If you are going to use electrical appliances overseas, you need to know what type of electrical voltage is used in the country you're traveling to and what type of adapter or plug is needed to plug your appliances into the outlet.
Most American-made electrical appliances work at 110 volts. While most of North and South America, the Caribbean and Japan also use 110-voltage electricity, most European countries have 220-volt electrical outlets.
You can buy voltage converters that will change 110-volt appliances to 220, however, 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 TVs, VCRs, and computers are designed for 60 cycles-per-second electricity and cannot tolerate the 50 cycles-per-second 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. If you're taking your computer with you to another country, read the manual carefully regarding what converters, if any, are necessary. Many of the newer laptops don't need converters, just local plug adapters. See Independent Traveler's guide to Computer Accessories for more technical tips.
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're willing to bring plenty of replacements. 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 when traveling overseas.
If you must take some electrical appliances abroad with you, 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.
Adapter Plugs
An adapter will allow you only to plug your appliance into another type of outlet. It will not change the electrical voltage. There are five types of electrical plugs that are used about 95% of the time around the world. In the photo below, these five types of plugs are labeled A, B, C, D, E. Travelers will only need to carry four adapters with them (B-E), if they are using US appliances.A. The United States uses the familiar plug with two flat parallel prongs. This same plug is used in many other countries including Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica and Venezuela.
B. This plug has two round prongs and can be used in most of the countries in continental Europe.
C. Primarily used in Australia, this adapter has two flat prongs like the US plug, but they form a V-shape rather than being parallel like the US plugs.
D. This plug has three prongs (two flat and one rectangular) that form a triangle, and is widely used in Great Britain.
E. Plug E is similar to B except the prongs it has two oversized round prongs.
Where to Buy Adapters And Converters
Converters and sets of adapter plugs are available at most travel/luggage stores and at electronic stores like Best Buy and Radio Shack. A set of adapter plugs costs around $15 -- $20 and in some stores you can buy an individual adapter for a few dollars. If you are having trouble locating the converter or adapter that you need, try Magellan's (tel. 800/962-4943; www.magellans.com).Country Voltage
For a complete list of voltage requirements by country, visit www.currentsolutions.com/knowledge/country_spec_a-g.htm.
This article appears courtesy of Independent Traveler. Independent Traveler (www.IndependentTraveler.com) includes a comprehensive travel planning guide featuring worldwide travel bargains (airfare, hotel, car rental, cruise, family vacations) within their Bargain Box (www.BargainBox.com)- as well as travel resources, travel tips, reader's reviews and message boards. The Independent Traveler also publishes Cruise Critic (www.CruiseCritic.com).
