Originally Posted by
Super_BQ
If your PS3 power adapter does not specifically have in print for multivoltage use (ie 90-250VAC) but only say 120VAC, I would not trust it to use in NZ. While it may work, it may not be tested safe for 240 voltages and could pose an even greater risk ; catching on fire! I would not without a chance leave it connected to house mains power indefinitely.
It's been my experience that all PS3 units, regardless of country of sale, have a fully compliant 100V-240V power supply, regardless of what the sticker on the bottom of the assembled unit itself shows. There is no more risk of it catching fire connected to 220V as it is connected to 110V, and my unit labeled for 110V power has been connected to 220V for almost a decade. Certainly this is unusual--most devices are correctly labeled, the PS3 is an exception, and I've got no idea why Sony did this.
If an appliance or device isn't rated for 220V power and you connect it as such, you're going to know immediately when you hear a pop and the magic smoke comes out. I've accidentally destroyed a few things this way over the years. It's not going to work for a while and then spontaneously combust later. The only exception to this is 110V surge suppressors, which should never be connected to a transformer, as they may continuously shunt current from the supply to ground as a 'surge,' and can heat up, fail, and yes, potentially cause a fire.
If you're not convinced regarding the PS3 then you can see here in the third picture on step 12, and even disassemble your own unit yourself for a look:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Play...+Teardown/1121
Originally Posted by
Super_BQ
NOT ALL transformers are the same. Your early German made transformer would be of quality build and i'm certain would of cost a fair bit of $ at the time. But there is caution. Most of these early transformers (say pre-1990s) used carcinogenic chemicals inside, particularly the varnish used to to coat the windings, known as PCB
https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/learn-about...biphenyls-pcbs
It's when the transformer gets hot and is in use, the off-gassing from the PCB occurs.
For what it's worth I use a 2.000 watt transformer and a 1.600 watt transformer typically at under 20% of their rated capacity and neither ever even get warm with my typical usage. So this is no doubt a risk, but I'm guessing one that's far less than the risk from the diesel particulate I breathe in every day on my way to the office or from the off-gassing from my mouth full of mercury amalgam fillings each time I have a sip of coffee.