Just moved to the UK (here for two years). When I plugged my MP in using a small adapter plug I hear a small buzzing sound from the area of the power supply (a sound I don't remember hearing before). Should I be using a specific adapter, or should I buy a UK spec cord to plug in and skip the adapter plug? I've shut everything down now as I'm afraid I might be slowly marinating my machine in unwanted volts. Any advice would be appreciated.
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US Mac Pro in the UK -- am I frying my baby?
- Thread starter ben1969
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The MP is definitely rated for that voltage. If it wasn't, you would have found out a lot faster than the 2 years its been in operation. A LOT faster. 
That being said, I have no idea if the US power cable is rated for the same current, or how good/crappy that adapter is. I'd get a proper cable just to be safe. These cables are like $2 in the USA, so they're probably something like £20 there.
An active UPS would be a nice addition as well, but not strictly necessary.
That being said, I have no idea if the US power cable is rated for the same current, or how good/crappy that adapter is. I'd get a proper cable just to be safe. These cables are like $2 in the USA, so they're probably something like £20 there.
An active UPS would be a nice addition as well, but not strictly necessary.
The MP is definitely rated for that voltage. If it wasn't, you would have found out a lot faster than the 2 years its been in operation. A LOT faster.
That being said, I have no idea if the US power cable is rated for the same current, or how good/crappy that adapter is. I'd get a proper cable just to be safe. These cables are like $2 in the USA, so they're probably something like £20 there.
An active UPS would be a nice addition as well, but not strictly necessary.
The current will actually be half in the UK, because the voltage is doubled.
I'd say the adapter for the plug is most likely to blame. Both the connection of your Mac Pro power cable to the adapter, and the connection between adapter and wall outlet, are probably not of highest quality. Search for "Mac Pro Power Cable" on eBay, it's less than £8.
And it won't hurt the MacPro. The Mac Pro will take anything from 100 to 260 Volt, 50 or 60 Hz, without any problems. Of course a really dodgy adapter could catch fire in the worst case, so if it makes noises, then I would replace it.
I'm doing the opposite. I moved to the US for a few years and am happily using my Mac Pro here (no adaptor) 
I picked up a standard computer power cable
I picked up a standard computer power cable
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I'm not sure why you guys need adaptors.. Any kettle lead will work. I wouldnt want to use adaptors personally.
Yes, a kettle has a standard C15/C16 fitting on the appliance end and a regular plug on the wall end.
They're compatible with computer equipment - all the Mac Pro power lead is, is just a fancy kettle lead (although probably only rated to 70ºC, so without the notch in it preventing it from being used on a kettle).
The OP should just go down to any hardware store and buy a £2 kettle lead. No need for his adapter.
Left!
SO that was you driving down the wrong side of the street that I nearly hit head on!
I'm doing the opposite. I moved to the US for a few years and am happily using my Mac Pro here (no adaptor)
I picked up a standard computer power cable
SO that was you driving down the wrong side of the street that I nearly hit head on!
A few years ago, I installed a lamp and accidentally used the wrong power cable. The lamp workes not more than 20s.
If you can use your MP longer than that, no worries
If you can use your MP longer than that, no worries
lol! Just google "kettle lead" or "kettle plug" - very common cables used for computers, monitors, camera lights and a bunch of other stuff.
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thats what I meant, I feel like a noob.
