Do trains have AC power outlets in them?

Question

I am taking a 16 hour straight train ride to new york, and i have my laptop with me...but the battery only lasts 2-3 hours. Do they have outlets where i can charge my laptop?

Answer 1

This question can be asked to one of the train's staff for the certain answer, but likely, the power supplied in trains and planes is DC power.

Answer 2

Yes there should be AC outlets on them, but you might want to bring along a surge protector of some kind.

Answer 3

Yes all Amtrak trains have them.

Answer 4

They do have AC outlets. Be very careful though - with surge protectors and so forth. The AC power provided is usually artificially converted from DC or AC to AC with inverters in between - so often not of good quality. Good enough for cellphones.

Best is - come on man, look out the window, read a book. Take a break from the computer, you nerd!!!!!

Answer 5

Like Don says, the sleepers all have them, there are a few in coaches (typically 1/4 way down on the left).  The lounge car is likely to have a lot more.   A few seats in the diner may have chargers, ask the staff if you mind if you sit there off-hours.

A lot of first-timers on overnight trains "camp in their seat" and then struggle to fight off boredom. Don't do that. This train has a lounge car and a real dining car serving good food, I encourage you to use them both (and pack so you can easily take your valuables with you).  I for one never spend more than two hours at a time in the same seat unless I'm asleep.

Power quality - the power is generated from the locomotive as 480VAC 3-phase.  It is sent to the cars to run heat and A/C.  It's run through a transformer to get 220VAC and 110VAC which is used for light utility loads around the coach, mainly lighting.  Outlets in coaches have always been intended for car cleaning crews to plug in their vacuum cleaners, so conditioned power was not designed in.  However Amtrak is aware of the revolution in electronic gadgets, and they have started to redesign interiors to provide outlets for passengers.  I haven't seen electrical diagrams for these cars so I can't say if Amtrak provides power conditioners on those circuits.

Wireless internet -- a few Amtrak short-distance trains have them, but this train will not.  If you're depending on cellular wireless, you may find that is spotty in places due to mountains etc.  Depends on the route.

Answer 6

All Amtrak trains have AC outlets running at 110v, the type of power you need.  The question is where are they located?  If you've booked a sleeping compartment, there will be at least one outlet in your room.  If in a coach car, you may have to scout out a seat that has an outlet against the wall.  Also, Amtrak lounge cars generally have AC outlets against the wall, although not necessarily at every table.

The power comes from the engine and isn't the most stable.  Some folks like to bring along a small power conditioner to ensure that the electricity going into the laptop is smooth.