PS2 power cords

[Kyle]

Hi,
can I use a powerchord from a new lim ps2 with an old fat ps2?

[Hobie-wan]

Slims use an external power brick, fats have an internal power board, so they just have a plain keyed cable. So no, they are different.

[Kyle]

i've got the latest ps2 slim, so i don't have an external powerbrick

[Hobie-wan]

Oh, didn't know they switched it again. The Fat power cord is keyed, one round one square. The plug on the slim shown here is 2 rounded. So no, the Fat one is polarized and the slim isn't.

[Kyle]

i've got the one on the top in the picture. so i won't be able to use the power chord cause it's another polarity?

[Hobie-wan]

Right the Fat power cord (at least in the US) has one side squared.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

Polarity does not matter for the Fat Ps2, but in the long run will shorten the life of your PS2's power supply.

[Kyle]

Polarity does not matter for the Fat Ps2, but in the long run will shorten the life of your PS2's power supply.

why that?

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

Polarity does not matter for the Fat Ps2, but in the long run will shorten the life of your PS2's power supply.

why that?

From what I've read, the power supply has to work doubly as hard to convert the polarity and current simultaneously resulting in a shorter lifespan for the unit.

If possible just try to find a polarized cord, they're just as common and can be found at nearly every store.

[Hobie-wan]

From what I've read, the power supply has to work doubly as hard to convert the polarity and current simultaneously resulting in a shorter lifespan for the unit.

Well, not exactly. Its plugged into alternating current, so the electricity is flip flopping back and forth. The reason things are polarised is to affect whether the circuits inside past the switch (on the back) are live or not.