Power conversion question

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 11:57 am

Has anyone travelled to Europe with their cpap? I have the Resmed S8, and I think it automatically goes the power that is being used. Do I just use a plug adapter or do I need to plug the cord into a converter as well as the adapter plug? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am electronically challenged.

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birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 12:57 pm

Check your manual or the ResMed site.

If I recall correctly, the S8 converts and you only need a plug adapter. It seems as if that is what I read in my manual. I do not have it with me as I am not at home right now.

However, it would not do to be in Europe and lose the CPAP! Too much to see, and sleeping extra hours is just not an option!

GoodKnight · Post by **GoodKnight** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:04 pm

Many European hotels do not have outlets near the bed, so be sure to take an extension cord with you. Remember to get one that matches the voltage where you will be (probably 220v). Many hotels have extension cords that they can lend you, but some don't, so you will get some peace of mind by taking one with you.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:14 pm

I traveled to France with my PB 420G and only needed a plug adapter. I agree with GoodKnight about the need for a 220V extension cord. It was essential in several of the hotels we stayed at.

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:08 pm

Before starting cpap I was already scoping out the distance of the outlets (as well as lack of outlets), so I figured I would need an extension cord. Only problem is, when I picked up my cpap and questioned my RT about an extension cord she was pretty adamant that I not use one for fear that it might damage my machine. Anyone else ever heard of that? I will probably still buy one, since I will only be using it 3-4 nights a month. Thanks for the other info, will just use a plug adapter and not the converter.

GoodKnight · Post by **GoodKnight** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 6:31 pm

There is no truth to the rumor that an extension cord will damage your machine.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:01 pm

Is this anything like the subject of cleaning? There are so many opinions FROM THE PROFESSIONALS about cleaning the CPAP and mask/interface that it can be hard to know WHAT is correct.

Then again, how about the vomiting/aspirating/dying thing so many doctors and sleep professionals have warned us xPAP'ers about? Paper tape or a full face mask have never seemed too dangerous, but I do not know everything. Has ANYONE (not drunk or disabled) been known to do so, really? (I'm going right to Snopes to see...)

The no-extension-cord advice was given to me, also. I am not sure why, other than a general liability possibility. Extension cords can have an awful lot happen to them. Some are frayed and nicked--some may not be 'heavy duty' enough for the CPAP. While the cord on my S8 isn't very thick, it is a heavier cord than on the lightest household extension cord.

Power tools can safely be connected to an extension cord, and they surely draw more than xPAP! They also draw more when turned on and off constantly, where the CPAP is continuous. Other PAP's may draw more juice when changing the pressure, as in a BiPAP or AutoPAP.

Using the lightest duty cord may cause a fire (and resulting liability) risk. I would have to say that of all the serious house fires I know about, only a few were caused by electrical devices or other electrical problems. All the others have been caused by candles, often neglected ones.

When my former co-worker, the journeyman electrician, is back in a few days I will call him and ask for his opinion.

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:35 pm

Birdshell,
I would really appreciate your electrician friend's opinion. Believe it or not, my house did burn down about 7 years ago. Not from a faulty wire, or an overloaded extension cord, it was from a direct lightning hit to our attic fan. As you can probably imagine, I am a little bit leary of anything electrical that might cause a problem. Then again, I would only be using the extension cord in a hotel. Hmmm....

billbolton · Post by **billbolton** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:20 am

An S8, even with a H3i, will not draw enough energy to stress any commercial extension cable I have ever seen, anywhere in the world. There is no electrical reason to avoid using an extension cord with an S7 or S8.

Both the S7 and S8 have a multi standard power supply and will work without problem on the normal reticulated mains voltage you will find anywhere in Europe. You will only need a passive plug adapter to allow you to plug your S8 power cable into a European power outlet.

Cheers,

Bill (member of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, plus S7 & S8 user)

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:31 am

Thank you, billbolton! Just the information we needed, from just the guy who knew it.

It is amazing that we keep hearing that "no extension cord" warning, in view of the information you have given us.

Thanks again, and I hope you will be able to clarify any future electrical questions.

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:22 am

Let me second what billbolton has posted. I am an Industrial Electrician and an Electronics Technologist. You will have no problem using an extension cord with your CPAP unit. The only suggestion I would recommend is buying an extension cord that is at least 16 gauge in conductor size. You can buy 18 gauge (smaller ampacity rating) that will work but the 16 gauge would be much better and more versatile. In all likelihood the power cord that connects to your CPAP is 18 gauge.

apneaicinisrael · Post by **apneaicinisrael** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:40 am

One more practical tip - pack a roll of wide masking or duct tape! I recently traveled with my PB 420s and the plug adapter worked fine, just that the fit was wobbly, even when I ran out to Radio Shack and got a new one. So I masking taped the hook up together and then to the wall, and that solved that. Just one more thing that a good roll of tape can do...

Enjoy your travels,
AII

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 6:53 pm

Thanks to all of you for your very helpful information. Just one more dumb question...where do you buy a 220 volt extension cord? Did you just wait and buy it once you got over there? I wonder if the 220 will work in the U.K., isn't their voltage something like 240?? Sorry for so many questions, but I did warn you ahead of time that I am quite naive in this area.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 7:17 pm

Try Radio Shack... they have a variety of converters for different wattages. You could get the converter and put either an extension cord from here, or get one there and use that... putting the converter on the appropriate one

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search

billbolton · Post by **billbolton** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:18 am

SleeplessInVirginia wrote:where do you buy a 220 volt extension cord?

For all practical purposes a ~120V extension cable in good condition will be fine for use with your S8. The electrical insulation on cables is rated for much higher voltage than the nominal line voltage, and there are no "active" components in a normal exention cable, so a 120V extension cable will work fine with European mains voltages up to 240V.

Just use your Euro to US passive plug adapter in the wall outlet and connect the US extension cable to that, then connect your S8 US power cable to the extension cable socket.

Cheers,

Bill

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