120 to 230 voltage automatic switch

[jlovick]

Hi,
I am putting together my own PSU based around a antec AN-5458 500VA torroid, Antek - AN-5458 However i am also preparing for a move from canadia to europe.

what is the easiest way of hooking it up so that it either auto detects the right voltage (230 V AC or 120 V AC) or can be switched easily using a manual switch.

Thanks for any help
Joe

[jfitz57]

Hi,

use an IEC power cord connector so you can swap power cords and use fuse holders as jumpers to change the primary connections. You need to change fuses when you change input voltage anyway.

[jlovick]

Ok Thanks, i hadn't considered using the fuse(s) themselves as the conversion mechanism.
Cheers
Joe

[richie00boy]

Just buy a proper voltage selector switch. If you have to change fuses inside the case to set voltage, nobody but you is going to know what voltage it is set to as there is no indicator, unlike the proper switch.

[jlovick]

Actually, i am now wondering if i can combine an automatic switch into a soft start, to make it idiot proof.

[jfitz57]

Idiot proof would be a 100-240 VAC 47-63 HZ power factor correction SMPS.

[jlovick]

true, but i'd like to use what i have and i also was under the impression that a SMPS had significantly higher RF noise production.

[metal]

Look at the attached scan, this is not what you are exactly looking for, but might give you an idea on how it can be done. Two relays driven by opto-couplers can do the job. Make sure that only one relay runs no matter what input voltage is present, I mean 110~127V or 220~240V.