ELECTRICAL CONVERTERS & TRANSFORMERS
Here is the information you should know to make a wise choice of your travel needs.
Global Connections
has a wide selection of Converters and Transformers
to enable your 110-120 volt appliance to work in another country. Whether you need a
Converter or a Transformer depends on the kind of appliance you are going to
use, and on its wattage. (In addition, your converter or
transformer will usually need an appropriate Adapter
Plug to allow it o be plugged in.)
CONVERTERS are designed to be used only for short periods of time, (generally less than one hour) and with the simpler, single-voltage (i.e., 110V) electrical devices, such as curling irons, immersion heaters, irons & hair dryers. However, the presence of a clock/timer or automatic shut-off device classifies an item as electronic, in which case it should be used ONLY with a transformer of the appropriate wattage. If in doubt, it is best to use a transformer of appropriate wattage instead of a converter.
TRANSFORMERS are safe to use for longer periods of time, (generally 2-3 hours if used at no more than 80% of maximal capacity) and for more sophisticated electronic devices, such as radios, camcorders & computers (though most computers are dual-voltage. You may use a transformer with either an electric or electronic appliance, but a converter may only be used with electric appliances. (See explanation of the difference between "electric" & "electronic" below.) Keep in mind that you may always use a transformer instead of a converter (provided the wattage is appropriate), but the reverse is not true.
WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS of your appliance must be checked for you to select the appropriate size of converter or transformer to use. Converters are available in a range of 50 to 1875 watts, and transformers up to 50, 100, 200 watts or more. However, transformers with a capacity of greater than 200 watts are quite heavy, and usually more expensive than purchasing the 200-240 volt appliance instead of the transformer. High-Low combinations are available, with a low-voltage transformer and a converter for 50-1875 watts in a single unit.
 | Low Wattage Appliances (up to 50 watts) generally include radios, portable CD players, battery chargers, shavers, & contact lens cleaners. |
| High Wattage Appliances (50 to 1600 watts) generally include clothes steamers, hair dryers, irons, heating pads, curling irons, & shaving cream heaters. |
ALTERNATING ELECTRICAL CURRENT (AC) is also a consideration in determining which appliances you can use in other countries. In North America, AC alternates direction at 60 cycles per second, but in most other parts of the world at 50 cycles. (Some parts of the world use direct current (DC), which does not alternate.) Converters & transformers change the voltage, but not the cycles per second of AC. Some simple, small electrical appliances can operate at 50 cycles, but many electronic appliances such as computers, clocks, & camcorders will not work properly at 50 cycles. It is important to check each product's specifications & requirements before using them. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer about your appliance.
IS YOUR APPLIANCE ELECTRIC OR ELECTRONIC? The difference is very important. Electric appliances are the most simple ones, which either simply heat up (such as curling irons, immersion heaters or irons) or have the simplest of motors (such as hair dryers & small fans). Electronic appliances are those with computer-type chips or more complicated circuitry such as computers or camcorders. Converters can be used safely ONLY with electric devices. Transformers are safe with either electric or electronic appliances.
Contact Us if you have questions about the right combination of Electrical Adapters, Converters, and Transformers (& Telephone Adapters) to use almost anywhere in the world. Global Connections also has a selection of personal care Appliances to make your trip more convenient and enjoyable.
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