is it safe to use old power converter?

Submitted by blue on Sat, 02/23/2019 - 11:53

i have an old power converter which is around 20 years old. it allows 110v electronics from japan to be used here with 220v voltage. it has no moving parts and is about the size of a fist, it was meant for use with my japanese playstation console.

since this power converter is so old, i'm wondering if its safe for use at home?
i'm concerned that using high voltage vintage electronics will catch fire in my living room and burn my home down.
so generally do people need to buy a new power converter if its over 20 years old?

 

Hi,

There is nothing like a vintage electronic device would catch fire just because it is old. As long as it is used prorperly it shoudl work.

Now in your case, you have mentioned only the voltage rating but the wattage rating is not specified. Say your old video game console was working at 50 Watts then your power converter would have also been designed for 50 Watts, so you can use it for any load that is less than 50 Watts. But if you use it for anythgin higher than that then yes you will most likely burn it.

So if you confident with the watt rating you can try using it, just be careful for the first time and obsorve for any abnormal heating issue during the first try.

Also for wich device are you tryign to use this power converter for? Nowadays all electronics are designed to work with both 110V and 220V, back 20 years before this was not the case and hence we needed power converters. So if you device is new make check if it opertaecan 220V as well.

  Joined August 16, 2016      998
Tuesday at 12:29 AM