PSU cord us vs eu

[lolokaa]

Hi,

I am installing a Seasonic Prime TX 1000 and the power cord that came with it is fit for in:

Spoiler: like this

It says 13A 125v~ 'Xinbaihul' XBH-C13. This does not fit for my wall

I do have a 12A 250v~ from a previous PC that is EU and works for me.

Is it important that I get an original cable from Seasonic, or can I use any power cord as long as it fits the wall? Or what do I do now?

Thank you
Kind regards

 

[R-T-B]

What you are presently doing is fine. The cord is simply an AC passthrough cable. As long as the psu is euro ready it's fine to swap input cords.

 

[Deleted member 205776]

You can use any AC cord as long as it matches your wall outlet.

I always like to use the cords that come with my PSU, but any AC cord will do, even old ones.

 

[Bill_Bright]

As long as the psu is euro ready it's fine to swap input cords.

This is what matters. The "input" voltage requirements MUST match the voltage supplied through the wall outlet.

What you need to do is read the label on the power supply itself. Verify the input voltage specification says 240VAC. If not, don't use that supply.

Note that these days, the big names in power supplies market their supplies all over the world. Since all ATX Form Factor computers (everything inside your computer case) require the exact same voltages to operate (+3.3VDC, +5VDC, and +12VDC), it is much easier and less expensive for PSU manufacturers to build the exact same supply for worldwide use, and simply design the input for "universal" use. So the only difference is the power cord that is packed inside the box.

Typically, the PSU is able to sense the input voltage and automatically adjust as necessary. On these supplies, the label on the supply will typically say something like 100 to 240VAC.

But there are some power supplies, particularly older ones, that require the user to slide a switch on the back of the supply for 110VAC or 240VAC. There the label may say 110VAC/240VAC and the switch will be labeled in a similar fashion. It is unlikely your Seasonic (because it is a major, global brand) requires manual selection, but look for a switch, and if present, set as necessary.

Last, there are still some power supplies that are manufactured, marketed and sold regionally only. And they may support only one input voltage. So always check the label anyway - just to be safe.

And note the above applies to all AC powered electronics, not just computer power supplies. So if you get a new TV, for example, verify it supports the AC voltage in your country/region.

 

[Selaya]

Primes are rated for 100-240V.
Primes DO have a switch. The switch is NOT for toggling the input voltage - it is for toggling the fan's semi-passive mode.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well, like I said, if there is a switch for input power, it will be appropriately labeled. Just as the fan switch is.

And while I agree because Seasonic is a major global PSU supplier, the Seasonic Prime PSUs most likely are rated for 100-240VAC, I would never assume that. This is because I personally have not seen a Seasonic Prime that is marketed and sold in Brazil, or one that is marketed and sold in China, or one that is marketed and sold in South Africa or Australia. And so I always double check and recommend everyone always verify the supply they have meets the voltage requirements for their specific location.

And the mere fact the OP apparently lives somewhere in the EU but received a PSU apparently marketed for the US market is a clear reason we must verify these specs before plugging in.

 

[INSTG8R]

Well, like I said, if there is a switch for input power, it will be appropriately labeled. Just as the fan switch is.

And while I agree because Seasonic is a major global PSU supplier, the Seasonic Prime PSUs most likely are rated for 100-240VAC, I would never assume that. This is because I personally have not seen a Seasonic Prime that is marketed and sold in Brazil, or one that is marketed and sold in China, or one that is marketed and sold in South Africa or Australia. And so I always double check and recommend everyone always verify the supply they have meets the voltage requirements for their specific location.

And the mere fact the OP apparently lives somewhere in the EU but received a PSU apparently marketed for the US market is a clear reason we must verify these specs before plugging in.

You’d literally have to buy the cheapest, out of date POS PSU to actually get one with a voltage switch on it...Anything quality is automatically switchable.

 

[Bill_Bright]

You’d literally have to buy the cheapest, out of date POS PSU to actually get one with a voltage switch on it...Anything quality is automatically switchable.

I agree. And while clearly Seasonic does not fall into that category, sadly many try to trim the budget by cutting corners when selecting a PSU. So the warning stands.

Also, you are talking about new PSUs. There are many used, older models still in use.

And last, not everyone lives in countries where the better supplies are widely available.