Burned Epson ET-8550 on 220V Power? How to Identify and Recover from Voltage Damage

Question: I just received my Epson ET-8550 printer. I’m in Argentina, where the voltage is 220V, and I assumed the printer was multi-voltage since the power cable said 1–300V. I plugged it in, and while setting it up, I heard a strange noise. The printer shut off, and then I smelled something like rotten eggs or ammonia. Did I fry the printer? Is there anything I can do to repair it?

Answer:

Understanding the Voltage Compatibility of the Epson ET-8550

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a fantastic wide-format printer, but unfortunately, it does not come in a universal or auto-switching voltage version. Epson manufactures two distinct variants:

• North American Model: Designed for 110–120V AC

• European/International Model: Designed for 220–240V AC

These versions are not interchangeable. While the power cord might be labeled with a wide input range, like "1–300V," this only refers to the cord’s capacity, not the printer’s internal power supply. So, plugging a 110V-only unit directly into 220V power without a step-down transformer can cause instant electrical failure.

The Rotten Egg or Ammonia Smell: What Does It Mean?

Rotten eggs or ammonia odor typically comes from burned capacitors or internal power supply components. This suggests the damage likely occurred at the power supply unit (PSU) level. However, other components, such as the mainboard or logic board, may also be affected depending on how quickly the overload occurred.

What Can You Do Now?

There’s still a chance your ET-8550 can be revived, but it depends on how deep the damage went:

Replace the Power Supply

Your first step is to identify and replace the power supply unit. For example:

• The U.S. version (110V) typically uses the EPS-145 power board.

• The European version (220V) uses the EPS-145E (or another region-specific variant with "E" or "EU" designation).

You can source the correct 220V-compatible PSU and install it as a replacement.

Check for Mainboard Damage

Once the new PSU is installed, power on the printer and observe:

• If it lights up normally, the damage was likely limited to the PSU.

• If it remains dead or shows unusual behavior, the mainboard may be burned out. In this case, replacing the mainboard may be necessary—though availability for new models like the ET-8550 is still limited and expensive.

If you'd like to attempt the repair yourself, you can often find these parts from:

• Printer salvage/parts resellers

• International electronics marketplaces like eBay or AliExpress

However, make sure you match part numbers exactly.

Can BCH Technologies Help?

Unfortunately, due to the physical nature of electrical damage, we cannot offer remote diagnostics for burnt power components. But we do offer in-person diagnostic and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, our facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can begin working on your unit.

We specialize in repairing both full printers and individual components, and we will guide you through the intake and service process. That said, we understand that our repair pricing may not always be the most cost-effective solution—especially when the damage extends to multiple critical boards.

If you're looking to explore a DIY route, we highly recommend visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon next to the “About” tab to find instructional videos. We've covered a wide range of repair and diagnostic topics over the past nine years. This is the fastest way to locate specific help videos—and YouTube may even suggest relevant content from other trusted creators.

Thanks again for reaching out to us! We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your printer’s next steps. We’re always here to support you in any way we can—whether that’s through parts, knowledge, or repair services.

Stay safe and good luck with the repair!