Voltage problem

I am experiencing a unique problem with my computer (Win XP) have been using on 110 voltage transformer and all of a sudden it stop work and it would not powerup.
I tried other transformers which are working and it would not start have tried a particular transformer which is starting it but I cannot keep the transformer because it doesnot belongs to me.
I have even change the voltage switch to use 230 volts and it will not work all the transformers that fail are working on other equipments including another computer.
Need all helpful sugesstions.

Thank you.
grensam

 

I'll not ask why you are using a transformer to power your computer but I will say if you are doing that, you will need to use a transformer that has the volt-amp capacity to do it. The voltage alone says nothing for the ability of the transformer to deliver the necessary power to a load. The transformer must have a low internal resistance (larger wire in the windings) in order to deliver the rated voltage without suffering a significant voltage drop within its own windings, which are effectively in series with the load connected.

If it worked with this transformer before, the load has likely changed. That would mean some hardware item has been added or there might be a problem with some discreet item that is shorting out and drawing more power than normal.

Perhaps if you tell me more details I can give you more advice.

 

Reply to surferdude2 - voltage problem

Thank you, first I am from Grenada in the Caribbean where my voltage use is basically 240v and we use lots of stepdown transformers for foreign equipments most equipsments especially computers come with a dual voltage selector switch 110 / 240 volts.
I understand what you are telling me but what is unique is that I have tried three other transformers that work with another computer but would not work with this particular computer except for one transformer which will work but it doesnot belong to me.

grensam

 

OK, I understand your need. As I stated, you must have a transformer of good quality that is rated for the load being served. It sounds like you have found such but it doesn't belong to you. If you want to use a lesser rated item, perhaps you can disconnect some peripherals to lighten the load. Aside from that, you just need to get a higher volt/amp rated transformer. Look for a tag on the one that works and get one of equal or higher rating. Higher won't hurt but getting one excessively higher rated would be a waste of money.

The volt/amp rating is the proper comparitive unit since wattage will not be a fair comparison since it disregards the power factor involved.

Of course there is still the chance that your computer's power supply is going south and is sensitive to a small voltage drop that wouldn't ordinarily affect it.

 

Thank you for the advice and has suggested the powersupply is the problem it started smoking will have to take out and investigate will keep you uptodate.