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15 August 2009

Supplemental Netbook Ask MeCha. →[More:]

Ok, so I got myself the netbook I wanted, and now I have a question about power supply.

To make it easy for myself when I travel to the US, I've got charges, etc. for my phone, camera, etc. that fit US two-pin plug sockets.

My netbook came with a power lead with a standard UK plug on it, which are three-pronged huge monster things (and the worst, the very worst, thing you can stand on with bare feet in the middle of the night). It's exactly like this.

So, looking on eBay for an equivalent US power cable, I see that the one I'd need appears to be this one, with a three-pronged plug.

Is that right? I don't recall seeing too many three-pronged power outlets. How easy will it be for me to find somewhere with a three-pronged outlet? Are they common and I've just not noticed them because my other chargers and stuff only have two-pronged plugs?

So, do I definitely need to have a three-pronged US power lead for my netbook?

Sorry if this is the Idiot Question of the Week.

post by: essexjan at: 15:00 | 12 comments

Those are standard code 3-prong plugs, american-style.

posted by Ardiril 15 August | 15:08

So there are 3-prong outlets everywhere?

posted by essexjan 15 August | 15:12

Damn, I hit submit.

Those are standard code 3-prong plugs, american-style. Three-prong power outlets are very common.

"I've just not noticed them because my other chargers and stuff only have two-pronged plugs?"

Yup.

"do I definitely need to have a three-pronged US power lead for my netbook?"

Perhaps. Depends on what the manufacturer designed, although why a modern design piece of electronics would need a direct ground is a bit incomprehensible.

"So there are 3-prong outlets everywhere?"

Just about everywhere you are likely to go. Only the oldest of homes would have two-prong sockets.

posted by Ardiril 15 August | 15:15

Thanks Ardiril. I've just bought it. £1.62, including shipping.

posted by essexjan 15 August | 15:26

the three pronged plugs are grounded, any laptop adapter will use those. any power strip will have three prong outlets. the older two prong models are still found in some old homes (I have them). You can use a two to three prong adapters but they're not grounded and not really recommended.

posted by kellydamnit 15 August | 15:30

Most, but not all, of the two-to-three-prong adapters have a separate wire coming off them that you're supposed to attach to a ground. Nobody ever does, though.

posted by box 15 August | 15:39

You guys rock. Thanks so much.

posted by essexjan 15 August | 15:49

Where we say "grounded", of course, you read "earthed".

posted by dhartung 15 August | 18:44

I'd also recommend a portable surge protector (which reminds me, I should pack ours for Vegas). They fit three prongs just fine.

(Congrats on the new netbook -- which one did you get, the Toshiba? My link doesn't specify.)

posted by Pips 15 August | 19:46

Yes, I got the Toshiba. And now I'm doing that Sunday morning decadent thing of surfing the net whilst still in bed.

posted by essexjan 16 August | 02:09

Cool... We're surfing at the airport. Our flight should board in about 20 minutes. My electronica needed its own bin going through security. (A ludite I'm not. : )

When are you coming in September, by the by? I wanna make sure I don't miss you this time!

posted by Pips 16 August | 07:22

fyi, we have an old home with only 2 prong outlets. Adapters are inexpensive and easily available at any hardware or home improvement store. A surge protector is probably a better choice for electronics, though.

posted by desjardins 17 August | 13:19

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