"Transformer problems abroad." Topic

I live in the UK and I buy my computers in the UK

About a year ago whilst in Kosovo my transformer failed and I replaced it locally.

The transformer work OK in the UK

Several months ago I returned to Kosovo and when I came to use my laptop the transformer (the one I bought in Kosovo) failed so I bought another one, which failed and gave off electrical shocks, so I replaced it again (with a different make of transformer). It worked in the shop but not in the hotel. I gave up.

Back in the UK I bought a new laptop (different make).

I am now in Kosovo and come to use my laptop and the transformer fails.

One each of the five occasions I have tried to use the laptop I was in my hotel room. It is the same hotel.

Any ideas?

There really isn't a lot to a transformer, physically. The most common cause of failure is manufacturing defects. The second is overheating, which can (sometimes) be caused by inconsistent power coming in, especially inconsistent frequency on an AC input or "power spikes".

Since your multiple failures are tied to location and not to a single manufacturer, you might be in the second case. The most likely "failure" in that case is actually a success. Your fuse (or whatever they use in your specific unit) probably blew. Most of the time, the safeties (required to keep your gear from being destroyed) have an internal fuse that is not user serviceable.

If this is the case, you have two basic options: (1) buy a more expensive transformer where you can replace the fuse and hope that the total long-term cost is lower than buying a series of new transformers, (2) carry a couple of spares at all times and just burn through them. In no case whatsoever buy a transformer with a serviceable fuse and short it out!

Hope that helps.

… and FTR, by the thread title, I was expecting a link to a news article about Decepticons landing in France …

:)

Option 3: Use a different hotel………

Thank you etotheipi. I thought that might be the answer.

Cerdic, unfortunately the hotel is booked by the people I am working for.

John

PS I am current using the a computer in the place I am teaching.

4. Purchase a portable Universal Power Supply with Power monitoring/battery backup. That way when the circuit breaker pops. you can just reset it. And then you will know for sure what the problem is.

I have now bought another transformer. I am charging up the laptop where I work and running it off the battery in the hotel.

Hopefully the 35 euros will be allowed as an expense.

One can but hope John.