Travel Electronics

Voltage Tips

SOME BASICS With a few exceptions

SOME BASICS
With a few exceptions, everyone in the world uses either 110 or 220 Volt (V) electricity. (By 110 we mean 110-120 Volts and 220, 220-240 Volts.) 110 is prevalent in North, Central and some parts of South America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Pacific. 220 is used about everywhere else. Several countries actually use both 110 and 220.

The other difference between electricity is the cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz.) Countries either use 60 Hz. (such as in North America) or 50 Hz. (such as in Europe.) There is a fairly close correlation between 110 V/60 Hz. and 220 V/50 Hz but there are many exceptions. Most electronic devices will not be affected by the cycle change. (But you need to make sure.) Other appliances, including analog clocks and some motorized appliances, will run slower or faster.

What adapter is needed where is often a lesson in past colonialism. Many countries have a multitude of electrical outlet configurations, some to ridiculous proportions. Usually they are island nations, or countries which saw a rapid influx of wealth as their infrastructure was developing, i.e. many Middle Eastern countries. To be safe, you should take all required. However, if you are only taking appliances which are not grounded (with two prongs on the electric plug) you only need non-grounded plugs. Or, if you are taking only grounded appliances (with three prong on the electric plug) you need only grounded plugs.

Also, it's possible we've erred on the side of caution: if someone told us a plug was found in a country but we could not confirm it, we've included it. We figure it's better to have an extra plug than not be able to plug in. If you find any errors or omissions, please let us know. We'd like to make this the most complete electric index in the world, but need your help. Please let us know if find errors or have additional information.

The most commonly asked international electricity questions.

Is there a difference between an adapter and a converter or a transformer?

Yes. An adapter allows a dual voltage appliance, converter, or transformer to be plugged into a wall outlet that is different from the pin configuration on the appliance, converter, or transformer. Adapters do not convert electricity. Converters and transformers convert electricity. If your appliance(s) use 110V electricity and you are traveling to one with 220V electricity, you need a "step down" converter or transformer which converts 220V to 110V. If your appliance(s) are 220V and you are traveling to a country with 110V electricity, you need a "step-up" converters or transformer. Travel Electronics carries step-down converter and transformers, as well as step-up transformers.

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

There is a difference. The explanation can get technical, but here is a summary: use converters only with electric appliances such as hairdryers, etc. Use a transformer with anything electronic, such as computers. Also, if your electronics are grounded but sure to use a transformer which is grounded. We only carry grounded transformers.

Now the technical explanation. Most commercial power generators supply electricity that varies in strength and direction. This is called alternating current and the electricity moves in the shape of a sine wave. The variations in the current are not detected because the changes occur 50 or 60 times a second, depending upon the country. A step down converter turns 220V current into 110V current by cutting these sine waves in half. A step down transformer alters the length of sine waves to create 110V current. Electronic appliances require a full wave and should therefore ONLY be used with a transformer. Electric appliances can operate with either a half wave or an altered wave and can be used with a converter OR a transformer. Transformers are for long term use while converters are not. A converter should not be used longer than is necessary to use the appliance and certainly not longer than 2 hours. Transformers are usually much heavier than converters. While transformers are designed for long-term use, you still should unplug them when not being used.

What are electric appliances?

Electric appliances are simple heating devices and products with mechanical motors. They are generally higher wattage items than electronic appliances. Some electric appliances are hot pots, hair dryers, steam irons, immersion heaters, heating pads, electric blankets, toasters, mixers, blenders, fans, electric knives, coffee grinders and coffee makers (without a timer.) But you never know what has a microchip in it nowadays -- if in doubt, take a transformer.

What are electronic appliances?

Electronic appliances are those with electronic motors, circuits or chips. They are generally lower wattage products than electrical appliances. Some electronic appliances are computers, computer printers, fax machines, radios, stereos, CD players, battery rechargers, shavers, bread makers, VCRs, clocks, answering machines and televisions. It is important to note that in this silicon age, even the most mundane products may have computer chips -- some toasters, for example.

Is the 50/60 cycle difference important?

It can be, depending upon the appliances you are taking. In North, Central and parts South America, as well as scattered other countries, the current alternates 60 times per second. In most the rest of the world, it does so 50 times a second. Converters and transformers do not convert cycles. Many electronic appliances convert the incoming power to DC so the cycle difference is irrelevant. Some electronic appliances, such as analog clocks, turntables, and others with motors will run faster or slower. Televisions built only for 60 Hz may or may not work; try to get a 50/60 Hz model if possible. We cannot be responsible for the effects of the cycle difference, and suggest you check with the manufacturer if in doubt.

Do I need a converter or transformer?

Ask two questions: Is the appliance electric or electronic? What is the wattage of the appliance? A general rule of thumb that can be used to decide whether an appliance is electric or electronic is that straight heating appliances are usually electric and any item with a circuit or a chip is electronic. An electric product can be used with either a converter or a transformer. An electronic appliance MUST be used with a transformer. Microchips are finding there way into even the most basic products so we would recommend a transformer if you are not sure.

Most products will have the Watts (W) printed somewhere on the items themselves. The wattage of an appliance is important in order to determine the size of converter or transformer that is required. Some appliances list only the amps. If so, there's a simple formula for determine the wattage:

Volts times Amps = Watts. (V x A = W)

So: if you do not know the watts, but know the amps and that it is a 110 volt appliance, then multiple the amps times the volts. A product that indicates 2 amps will be approximately 220 watts. (2 amps x 110 volts = 220 watts.) It is best to use 125 volts for 110 appliance to give yourself a safety margin.

If an item is marked 110V/220V or 110V/240V, it means that it is dual voltage and a converter or a transformer is NOT required. However, an adapter plug may be needed.

Can I use a power strip to plug in multiple appliances?

Yes, but only with a transformer. Only use a power strip, not a 110V power strip/surge protector. If you need a surge protector, get a 220V model and put it in front of the transformer. Also, you have to make sure the combined wattage of the appliances does not exceed the capability of the transformer. And if the power strip is made for 110V, be sure to plug it into the transformer, not the wall. (Appliance then power strip then transformer then adapter ((if necessary)) then wall.) Our 500 and 1000 transformers come equipped to handle two appliances at once.

I'm coming to North America, not from it.

No problem. We have step-up (reverse) transformers which convert 110/120 power into 220/240.

I don't know the wattage of the product(s) I am taking. Which transformer do I need?

Here's a general guide, but remember it's up to you to make sure of the wattage of your appliance(s). It is always better to error on the big side; there is no such thing as too large of a transformer, only too small of one. (Wattage-wise, that is. There is of course weight and price to also consider.) Be aware that motorized appliances (tools, coolers, etc.) tend surge at times to higher wattages than their ratings. Thus you may want to consider a higher wattage transformer for those items than their wattage rating. Also remember transformers do not convert cycles, and televisions will not receive broadcasts in most foreign countries but can be used with VCRs to play tapes recorded in country of origin.