In a message dated 2/11/03 9:03:28 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << ... the switched outlet can handle 3 Amps at 100Volts. That would be 300 Watts max or slightly higher at 110-120 volts. As others have stated, it would probably be best to run devices that stay somewhat below that limit. >>
The power supply unit (PSU) is auto-switching as to the 'puter, but not as to the subject outlet. The specs are written broadly as the PSU is a "world market" device, expecting 100-120 volts or 200-240 volts, but actually capable of 100-125 volts or 200-250 volts. 100 and 200 volts are found primarily, if not exclusively in Japan. 120 and 240 volts are the North American domestic/commercial and industrial standards, respectively, but many North American jurisdictions are supplied with 125 and 250 volts. H*ll, until the recent "power crisis" in California, the largest part of that state was supplied with 127.5 and 255 volts. The politicos later demanded that the voltage be reduced to 115 and 230 volts, in order to save energy. And, they would have demanded a further reduction to 110 and 220 volts, except it was pointed out that there would be a significant risk that a large number of electric motors would burn out due to overheating (electric motor input current is inversely proportional to input voltage, unlike purely resistive loads where the input current is directly proportional to input voltage), and they didn't want to accept that risk. Europe has 220, 230 and 240, but has been "harmonizing" towards one of those. The subject outlet is controlled by a relay which has a limited capability to interrupt the power flowing to the attached loads. It is easier to interrupt purely resistive loads (incandescent lamps, e.g.) than it is to interrupt inductive loads (laser printers and monitors, e.g.). The contacts contained within that relay are rated 3 amps, so the interrupting capacity, in volt-amperes is as follows: 100 volts: 300 V-A 120 volts: 360 V-A 125 volts: 375 V-A 200 volts: 600 V-A 220 volts: 660 V-A 230 volts: 690 V-A 240 volts: 720 V-A 250 volts: 750 V-A V-A and watts are identical for purely resistive loads. For other than purely resistive loads, V-A is always higher than watts. So, use the V-A number as a maximum, and derate that significantly for inductive loads. A power strip [ * ] with a half-dozen "Wall Warts" and a 17 to 20 inch monitor is more than likely OK. Another 'puter or a pair of 21 inch monitors more than likely wouldn't be. [ * ] It is possible to buy male IEC connectors of the screw-on type. What I do is cut off the NEMA 5-15P (standard North American grounding plug) off of my 'puter power strips and install a male IEC connector in its place. Thereby, this allows the switched outlet to automatically control a number of attached loads, such as a monitor, a DSL modem, a router, an Ethernet switch, and a 56K modem. These male IEC connectors are available from Newark, Allied, Digi-Key and others. -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
