read the spec some electrical items can be powered worldwide ie 110 - 230v (my ps3) others are strictly either 110 v (usa) or 230v (europe)
like here in ireland if i want to buy a used 5150 from the states il need a step down tranformer to change 230v into 110v which is what the american 5150 would run on.
I think thats how it works any way hopefully someone more qualified can give a better explanation.