Gateway Parts

What are the acceptable input voltage ranges for a computer running on an 230V 60 Hz rated power supply?

Please don't bother responding if you can't supply references! We have several computers on specialized testing equipment that is rated to run on 230V. The power is suplied via a 230V battery back up system (a UPS). When the UPS is running it only supplies 202 to 208V, The supplied power from the wall socket is nominally 208V commercial. Also, when the UPS is switched on to boot the computer, the power comes on full, and then drops to 178V for 8 to 10 seconds while the UPS goes through a self-test. Is this whats frying our hard drives and power supplies? What are the acceptable power supply ranges for a computer? The computers work normally for the most part, but we have lost hard drives when going trough a complete reboot. I should add that there is now way to boot or turn off the computers except by turning on or off the UPS. Thanks! I realize thats 3 questions, but oh well.

Public Comments

1. You need to check with the manufacturer. If it is a multii-range power supply it may well handle anything from 110 - 240. The 230 you mention is common for single phase, while the 208 is common for 3 phase. I would look for a way to delay the power up until after the UPS has run its self test.
2. You need to look at the "nameplate" data of your power supply. This will give you the acceptable range. Note that power = volts x amps. If you drop your voltage, the amps will rise in direct proportion to the drop in voltage. If your amps exceed what the amp rating is for any component, you will likely fry the component. Many components are specified as 208-230/460, 3-phase. Many more are simply 230/460 (dual voltage rated). A switch or a different wiring scheme is typically used to switch between high and low voltage. 208 VAC was initially specified for rural areas, as this was to accomodate for the voltage sag that occurs over the large amount of wire to reach a rural area. Sounds like you need a new UPS - one that is rated for 230VAC if 208VAC isn't within the range specified on the nameplate. If your nameplate doesn't specify the range, a good rule of thumb is +10%/-30% for mechanical devices (relays, transformers, etc) or +/- 5% for microdevices (transistors, etc).