Your PSU can adapt to different power options much more quickly than you might think. Because companies sell their equipment to many other people in many different places, they often include options to bridge any differences in how those people use them. It might be more challenging to sell to various groups if they didn’t. A perfect example is the power supply voltage switch on the back of your PSU.
What is a Voltage Switch?
If you look at the back of your PSU, you might be surprised to see two switches on the back of it. One of them is the switch thatcuts the power to the PSUand is something you should use almost every time you turn off the power to the computer. That’s not the voltage switch, though.
The voltage switch is a separate switch that changeswhat voltage the PSU operateswith. you may switch it between 110/115V and 220/230V. Which you choose depends on the type of power your country uses. You must select the correct voltage to ensure the proper power flow through your power supply and to your components.
How Do I Know Which Option to Choose?
You’ll have to check what voltage is standard in your country. Some countries have more than one voltage, too, so you need to check the outlet and understand which you’re using.
Since voltage switches are generally only on desktop PSUs, it shouldn’t be something you have to adjust very often. If you’re traveling with your computer or moving to a new country, check what voltage you’ll use before turning on your PC.
What if I Don’t See a Voltage Switch?
Not every PSU has a voltage switch, but that doesn’t mean it can’t adapt to the voltage standards of different countries. It all depends on what your particular unit is capable of.
Some power supplies can detect the incoming voltage and automatically adjust themselves to match the available current. It’s an internal process that doesn’t require you to set any kind of switch or make software changes. The power supply itself can tell whether it’s receiving one voltage versus another and can work with both, delivering the correct type of power.
Some power supplies are only designed to work with one type of voltage. If this is the case, you will have to get a new power supply or use a converter strip if you have one available.
If you aren’t sure whether your PSU can switch automatically, there are a few ways to find out.
How Do I Change the Voltage on My Power Supply?
It’s actually straightforward to do. Look at your voltage switch and read what the displayed label says. That label is the setting it’s currently on. If it says 115V, then it’s set to 110/115V. If it reads 130V, then it’s set to 120/130V.
If you want to switch to the other setting, you have to slide the switch so that the other label is displayed. Once the voltage label matches the voltage of your outlets, you’re all set.
