Three-pronged UK Power cord for TP power brick

[XCoalMiner]

The 72 W power adapter (part # 02K6699) is spec'ed to work with 120-240V AC, so I assume one can take a UK power cord, producing 240VAC, and plug in right into AC-side of the adapter and everything works fine.

Unfortunately, I can't find the UK three-pronged power cords anywhere (do this with other brands, like Dell). Not even on IBMs website -- which I'd imagine would be outrageously expensive if IBM did sell 'em. Anyone know of a source?

Also, a somewhat related quesion for anyone versed in electrical engineering theory, ... if a transformer, such as an IBM TB power adapter, is plugged into an AC wall outlet, but there's no load on the DC side, is energy being consumed? I.e., when I have two power adapters lying around plugged into the wall, but no TP plugged into the adapters, am I consuming electricity (even a very small incremental amount)?

[Leon]

yes, very small....

[hausman]

The 72 W power adapter (part # 02K6699) is spec'ed to work with 120-240V AC, so I assume one can take a UK power cord, producing 240VAC, and plug in right into AC-side of the adapter and everything works fine.

Yes, the AC side of the power block will accept 120-240VAC without harm. You don't need a special power cord. Just use a common mechanical adapter that you can buy at any travel store, Radio Shack, etc. for a few bucks. I got a set of them (UK, Europe et al) made (repackaged) by Samsonite many years ago that serve me well. They're smaller, lighter and cheaper than separate power cords.

I.e., when I have two power adapters lying around plugged into the wall, but no TP plugged into the adapters, am I consuming electricity (even a very small incremental amount)?

Yes. Nothing to worry about unless you have a lot of the things plugged in and you're concerned about energy conservation.

[JHEM]

The 72 W power adapter (part # 02K6699) is spec'ed to work with 120-240V AC, so I assume one can take a UK power cord, producing 240VAC, and plug in right into AC-side of the adapter and everything works fine.

I wasn't aware that PA had adopted the UK wiring standard!

You can either use a plug adapter to convert the US 3 prong plug on your brick to the UK standard, or you can just stop in at the first computer store you come upon in the UK and ask for a "kettle cord". Check at Debian's on High Street if you're in London, they had the IBM cord under the counter last time I was in and it only cost a fiver.

Regards,

James

[XCoalMiner]

I wasn't aware that PA had adopted the UK wiring standard!

You can either use a plug adapter to convert the US 3 prong plug on your brick to the UK standard, or you can just stop in at the first computer store you come upon in the UK and ask for a "kettle cord". Check at Debian's on High Street if you're in London, they had the IBM cord under the counter last time I was in and it only cost a fiver.

PA hasn't adopted it! I forgot to say, on trips across the pond...

I didn't think of the three-pronged adapters. The kettle cord is what I had in mind.

Thanks for all the replies.