Running a 220v computer in a 110v environment

From: Hans Franke <Hans.Franke_at_mch20.sbs.de>
Date: Tue Oct 12 04:53:22 1999

> >Could be - I'm not the expert in US electrics (althrough I just did
> >some studies to buy the right stuff for my 110V paneel) - but 220/240V
> >sounds good when it comes to a 3~ plug. If you buy an aprobiate plug,
> >and whire two 'hots', your system should work well. If the outlet has
> >a distinct Protective Ground, you should also wire PG to allow your
> >GFCI to check for deffective loops. This is save with all newer European
> >stuff, since an in device PG/N connection is no longer valid - also all
> >devices ave to be constructed in a way that there is no need to
> >distinguish between Neutral and 'Hot' (Some exceptions apply to British
> >EQ, but even their manufacturers switched soon, since they don't want to
> >have two different PSUs for the same unit :).

> Be VERY carefull as some of the British equipment I deal with all the time only
> put a breaker in the Hot leg.

Well, to confuse you even more, _all_ European EQ is only ment to
have _one_ switch and _one_ fuse inside the circuit - and there is
basicly _no_ distingtion between 'hot' or 'neutral'

> They expect the neutral to be at / near ground.

Acording to actual EU (and local) regulations it is not allowed
for devices to expect any single wire to have a special potential,
with an exception of the PG of course.

> If this is wired to US 240 then it will only protect 1 hot lead. The other will
> be unprotected and ready to bite you. Not to mention the fact you are then
> depending on the house breaker to protect your equipment.

A fuse will never protect _you_ nor the device. It is only ment to
protect the house/the installation. A devices fuse solves still its
purpose (by means of the codes) if it is not blown while parts of
the device are damaged thru an electrical fault, as long as these
parts can't cause any further damage outside the device (liek fire).
And for this, there is no logical need to have it in a special position
of the circuit. The same is true for switches.

Alas, don't forget, Neutral is by definition _not_ Ground (PG). A
proper system (house instalation) is only supposed keep it that way.
And just remember all the 2 wire plugged gear - they also have in
almost all cases only one switch and one fuse - and you can plug
them either way. We are still talking about AC.

Gruss
H.

P.S.: Sallam: I guess this could give a nice speach for VCF (Europe).

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Received on Tue Oct 12 1999 - 04:53:22 BST

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