Plug MSX expecting 100v with 110v

Supporter (2)

14-02-2018, 07:31

Hi,

I'm a new MSX user.
I recently bought a Japanese MSX which says that it requires 100 volts (50/60Hz). But I haven't turned it on yet.
Can I safely plug it in the US, where the voltage is 110v with 60Hz ?

In case is needed, the MSX that I bought is the a MSX2 Sony HB-F1XD.

Thanks!

By gdx

Enlighted (6442)

14-02-2018, 09:00

MSXs can support about 10% more but in the long run better use a transformer similar with to the one below.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nissyo-TP-801-Step-Down-Transformer...

By Grauw

Ascended (10821)

14-02-2018, 09:38

Note that as I understood it recently the mains voltage in the US is 120V, which exceeds the 10% tolerance.

Nevertheless I think you can plug it in safely if you’re just testing it, but in the long run as gdx said should use a 120V->100V transformer.

By FiXato

Scribe (1743)

14-02-2018, 17:08

To back up Grauw's statement: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/united-states-of-america/

Quote:

In the United States of America the standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in the United States of America, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries). Manufacturers take small deviations (plus or minus 5%) into account. Be careful if you bring appliances from Japan (100 V).

By riq

Supporter (2)

14-02-2018, 17:11

Thanks all for the info! I'll get the transformer!

By LowRes

Resident (49)

15-02-2018, 00:44

Some say it's ok to use, some say it's not. I ended up getting one of these just in case:
https://www.amazon.ca/VCT-VT-200J-Japanese-Transformer-100V-...

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6094)

15-02-2018, 14:51

LowRes wrote:

Some say it's ok to use, some say it's not. I ended up getting one of these just in case:
https://www.amazon.ca/VCT-VT-200J-Japanese-Transformer-100V-200-watt/dp/B004S2COIC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518651714&sr=8-3&keywords=step+down+converter+japan

Hmm... Description says 110V<->100V and picture says 120V<->100V... just saying...

By Grauw

Ascended (10821)

15-02-2018, 15:51

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity

Quote:

In the United States and Canada, national standards specify that the nominal voltage at the source should be 120 V and allow a range of 114 V to 126 V (RMS) (−5% to +5%). Historically 110 V, 115 V and 117 V have been used at different times and places in North America. Mains power is sometimes spoken of as 110 V; however, 120 V is the nominal voltage.

So slightly confusingly, it’s still often referred to as 110V due to historical reasons.

By meits

Scribe (6577)

15-02-2018, 16:14

I'm still living in the European 220 volt era as well... I know it's bad

By rderooy

Paladin (686)

15-02-2018, 16:40

Actually. The UK/EU Mains voltage Hamonisation allows +10% or -6% variation. Or effectively anything from 216.2 to 254 volts. This was done such that nobody actually had to do anything. They could keep supplying 220V or 240V and be in compliance with the harmonisation. So unless you have taken a voltage meter and tested it yourself to be 230V, don't assume it is.

By fernando.collazo.5682

Champion (257)

15-02-2018, 20:23

I´ve been using my A1-ST in 127V directly for almost 10 years without any problem...