Adapters, Converters, Transformers, Oh My!

When I started traveling overseas, no one bothered to tell me much about the differences (or potential dangers for that matter) with using electronic appliances and conversions, so it is a complete wonder that I never blew up anything, burned it out, or caught it on fire.  Those are a few of the "horror stories" that I typically hear now that I work at Changes In Latitude. So, in an effort to prevent any of you from experiencing these electrical fiascos, I have opted to write this entry on dealing with your appliances overseas.

Adapters

Let me first start by emphasizing that an adapter does not convert electricity.  An adapter simply gets you into the wall.  A converter actually converts the electricity, but I will get to that in the next section.  The wall sockets of most countries are not like ours in the U.S.  That being said, you cannot plug in appliances with two flat pins (like ours) directly to say a two round pin socket as found in most of Europe.  To correct this problem, you need to have an adapter.  There are adapters available for most any type of wall socket that you can easily purchase before you leave.  Check out this link for information on the type of adapter plug you might need for your next overseas adventure. 

Converters

Generally, most of the world (outside the U.S.) runs on 220/240 voltage.  Our lovely country, the never conforming U.S. of A., runs on about 110/120 voltage.  So, what does this mean for you?  Well, if you want to use your favorite appliance from here, you better make sure you can convert the 220/240 voltage to the 110/120 volts that your appliance requires.  

If you were to plug in an appliance that uses 120 volts into a 220 volt socket, bad things happen (like the examples I mentioned above).  So, if you absolutely must bring your super duper hair dryer, then you best pack a converter.  A 2000 watt solid state converter is going to do just that.  It will convert non-electronic heating appliances up to 2000 watts, like hair dryers, beverage heaters and hot rolling sets.  Of course, you will need an adapter as well to get into the wall, but you probably realize that from reading above!

Transformers

Transformers are similar to converters in that they can alter the voltage, but they are designed to be used with electronic, motorized heating appliances.  Use the 50 watt transformer for appliances that are less than 5o watts, like battery chargers, curling irons, and electric shavers.  

Some Good News

The good news is that a lot of things these days are already designed for both 110 and 200 volts. Examples include ipods, laptops, and some battery chargers for cameras and phones.  This means that all you need is the right adapter to get into the wall – no converters or transformers. 

Please note that I said most things can handle both.  You absolutely need to check all of your appliances to make sure they can handle both.  To do this, check on the charger if it has one.  If it says "110/200 VAC" (i.e., it has a "100" and "200" number listed), then it will handle both. If it only says "125 VAC," then you will need a converter or transformer.  To determine which one you need, a lower wattage transformer or higher wattage converter, you will have to know the wattage of the item.  

For more information

If you are still confused, give the knowledgeable staff at Changes In Latitude travel store a call.  We will make sure you get the right stuff!