Thinkpads Forum

I'm heading to Germany this weekend and just remembered they have a different standard for powering things. Do I need to buy anything for it to to plug in, work properly, and not blow up over there?

You need to provide more information because of the forum you are in.

Back then, the power bricks were normall 100V-240V (so ok there), but a number of bricks in North America used grounded 3 prong plugs. This may present a problem.

A more modern power brick uses a 2 prong plug (the voltage range still being 100V - 240V). These are easy. Get a US -> Europe adapter (usually a dollar or two), plug this adapter into the European socket, plug the power brick into the adapter and you are good to go. Been there, done that with a variety of machines.

Just be sure the power brick says on the label:
Input 100-240V AC 50/60Hz

... JD Hurst

Thinkpad 600 adaptor says 100V-240V, 50/60Hz, 1.3A-.7A. The part that does plug-in has the third round prong on it. So all I need to do is buy a US -> Europe adaptor. Guessing I can grab one at Radioshack.

I have seen (and have) a UK adapter that provides for a grounded North American plug and then plugs into a grounded UK outlet.

The European adapters I have seen (and have) are two pronged adapters that plug into (generally) recessed outlets and will not accept ground North American plugs. You will need to research for an adapter that will work.

I have travelled in UK and Europe with Toshiba and IBM ThinkPad machines all of which had two pronged power bricks.

To state the obvious: Do not cut off the ground pin on your brick and plug it into a non-grounded adapter. ... JD Hurst

If you don't want to go the route of having to use adapters and have time to pick up dedicated AC power cords, try looking here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... yout=print

Also, a good source of information about AC power standards can be found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_A ... nd_sockets

Have a safe trip!

Thanks but since I am leaving Saturday I have to find something I can easily get locally.

As you said, Radio Shack is probably your best bet. I picked up a couple some years back when we went to Australia. I can't remember if there was a European adapter in the set. You may also try a travel agent locally since they may know of place that sell adapters.

SnakeEyes wrote:Thanks but since I am leaving Saturday I have to find something I can easily get locally.

You can get an EU style "kettle cord" plug and cord all over Germany that will plug directly into the the brick for your Thinkpad.

Cost you a few Euros.

Regards,

James