Voltage Converters - Don't Fry Your Appliances!
by: Tara Pearce
Most of North and South America, the Caribbean and Japan use 110 volts
at 60Hz while most European counties use 220 volts at 50Hz. This means
you may need to use voltage converters to use many of your electrical
appliances. Plugging a 110 volt electrical product into a 220 volt socket
without a voltage converter will damage or destroy the appliance.
To know if you need a power converter you should check any electrical
appliance as you pack them for your trip. Each appliance will have a
small rating plate which will tell you if the product is single volt
or dual volt (i.e. Use 110 or 220 or both). If the rating plate says
it is a dual volt appliance you will not need a voltage converter, however,
any single volt appliance will need a travel converter.
There are several different kinds of travel voltage converters available.
Small electronics - like your electric razor or toothbrush - need a
50 watt converter while heating appliances like heating pads, hairdryers
and curling irons require a stronger ac power converter (a 26 –
1875 watt converter is ideal). Dual voltage source converters are available
that can handle both the low and high end electrical needs.
Almost all travel converters require the use of ac adapters (In fact
I have never seen a travel converter that did not require the use of
an AC adapter) so make sure you bring some along on your trip. Most
manufacturers of travel voltage converters sell them in kits with power
adapters.
About The Author - Tara Pearce is the publisher and
webmaster of http://www.a1-travel-accessories.com
- Visit us for great information on all manner of travel tips and accessories
resources. - support@a1-travel-accessories.com
|
