Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

TehWildMan_ t1_jdyqnae wrote

The AC side voltage/frequency doesn't matter as long as you have a wall adapter that works for that situation. The device being charged sees a USB power source and doesn't care what's driving that.

(Also note that many, but not all, common wall-plug USB power supplies are natively designed to work under both voltages. It's usually just matter of having the appropriate plug adapter to connect the pins from whatever sockets are used abroad)

3

historyguy2 OP t1_jdyqr5z wrote

So USB has its own voltage and the 120/230 v doesn’t matter so much with USB?

1

TehWildMan_ t1_jdyr19d wrote

Yes, the USB cable is carrying 5 (or 9/12/15/20) volts direct current. Thr job of the charging brick plugged between the USB cable and the wall is to regulate AC power down to direct current for USB

2

theassassintherapist t1_jdyr1h7 wrote

The first letter, U, in USB stands for universal. As in, it can take power from anywhere.

I've traveled to France, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, etc and all USB plugs are the same and I can draw the exact same amount of power from them. You might want to buy a travel plug adapter, but what comes out the rectangular USB side is the same

2

skunkadelic t1_jdz02a4 wrote

That isn't why it's called universal. Universal serial bus means common. It was developed to do away with all the different interfaces we had before. Serial, parallel, PS2, gameport, etc. You think having usb mini/micro, Thunderbolt, etc is annoying now, it was atrocious 25 years ago.

1

Flair_Helper t1_jdysyrl wrote

Please read this entire message

Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):

Straightforward or factual queries are not allowed on ELI5. ELI5 is meant for simplifying complex concepts.

If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe this submission was removed erroneously, please use this form and we will review your submission.

1