I had just bought a new laser printer in the US when I received a very good job offer for the summer in Europe. So I called the printer manufacturer’s help desk to find out if I could use the printer in Europe with 220 volts, or if they had a low cost transformer.
Me: “Hello, I have just bought your new (printer model), and I was wondering if I can use it in Europe with 220 volts?”
Tech Support: “Hmmm…let me see…. Here, ok, it says that the printer works with 120 volts, so 220 volts should be enough.”
Me: “What?! If it is made only for 120 volts, and I hook it up to 220 volts, it’s going to fry.”
Tech Support: “Hmmm. You may need a surge protector.”