Guide For Voltage Converters/Transformers And Plug Adapters


INTRODUCTION

This is a guide to some important issues when deciding to use your electrical appliances or electronics in another country. We will include a table describing electrical systems worldwide, illustrations of electrical plugs you may run across, advice on using your computer and other general advice that you may find helpful.

GENERAL:
If you are going to use electrical appliances or electronics in another country, you will need to know what type's of electrical voltage is used in the country you're traveling to also types of plugs and outlets are used there. To know this, please have a look at our Table of Worldwide Plug Adapter Guide.

If the voltage power is the same, all you need is a Plug Adapter. Voltage Converters are also called Transformers are available to change power of the voltage from one side to another. But there are different types of converters (transformers) for different types of appliances and electronics. Small electronics, electric shavers, cell phone charger, and non-heating appliances that are under 50 watts can operate with a 50 watts converter. Heating appliances such as hair dryers, curlers, heating pads, irons, coffee makers and other high-power electrical appliances that are under 1600 watts need a 1600 watts converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both types which is 50/1600 Watts converter kit. Check your electrical appliance to find its wattage (Note: We are talking about Watts not Volts many people make this mistake). These will work for those from the US traveling to destinations that use higher power voltages to "step down" from 220V to 110V.

For those travel from other Country to US will need a transformer to convert the power for their appliances from 110V to 220V. Many of these Voltage Converters also function as Step Up and Down converters.

If the label does not specify the wattage, but you know the Amperage (A), you can calculate it using the following formula: Amps (A) * voltage (V) = Watts

Example:
5 Amps * 220 volt = 1100 watts
5 Amps * 110 volt = 550 watts

FOR YOUR COMPUTER, CAMCORDER, CD/DVD PLAYER:

Many portable computers now come with power supplies that can be used in almost any part of the world which means you only need Plug Adapter. Check the item to see what type of input it can handle.

Those are designed for use just about anywhere. (100V- 240V~ 1.0A 50 / 60 H)

ADAPTERS:

An adapter will allow you to plug an appliance designed for one type of outlet into another type of outlet. Despite the fact that more than a dozen different types of plugs are in use, a typical travel adapter kit usually contains about five adapters which are capable of dealing with most of the outlets. Adapters often manage this versatility by bypassing the ground/earth wire.

Is this a good idea? Maybe, but not necessarily. Not all appliances need to be grounded/earthed, and for short-term activities like running a portable computer and recharging batteries, the adapter's convenience usually outweighs any potential safety concerns that might be caused by not using the ground/earth connection. For appliances that require grounding/earthing, and for long-term hookups, you should obtain an adapter that allows you to use the ground/earth wire.

Remember: an adapter by itself will not change the electrical voltage. You must be sure that your appliance can handle different voltages (either automatically or through a voltage switch). If it can't, you will need a voltage converter.

Converters and sets of adapter plugs are available at Popular Electronics. A set of adapter plugs costs around $10 to $15US you can buy an individual adapter for only a few dollars.

Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer. For the TVs, the power surge margin is 5 times the wattage of the TV. Heating appliances, laser printers and power tools spike when you turn them on. For these products you need to buy a transformer that is at least 3 times the items capacity.