I've seen the information about the need for an adapter for British and Contintental outlets, and that most newer US devices have a range of voltage. I'm wondering the following: my Mac laptop has a range of voltage (100-240 volts) and sounds like it should be fine to use in England using a British 3 prong adapter. However, what about other devices I can plug into the USB ports in my Mac laptop and charge them through my Mac? Are they fine because the Mac voltage is already fine, or do I need to check voltage for each of those as well?
Thank you!
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Your Mac's USB port is designed to conform to the applicable USB protocols and should output at 5 v and charge with a maximum output of 5 amps at 5 v. The Mac's charger steps down the line voltage and converts to the power demands of the computer. All should be good.
Posted by
Seattle
544 posts
That'll work perfect.
They will be fine because the Mac power brick does the conversion from 100-240 volt AC power to 14-18 volt DC power. The Mac steps that down inside the computer to 5 volts for the USB ports.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Thanks, guys.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
mm,
As the others have mentioned, the Mac charger will reduce the line voltage to USB levels to power the other devices you're charging. You'll only have to be concerned with the other devices if you're connecting them directly to outlets.
I'd suggest packing along a couple of Plug Adaptors, as they're easy to misplace.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I charge things by hooking them up to my USB ports of my netbook all the time. It saves outlet space, for one thing, and you only need one plug adapter.