...remember when you double the voltage you cut the current in half...whether you are applying 110 or 230 volts the power in watts is the same.


You can use either the duckhead plug or the AC cord with the appropriate plug to outlet adapter with no issues.

Apr 7, 2014 7:59 PM in response to muku2001

Yes.


However some users had found the duck-head part did not stay plugged in well &

when if comes unplugged, that could affect the OS X and the computer hardware.


The same AC cord (like a special extension cord) was used with the AirPort Express

instead of the duck-head connector, too; for several models the cord is interchangable.


I've dumped the duck-heads and use a regular Apple power cable (with groundwire)

so it won't un-plug. The automatic power conversion or regulation has nothing to do

with the shape of the plug, length of the wire, or phase of the darkside of the moon.


A travel store could be helpful to get just a single converter plug; just be sure if you go

there, they understand you do not need to change the power values to Magsafe adapter.


Sorry if the details appeared confusing.

I grew up with electricity in my hands.🙂

Apr 8, 2014 5:44 PM in response to Ralph Landry1

Wait... This discussion is confusing me:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4103177?tstart=0


Also, the duckhead and the extension cord are rated at 125v, while only the Apple 45w power adapter is rated at 100-240v. Is this of any concern? Like I said before, I will be exposing both the duckhead plug and the Apple extension cord to 230v current. Is this okay?


Mukund

Apr 8, 2014 5:49 PM in response to muku2001

The charger, duckhead, and power cord are all designed to handle 240 volts...there is no risk from using them at the u it's rated voltage and power. The discussion you linked was playing around with a Jerry-rigged setup, not a complete set of Apple approved parts.


The duckhead can easily tolerate full voltage and current as they are so rated. They are interchangeable to the 45 watt, 65 watt, and 85 watt charger sets.


I have my US purchased charger and components in Europe at 220 volts with o issues whatsoever.


The charger and parts are universal so you do not need to worry.

Apr 9, 2014 5:48 AM in response to muku2001

And the plug pin-to-outlet adapter is designed for 240 volts so no issues there.


I have used my chargers, MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone around the world. Have used plug adapters, and finally bought the World Traveler Kit for the replacement duckhead pieces for a dozen different outlet configurations. I just toss the duckhead in my briefcase for the country I am going to so I look like a native 😁

Does the MacBook Air power extension cord work with 230v?

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