If you are going to use electrical appliances abroad, you need to know what type of electrical voltage is used in the country where you're traveling and what type of adapter or plug is needed to plug your appliances into the outlet.
Most electrical appliances made for use in the U.S. work at 115 volts. While most of North and South America, the Caribbean and Japan also use 110-voltage electricity, most countries in Europe and other parts of the world have 220-volt electrical outlets. (References to 110 or 220 volts are approximate; actual voltage may vary in either case, but the amount of variance from the "official" voltage is generally insignificant.)
You can buy voltage converters that will convert 110-volt appliances to 220, however, to complicate matters there are different types of converters for different types of appliances. Small electronics, razors and non-heating appliances will need a 50-watt converter. Heating appliances such as dryers, irons, coffee makers and other high-power electrical appliances need a 1600-watt converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both types. Check the label on your electrical appliance to find its wattage. To further complicate matters, some electronics such as TV's, VCRs and computers are designed for 60 cycles-per-second (HZ) electricity and cannot tolerate the 50 cycles-per-second (HZ) electricity found in many countries. Even if you have the right converter you run the risk of blowing a fuse in your hotel or burning out your electrical appliances.
Given the complexities of safely using your electrical appliances overseas, you may want to consider some alternatives. If you plan on staying in one country for awhile, you might want to buy a hair dryer or electric razor there. Battery operated appliances are another option if you don't mind constantly replacing the batteries. Or, you can do as many experienced travelers do and leave all the electrical appliances at home. You probably don't really need them and they're often more trouble than they're worth overseas.
If you must take some electrical appliances with you abroad, your best bet is to buy travel-size dual-voltage appliances that can run on both 110 and 220 currents. Make sure the switch is on the proper voltage for the country you are in before using the appliance. You will also need to carry adapter plugs with you to fit the outlets in the countries you're visiting.
Where to buy adapters and converters
Converters and sets of adapter plugs are available at travel & luggage stores and at Radio Shack. A set of adapter plugs costs around $10 US and in some stores you can buy an individual adapter for only a couple of dollars. If you are having trouble locating the converter or adapter that you need, try calling Magellan's in the U.S. at 800-962-4943, or call Franzus at 203-723-6664 and ask them for a distributor near you. If you need more information about electricity in the country you are visiting, you can try asking Magellan's or you can order a comprehensive guide to electric current abroad from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 703-605-6050 or 800-553-6847. Here is the URL to order online from the NTIS website Paste this number PB98-156466 into the search box then press the button labeled "Run Serach".
Source: U.S. Dept of Commerce |
