2/6     does a dead light bulb draw power?
        \_ No.  No current flows, ergo no power.  (motd physics nerds
           please correct me if I am in error). -dans
           \_ the reason i ask is i think there might be some
              current slow in a dead flourescant.
              \- 1. Fluorescent lamps often "partially" die, rather than it
	...

9/3     I have AC adaptors for my cell phone and PDA that say the input
        should be 120VAC.  If I try to use them in Europe where the voltage
        is 220V, will I fry my PDA and cell?  Obviously, I'll have to use
        a plug adaptor to plug them in.
        \_ Yes, they will fry.  Get a transformer that goes 220V -> 110V.
           \- if you are in berkeley, you can get a little voltage and
	...

3/28    So I'm really confused about the DC to DC, car-to-laptop power adapter.
        How come most of them are "inverter" types, where you convert from
        DC to AC, and then AC to DC? Isn't that inefficient?
        \_ Using a resistor or transistor to do DC->DC also gives power loss.
           -not an EE.
        \_ It's easier to step up/down the voltage if the current is in the
	...

12/27   Anyone have experience with voltage regulators? Ie, it will
        correct under and over voltage back to 120v? I am trying to
        find one... Thanks.
        \_ Yes, they will do that. Is there anything more specific
           you wanted to knwo?
           \_ What particular ones have you used? How well does it work?
	...

10/16   Has anyone had AC power adapters that are slightly warm even when
        it's not connected to the device that uses it? Obviously, this means
        it must be consuming energy even when it's not transforming anything,
        but why should it be?
        \_ Every AC adapter generates some heat...some much more than others.
           Inside, you have active devices that are constantly working to
	...

9/11    Is it practical to have, say, a large portion of CA or AZ running
        on solar power? My coworker runs his entire household via solar
        and it got me to wondering what would happen if everyone did this.
        Obviously industrial plants need more power, but could we do away
        with a lot of our polluting plants if everyone went solar? If so,
        then why don't we? What are the technological obstacles, if any?
	...

11/6    For AC adapters, if something says it needs 4.5V 300mA, is it all right
        to use something higher-rated, like 4.5V 500mA? Why or why not? Thanks.
        \_ The neutron flux can break down the gamma field.
           Get some ball bearings.
           \_ Good advice.  Also, don't cross the streams or there will be a
              total protonic reversal.
	...

10/17   I'm going to Thailand.  Does anyone know what kind of AC plug adapter
        I need to use over there?  (I know it's 220V over there.)  Thanks.
        \_ Can't you live without your vibrator for awhile?
        \_ would you trust us even if we told you?
        \_ To be safe you should protect your equipment with an adapter made by
           Trojenz corporation.
	...

8/20    Voltage answer: "Low voltage" is like 12-35v. Some people might call
        48v "low voltage". 110v or 120v, it's the same shit. It can range from
        105-130v. 220v is different though. --asked an electrician
        \_ I had always thought it was a reference to its rectifiable
           limits.
        \_ http://www.uq.net.au/~zzdonsi/standards.html
	...