Are the switched mode power supplies that come standard with several of the M starter sets compatible for worldwide usage similar to laptop power supplies? Unlike laptop power supplies that state a range of voltages and frequencies, the M units typically state the primary voltage used by the plug configuration. I have seen several eBay vendors list the European units as suitable for North America and with a more powerful VA output than the North American units once the appropriate adapter is connected. In my mind this doesn't seem correct.

Hi Peter,
I don't really have an answer for you but when the question requires making a technical evaluation then you need to provide more specific information.
At the minimum I would suggest that you provide a link or copy of the ebay ad.

I doubt the power supplies sold on Ebay are compatible for worldwide usage similar to laptop power supplies as you mention that they require an appropriate adapter.
It's important to know what the appropriate adapter does as the difference is great enough that I would not try to run a switching power supply made for one
on the other unless the appropriate adapter corrects for the frequency as well as the voltage difference.

As for being more powerful than North American units, that may well be, as they could be different designs with different wattage ratings. We just don't have any information to go on.

Regards,
-George

The appropriate adapters they are referring to are only the plug pin adapters that change the European round plugs to the North American flat blades. Absolutely nothing to do with voltage or frequency.

Regarding providing more information:

- A laptop power supply shows a Primary voltage range of 100-240 V, and a frequency range of 50-60 Hz, with a specified VA output at a constant secondary voltage. Therefore, it becomes a universal power supply as long as you have the appropriate plug adapters to connect to the specific country's plug configuration.

The Maerklin units in starter sets usually have a nameplate specifying a primary voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz with a European round pin plug and a certain VA output. I asked my local M distributor about the suitability of these in Canada and he stated they just needed the plug adapter.

Recently I have seen several ads on eBay USA for these units also stating the same. As of this morning there are no active listings so I cannot provide a link.

My concern is that if M nameplates the units with Pri. 230 V 50 Hz at a VA of X, then if I plug this into a local power outlet at half the voltage, the VA of X remains constant and the current doubles. Perhaps there are components inside the power supply that cannot handle this higher current.

Therefore, my original question regarding does anyone know for sure whether these power supplies are universal or indeed only suitable for the primary voltage stated on the nameplate?

Cheers
Peter

It's unfortunate that one cannot get a reply directly from Marklin on questions like this, but as a last resort, perhaps the local distributor knows someone who's done it that you can talk to . The one thing that puzzles me is if it is universal then why the restriction on the label. If it's cost effective you could also get a transformer and run it at 230 and not worry about it.
good luck,
-George

Ive used a 120->230V step-up transformer with the SMPS.

I wouldn't try running the 230V supplies directly at 120 regardless of what anyone says (well maybe if Marklin officially said it was fine). I'd personally now avoid using a step-up transformer, and just get a 60065/60055 and sell the 230V supply that came with your set to a member overseas. You can probably come out even (the 60065 is only around $85).

Hello Peter,

On the switched mode power supply, your dealer is correct; the 66361 power supply will work with a plug adapter. I have been using mine in this manner for over a year with no issues. It appears to automatically adjust for different input voltages and it works with 50-60Hz systems. This seems not be the case with the 120 Volt which is labeled 60Hz only. But it is FCC Part 15 compliant as well having all the safety warnings and UL listing required in the USA.

I was a little hesitant to even answer your question here since I know how many forum members feel very strongly about using the transformers and power supplies as instructed and I do respect their safety concerns and wishes not to risk potential damage to components. If small children are operating the trains, I would use the Marklin recommended model as child safety should never be compromised. That being said I can say for sure it does work; I believe it has something to due with European regulations requiring power factor correction on switched mode power supplies, but who knows? It could be more Märklin magic for all I know. They certainly are not telling and I will say no more...

Gordon

Hi!
The power supply I got from ESU along with the CS1reloaded package is for 100 through 240 V and 50 through 60 Hz. But it has no toy sign on it.

The power supplies sold my Märklin have the toy sign - and they are bought from Steger. So it may well be that Märklin do not know if they can safely be used with 120 V. Steger may know (but probably won't tell (but maybe they will tell why it is not safe to use them at 120 V)).
Did anybody ask Märklin? Did anybody ask Steger?

Starter sets sold through Walthers come with power supplies for 120 V. The power supplies for 120 V often have a lower output power than their 230 V brothers.

I don't know if they do this to protect Walthers or if they do this to protect/support Walthers, if they do it to comply with FCC regulations, or if they do it for technical reasons (maybe the 120 V power supplies have reduced maximum outputs to prevent parts from overheating).

Sorry, speculation only. But at 120 V the input current of the power supply will be doubled versus 230 V and the internal frequency will be much higher.
As long as the load is 50 % or less, the input current will be in the specified range and frequency may not be too high.

So I still wonder: do they work safely at 120 V when you take them to the limit (90+ % load) for a long time (hours)?