Wall outlets in the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China are Type G (BS-1363) and supply electricity at 220 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. Chances are you're reading this because you're traveling there from the United States or Canada and are bringing things that will need to be plugged in there. The good news is that it's not nearly as complicated as you may think. In fact, in most cases, it's actually pretty simple. Once you've determined the electrical input requirements of the specific device(s) or appliance(s) you need to plug in abroad, you're already about 90% there. And that's also pretty simple, actually.

 

Laptops, tablets / iPads, smartphones / iPhones, digital cameras and other digital-age "techie" electronic devices that run on batteries

These devices generally have chargers that are already compatible with any standard household voltage from 100 volts in Japan, to 240 volts in the UK. Simply check the charger's label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your charger says that, then stop right there! Because, guess what, you're done! Yes, it's just that easy.

Since your charger is already compatible with the 240 volt electricity coming from the British wall outlet, the only issue is changing the shape of the plug so that it can actually interface with the outlet. And that can be accomplished with a simple plug adapter. The adapter for a Type G outlet is our item #EA7.

 

 

Hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners / flat irons and other bathroom appliances

As manufacturers smarten up to the fact that people tend to want to travel abroad with these things, more and more newer models are built to be dual-voltage compatible. Dual-voltage "travel models" are usually available just about anywhere you'd ordinarily buy this kind of thing, and they often don't cost any more than a regular single-voltage model.

Look for a voltage selector switch, usually somewhere on the handle. Don't worry about whether it says "110/220V" or "115/230V" or "120/240V" or "125/250V" because it's basically all the same, the specific numbers don't really matter. Simply set the switch to the higher voltage setting, attach a plug adapter (our item #EA7 for the British Type G outlet) to the cord's plug, and you're all set.

But while dual-voltage models are widely available these days, most hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are still single-voltage. And if you plug a single-voltage (120 volts for the US and Canada) appliance into a 220-240 volt outlet, even with a plug adapter, you'll "fry" it, because 220-240 volts is just too much for the appliance to handle. You could even start a fire. If you don't see a voltage selector switch on the appliance, it's almost certainly single-voltage.

So what do you do if yours is single-voltage? Well, one option would be to buy a new one that's dual-voltage. But that can be expensive, especially if yours is fairly high-end, and/or if we're talking about a number of different appliances. And, hey, we can get attached to our particular bathroom appliances. We get it.

Another option is to use a voltage converter. Like, for example, our item #PB1650. A voltage converter will "step down" the voltage from 220-240 volts supplied by the outlet to 110-120 volts so that you can safely use the appliance without "frying" it. A voltage converter is often more economical than replacing one or more appliances, and you can use it with your hair dryer and curling iron and whatever else (one appliance at a time.) You'll also still need an adapter (item #EA7 for a Type G British outlet) so that the voltage converter can plug into the British outlet. Outlet adapter voltage converter appliance. Problem solved!

PLEASE NOTE: While curling irons, flat irons and such are usually around 300-500 watts, hair dryers can sometimes be 1500-2000 watts! The model pictured above is actually 1875 watts, it says so right there on the side in big bold letters. Good thing it's dual-voltage, because a voltage converter wouldn't be able to handle it. Voltage converters only support up to 1600 watts. So if you have a single-voltage hair dryer that needs more than 1600 watts, you're out of luck. You'll need to buy a dual-voltage model.

 

CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Most newer model CPAP and BiPAP machines are multi-voltage compatible, from 100 volts in Japan to 240 volts in the UK, and therefore only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7) to change the shape of the plug so that it can interface with the foreign outlet.

To confirm this for your particular CPAP or BiPAP machine, check the label on its power supply. Most of them use a "brick" type power supply (if you're of a certain age, you may refer to this as an AC adapter) that's a lot like the kind you'd find with a laptop. Check its label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your machine's power supply says that, then just attach an adapter to its plug and you're all set!

Older models may be only compatible with a single voltage (for example, "Input: 120V") and if that's the case, then the next question is, is the "brick" power supply detachable? It probably is. If so, then you could just replace that part with one that's multi-voltage compatible. Power supplies like this are converting the AC power coming from the wall outlet to low-voltage direct current (DC) power for use by the appliance. The appliance itself runs on DC. So, for about $20, you could replace just that part with a multi-voltage equivalent. Just make sure it outputs the same DC voltage (usually 5, 12 or 24 volts DC) and amperage / wattage, and that its connector matches the connector on your CPAP or BiPAP machine. Then just attach an EA7 adapter to the new multi-voltage power supply, and you're good to go!

Or, as a last resort, you could use a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer will convert the voltage from 220-240 volts at the outlet, to 110-120 volts at the plug, so that you can safely use your CPAP or BiPAP machine abroad. The downside is that voltage transformers can be fairly bulky and heavy. They're not exactly the most convenient things to carry around with you. But hey, if you've got no other choice, a voltage transformer will do the job.

Whatever you do, don't mistake a voltage converter for a voltage transformer. They're entirely different things, and while voltage converters like you'd use for a hair dryer are smaller and lighter, they're not suitable for electronics or devices like CPAP and BiPAP machines.

 

Consumer Grade Audio/Video Equipment, including Televisions, A/V Receivers, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Players, Game Consoles, Etc.

The short answer? Don't even bother. It's probably not worth the trouble.

The somewhat longer answer: When it comes to audio/video equipment, the electrical input is probably the least of your worries. Even if you're able to properly supply electricity to the equipment, there are numerous other compatibility issues which need to be addressed. And even if you address them all, you'll probably end up in a situation where the cure is worse than the disease -- hundreds of dollars worth of gadgets and cables scattered all over the place, and conversion after conversion, each of which (assuming they even work) degrading the eventual output to the point of frustration.

The bottom line is that A/V equipment just isn't built to be taken abroad. Even if your television is 100-240V multi-voltage compatible, there are differences in scan rates (30/60/120 frames per second in North America vs. 25/50/110 frames per second in Europe, for example) and broadcast standards (PAL vs. NTSC vs. SECAM) and tuning frequencies and DVD/Blu-Ray region coding, and on and on like that. It's a mess.

You'd need to talk to an A/V expert if you're really REALLY intent on taking your A/V equipment abroad. But even then, the answer will probably be the same: it's just not worth all the trouble. Manufacturers deliberately build these various incompatibilities in specifically so that A/V equipment can't be used outside of the country / region for which it's intended to be bought, sold and used. You could try to fight The Man on this, but The Man is almost certainly going to win.

Now, you might be saying "Okay, but I'm going to be running a completely closed system when I get there. All my equipment is American, and I won't be bringing any signals in from the outside. Just my own DVDs, maybe some internet streaming like Netflix, and stuff from my PC. Shouldn't that be okay?" Maybe, but again, probably not. You could give it a shot with a voltage transformer, but even then, there will probably be issues. Voltage transformers output "modified sine wave" or "stepped wave" electricity, and A/V equipment can be particularly sensitive to that. The degree to which it degrades the picture/sound output varies depending on the equipment, but it can be a significant problem. And signals from internet streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, PS Vue, Amazon, etc. will be fed to your devices according to the local standards, which will be incompatible with the standards your equipment was built for. Again, it's a mess.

We get it, you want to conquer this thing. The best way to do that? Concede, regroup at Red Lobster, and live to fight another day.

 

Small Kitchen Appliances, including Mixers, Toasters, Coffee Makers, Slow Cookers, Blenders, Food Processors, Microwave Ovens, etc.

For the sake of simplicity, let's just say small kitchen appliances are "never" dual-voltage or multi-voltage. Surely there are a handful of exceptions out there somewhere, but in the US and Canada, there's basically a 100% chance that your kitchen appliances are only compatible with 110-120 volt North American electricity.

But most small kitchen appliances can be safely (albeit less-effectively) used abroad with a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer takes the 220-240 volt electricity supplied by the outlet, and changes it to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. (For a Type G British outlet, you would also need to attach a plug adapter, our item #EA7, to the voltage transformer's plug, so that the transformer can plug into the British outlet.)

You'll need to determine the wattage requirement for your specific appliance. Some things, like hand mixers, require relatively little wattage, while things with heating elements, like coffee makers and toasters, require a much higher amount of wattage. Check the label on the bottom or back of your appliance, where the brand name and model number appear, and locate its electrical specifications. It should look something like "Input: 120V  60Hz  240W" where W indicates the wattage. You'll need a voltage transformer that's capable of supporting that amount of wattage or greater.

Sometimes the label will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  2.0A" 120 volts x 2.0 amps = 240 watts.

Want to use a power strip to gain additional outlets and plug multiple appliances into a single transformer? You can do that. But the transformer's wattage rating needs to be greater than the total combined wattage of all the appliances plugged into it at the same time. So for a 500 watt mixer, and a 500 watt blender, the transformer's capacity needs to be greater than 1000 watts. Also, make sure to use a simple power strip, and not a surge protector. Voltage transformers and surge protectors don't play nice together, and in certain rare but possible circumstances, it could create a fire or electrocution hazard.

Voltage transformers can be bulky and heavy, particularly at higher wattages. A 3000 watt transformer can weigh upwards of 35 pounds! So, while you may love that 2000 watt toaster, you'll want to think about whether it's really worth the trouble of plugging it into something that weighs over 30 pounds and is larger than the appliance itself.

Appliances with motors and clocks/timers will be affected by the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) and unfortunately there's just no way around that. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not a very significant issue. A motor will rotate one-sixth more slowly on 50Hz as opposed to 60Hz. So your mixer will run about 17% more slowly, as will your blender or food processor. But that's usually not a big deal, it might just take a little getting used to. A slightly more significant issue might be the timer on your microwave. If you set it for 5 minutes, it's going to actually run for 6 minutes, because the difference in frequency is making the timer count one-sixth more slowly. Again, this can usually be overcome by just getting used to making some mental adjustments when using the appliance. The problem gets more significant the longer the appliance is used at a time. For example, over an 8 hour slow cooker cycle, the timer will be off by more than a full hour!

 

Major Household Appliances, including Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, etc.

Most major appliances with fractional horsepower motors (like a washing machine or dishwasher) or compressors (like a refrigerator or air conditioner) can be safely used abroad with a voltage transformer. However, these kinds of appliances require a special type of voltage transformer known as a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer.

Why? Fractional horsepower motors (FHP motors) and compressors are particularly heat-sensitive to the difference in the frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) of the alternating current. For smaller motors like those in small kitchen appliances, it's not a very significant issue. But larger motors, particularly ones that either run non-stop (refrigerators) or that continuously stop-and-start (washing machines) will overheat and burn out in short order if the difference in frequency isn't compensated for. A triple-tap transformer is an effective workaround for that issue.

To avoid overheating these FHP motors and/or compressors, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Exceptions to this are clothes dryers, stoves/ovens/cooktops, and US and Canadian air conditioners intended to be run on a North American 220-240 volt circuit. You're probably already aware of the fact that clothes dryers and cooking appliances (stoves/ovens) typically plug into different types of outlets to begin with, as opposed to normal household outlets. This is because those appliances run on two-phase circuits. A normal household circuit has one 120 volt phase wire and one neutral wire, whereas a circuit for a clothes dryer or stove/oven has two 120 volt phase wires. This is also different from Europe, the UK and other countries where normal household outlets are 220-240 volts, because in those countries, those circuits consist of a single 220-240 volt phase wire and a neutral wire, as opposed to two 120 volt phase wires. Bottom line? They're incompatible, even with a voltage transformer. A local electrician may be able to solve the problem, but it's going to require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage transformer isn't going to help.

 

Lamps, Lights, Wall Sconces, Chandeliers, and Other Lighting Fixtures

Okay, let's get the easy part out of the way first: Chandeliers, wall sconces, fluorescent lighting fixtures, etc. are permanently-installed and hard-wired directly to the building's electrical system. Consult with a local electrician. There's probably a solution, but it will require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage converter or transformer doesn't apply to this kind of situation. (Well, it might, but it would be something an electrician needs to supply and install into a wall, or in the ceiling, etc.)

Freestanding lamps may be able to be used with a voltage transformer, albeit with some associated issues which may prove to be deal-breakers.

For one thing, are you even able to easily obtain replacement bulbs? In North America, light bulbs generally have screw-type connectors, whereas abroad they usually have bayonet-type connectors. Powering a lamp via a voltage transformer is likely to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs significantly, so expect to have to change bulbs out frequently.

Fluorescent bulbs are sensitive to the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) which will result in an annoying flicker if the frequency isn't what the bulb was designed for. Unfortunately, there's no practical solution for the frequency issue.

And then there's the matter of voltage transformers not exactly being the prettiest things in the world. Let's say your lamp has five 100-watt bulbs. You'd need at least a 500-watt voltage transformer, which isn't exactly tiny and unobtrusive. Perhaps you could conceal it behind a couch, or a plant, or something like that. But otherwise, your beautiful lamp would have a bulky, ugly piece of machinery sitting right next to it. You'll want to ask yourself whether it's really worth it.

The other solution would be to have an electrician completely re-wire the lamp, including the bulb sockets, if it's even possible to do so given any physical limitations/barriers based on the way the lamp was originally built. The question remains: Is it really worth all the trouble?

Lately, LED string lights seem to be gaining in popularity, and these things are often shipped directly from China or Japan via marketplace web sites like eBay. If you're buying LED string lights, pay very close attention to their electrical input requirements before you buy. If the information isn't published, ask the seller, and be sure they're telling you the truth.

LED string lights are often powered by way of a "brick" type power supply or an AC adapter, similar to the kind of power supply a laptop uses. And those are often multi-voltage compatible. Check its label and look for something like "Input: 100-240V" and if it says that, then you're in luck, because you just need a simple plug adapter that matches the type of outlet you need to plug into.

Otherwise, you may end up with LED string lights which were designed for Chinese 220 volt electricity, or Japanese 100 volt electricity. And at that point, your only solution is a voltage transformer. You'll need to determine how many watts your light string requires, and select a voltage transformer that can handle the wattage required by the lights.

 

Power Tools and Other Shop / Factory Machines

Charging stations for many newer model cordless power tools are multi-voltage compatible. Check the label on the bottom of the charging station and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If that's the case for your particular tool's charging station, then the difference in voltage is irrelevant, and the only issue is changing the shape of the charging station's plug so that it can physically interface with the foreign outlet. That requires only a simple plug adapter (for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7.) The tool itself is running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, so things like frequency (Hz) are also irrelevant. Frequency only applies to alternating current (AC) power.

Corded power tools are a different and more complicated situation, because they're running directly on the alternating current (AC) power coming from the wall outlet, and therefore things like frequency (Hz) come into play. Corded power tools built to be powered by 110-120 volt North American electricity can be safely powered abroad by way of a voltage transformer, which will change the 220-240 volt electricity coming from the wall outlet to 110-120 volt power for use by the tool.

Check the nameplate on the tool, where the brand name and model number appear, and determine the tool's wattage (W) requirement. Sometimes the nameplate will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  10.0A" 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. You'll need a voltage transformer with a wattage capacity sufficient to handle the tool's wattage load.

In normal household applications, a "regular" voltage transformer will do the job just fine. But "regular" transformers are vented, and that can be a problem if you're in a shop or factory or other "harsh environment" where, for example, there might be sawdust flying all over the place. Sawdust gets inside the transformer, stuff burns up, bad situation. Don't even get us started on the potential hazards of thrown metal shavings coming into contact with other metal which is carrying electric current. Yikes!

If you're in an industrial environment, you might want to consider one of our Todd Systems transformers instead. The outer chassis of Todd Systems transformers are sealed with a modified polyester heat-cured varnish, thus protecting the transformer's internal metal windings from moisture, airborne particulates and other contaminants. They're (quite a bit) more expensive, but not nearly as expensive as a fire. (They can also be bolted down to a workbench or sawhorse or other work surface, which can be a significant feature.)

Back to the frequency issue.... Again, with cordless power tools, frequency isn't an issue because the tool itself is actually running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, and frequency only relates to alternating current (AC) power. But when a corded tool is running directly on AC power, the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) will affect the performance and the lifespan of the tool's fractional horsepower (FHP) motor.

One effect may not be all that significant. The difference in frequency will cause a 60Hz motor to rotate one-sixth more slowly when powered on 50Hz. That's objectively a 17% performance degradation, but how big an issue that is depends on the work being done. It might not even be noticeable with, for example, a drill. Or it might be a slight issue, but really just something you'll need to get used to. Or the tool being used may be entirely dependent on the motor running at a precise speed, and a 17% difference might be a deal-breaker. You'll need to draw your own conclusions on that.

The second effect is potentially a lot more serious. A 60Hz FHP motor will heat up a lot more quickly when run on 50Hz. Again, the degree to which this is significant depends on the work being done. If it's a circular saw, which will make a cut for a couple minutes, then sit for a couple minutes until the next cut, chances are it's never going to get to the point where the difference in frequency causes the motor to overheat and/or potentially burn out. But if it's a band saw, which will be running continuously for hours, the difference in frequency is likely to burn out the motor pretty quickly. Again, that's an assessment you'll need to make.

As a workaround for the overheating issue, you might consider a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer. To avoid overheating a long-running FHP motor, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Wall outlets in Northern Ireland are Type G (BS-1363) and supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. Chances are you're reading this because you're traveling there from the United States or Canada and are bringing things that will need to be plugged in there. The good news is that it's not nearly as complicated as you may think. In fact, in most cases, it's actually pretty simple. Once you've determined the electrical input requirements of the specific device(s) or appliance(s) you need to plug in abroad, you're already about 90% there. And that's also pretty simple, actually.

 

Laptops, tablets / iPads, smartphones / iPhones, digital cameras and other digital-age "techie" electronic devices that run on batteries

These devices generally have chargers that are already compatible with any standard household voltage from 100 volts in Japan, to 240 volts in the UK. Simply check the charger's label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your charger says that, then stop right there! Because, guess what, you're done! Yes, it's just that easy.

Since your charger is already compatible with the 240 volt electricity coming from the British wall outlet, the only issue is changing the shape of the plug so that it can actually interface with the outlet. And that can be accomplished with a simple plug adapter. The adapter for a Type G outlet is our item #EA7.

 

 

Hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners / flat irons and other bathroom appliances

As manufacturers smarten up to the fact that people tend to want to travel abroad with these things, more and more newer models are built to be dual-voltage compatible. Dual-voltage "travel models" are usually available just about anywhere you'd ordinarily buy this kind of thing, and they often don't cost any more than a regular single-voltage model.

Look for a voltage selector switch, usually somewhere on the handle. Don't worry about whether it says "110/220V" or "115/230V" or "120/240V" or "125/250V" because it's basically all the same, the specific numbers don't really matter. Simply set the switch to the higher voltage setting, attach a plug adapter (our item #EA7 for the British Type G outlet) to the cord's plug, and you're all set.

But while dual-voltage models are widely available these days, most hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are still single-voltage. And if you plug a single-voltage (120 volts for the US and Canada) appliance into a 220-240 volt outlet, even with a plug adapter, you'll "fry" it, because 220-240 volts is just too much for the appliance to handle. You could even start a fire. If you don't see a voltage selector switch on the appliance, it's almost certainly single-voltage.

So what do you do if yours is single-voltage? Well, one option would be to buy a new one that's dual-voltage. But that can be expensive, especially if yours is fairly high-end, and/or if we're talking about a number of different appliances. And, hey, we can get attached to our particular bathroom appliances. We get it.

Another option is to use a voltage converter. Like, for example, our item #PB1650. A voltage converter will "step down" the voltage from 220-240 volts supplied by the outlet to 110-120 volts so that you can safely use the appliance without "frying" it. A voltage converter is often more economical than replacing one or more appliances, and you can use it with your hair dryer and curling iron and whatever else (one appliance at a time.) You'll also still need an adapter (item #EA7 for a Type G British outlet) so that the voltage converter can plug into the British outlet. Outlet adapter voltage converter appliance. Problem solved!

PLEASE NOTE: While curling irons, flat irons and such are usually around 300-500 watts, hair dryers can sometimes be 1500-2000 watts! The model pictured above is actually 1875 watts, it says so right there on the side in big bold letters. Good thing it's dual-voltage, because a voltage converter wouldn't be able to handle it. Voltage converters only support up to 1600 watts. So if you have a single-voltage hair dryer that needs more than 1600 watts, you're out of luck. You'll need to buy a dual-voltage model.

 

CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Most newer model CPAP and BiPAP machines are multi-voltage compatible, from 100 volts in Japan to 240 volts in the UK, and therefore only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7) to change the shape of the plug so that it can interface with the foreign outlet.

To confirm this for your particular CPAP or BiPAP machine, check the label on its power supply. Most of them use a "brick" type power supply (if you're of a certain age, you may refer to this as an AC adapter) that's a lot like the kind you'd find with a laptop. Check its label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your machine's power supply says that, then just attach an adapter to its plug and you're all set!

Older models may be only compatible with a single voltage (for example, "Input: 120V") and if that's the case, then the next question is, is the "brick" power supply detachable? It probably is. If so, then you could just replace that part with one that's multi-voltage compatible. Power supplies like this are converting the AC power coming from the wall outlet to low-voltage direct current (DC) power for use by the appliance. The appliance itself runs on DC. So, for about $20, you could replace just that part with a multi-voltage equivalent. Just make sure it outputs the same DC voltage (usually 5, 12 or 24 volts DC) and amperage / wattage, and that its connector matches the connector on your CPAP or BiPAP machine. Then just attach an EA7 adapter to the new multi-voltage power supply, and you're good to go!

Or, as a last resort, you could use a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer will convert the voltage from 220-240 volts at the outlet, to 110-120 volts at the plug, so that you can safely use your CPAP or BiPAP machine abroad. The downside is that voltage transformers can be fairly bulky and heavy. They're not exactly the most convenient things to carry around with you. But hey, if you've got no other choice, a voltage transformer will do the job.

Whatever you do, don't mistake a voltage converter for a voltage transformer. They're entirely different things, and while voltage converters like you'd use for a hair dryer are smaller and lighter, they're not suitable for electronics or devices like CPAP and BiPAP machines.

 

Consumer Grade Audio/Video Equipment, including Televisions, A/V Receivers, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Players, Game Consoles, Etc.

The short answer? Don't even bother. It's probably not worth the trouble.

The somewhat longer answer: When it comes to audio/video equipment, the electrical input is probably the least of your worries. Even if you're able to properly supply electricity to the equipment, there are numerous other compatibility issues which need to be addressed. And even if you address them all, you'll probably end up in a situation where the cure is worse than the disease -- hundreds of dollars worth of gadgets and cables scattered all over the place, and conversion after conversion, each of which (assuming they even work) degrading the eventual output to the point of frustration.

The bottom line is that A/V equipment just isn't built to be taken abroad. Even if your television is 100-240V multi-voltage compatible, there are differences in scan rates (30/60/120 frames per second in North America vs. 25/50/110 frames per second in Europe, for example) and broadcast standards (PAL vs. NTSC vs. SECAM) and tuning frequencies and DVD/Blu-Ray region coding, and on and on like that. It's a mess.

You'd need to talk to an A/V expert if you're really REALLY intent on taking your A/V equipment abroad. But even then, the answer will probably be the same: it's just not worth all the trouble. Manufacturers deliberately build these various incompatibilities in specifically so that A/V equipment can't be used outside of the country / region for which it's intended to be bought, sold and used. You could try to fight The Man on this, but The Man is almost certainly going to win.

Now, you might be saying "Okay, but I'm going to be running a completely closed system when I get there. All my equipment is American, and I won't be bringing any signals in from the outside. Just my own DVDs, maybe some internet streaming like Netflix, and stuff from my PC. Shouldn't that be okay?" Maybe, but again, probably not. You could give it a shot with a voltage transformer, but even then, there will probably be issues. Voltage transformers output "modified sine wave" or "stepped wave" electricity, and A/V equipment can be particularly sensitive to that. The degree to which it degrades the picture/sound output varies depending on the equipment, but it can be a significant problem. And signals from internet streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, PS Vue, Amazon, etc. will be fed to your devices according to the local standards, which will be incompatible with the standards your equipment was built for. Again, it's a mess.

We get it, you want to conquer this thing. The best way to do that? Concede, regroup at Red Lobster, and live to fight another day.

 

Small Kitchen Appliances, including Mixers, Toasters, Coffee Makers, Slow Cookers, Blenders, Food Processors, Microwave Ovens, etc.

For the sake of simplicity, let's just say small kitchen appliances are "never" dual-voltage or multi-voltage. Surely there are a handful of exceptions out there somewhere, but in the US and Canada, there's basically a 100% chance that your kitchen appliances are only compatible with 110-120 volt North American electricity.

But most small kitchen appliances can be safely (albeit less-effectively) used abroad with a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer takes the 220-240 volt electricity supplied by the outlet, and changes it to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. (For a Type G British outlet, you would also need to attach a plug adapter, our item #EA7, to the voltage transformer's plug, so that the transformer can plug into the British outlet.)

You'll need to determine the wattage requirement for your specific appliance. Some things, like hand mixers, require relatively little wattage, while things with heating elements, like coffee makers and toasters, require a much higher amount of wattage. Check the label on the bottom or back of your appliance, where the brand name and model number appear, and locate its electrical specifications. It should look something like "Input: 120V  60Hz  240W" where W indicates the wattage. You'll need a voltage transformer that's capable of supporting that amount of wattage or greater.

Sometimes the label will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  2.0A" 120 volts x 2.0 amps = 240 watts.

Want to use a power strip to gain additional outlets and plug multiple appliances into a single transformer? You can do that. But the transformer's wattage rating needs to be greater than the total combined wattage of all the appliances plugged into it at the same time. So for a 500 watt mixer, and a 500 watt blender, the transformer's capacity needs to be greater than 1000 watts. Also, make sure to use a simple power strip, and not a surge protector. Voltage transformers and surge protectors don't play nice together, and in certain rare but possible circumstances, it could create a fire or electrocution hazard.

Voltage transformers can be bulky and heavy, particularly at higher wattages. A 3000 watt transformer can weigh upwards of 35 pounds! So, while you may love that 2000 watt toaster, you'll want to think about whether it's really worth the trouble of plugging it into something that weighs over 30 pounds and is larger than the appliance itself.

Appliances with motors and clocks/timers will be affected by the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) and unfortunately there's just no way around that. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not a very significant issue. A motor will rotate one-sixth more slowly on 50Hz as opposed to 60Hz. So your mixer will run about 17% more slowly, as will your blender or food processor. But that's usually not a big deal, it might just take a little getting used to. A slightly more significant issue might be the timer on your microwave. If you set it for 5 minutes, it's going to actually run for 6 minutes, because the difference in frequency is making the timer count one-sixth more slowly. Again, this can usually be overcome by just getting used to making some mental adjustments when using the appliance. The problem gets more significant the longer the appliance is used at a time. For example, over an 8 hour slow cooker cycle, the timer will be off by more than a full hour!

 

Major Household Appliances, including Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, etc.

Most major appliances with fractional horsepower motors (like a washing machine or dishwasher) or compressors (like a refrigerator or air conditioner) can be safely used abroad with a voltage transformer. However, these kinds of appliances require a special type of voltage transformer known as a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer.

Why? Fractional horsepower motors (FHP motors) and compressors are particularly heat-sensitive to the difference in the frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) of the alternating current. For smaller motors like those in small kitchen appliances, it's not a very significant issue. But larger motors, particularly ones that either run non-stop (refrigerators) or that continuously stop-and-start (washing machines) will overheat and burn out in short order if the difference in frequency isn't compensated for. A triple-tap transformer is an effective workaround for that issue.

To avoid overheating these FHP motors and/or compressors, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Exceptions to this are clothes dryers, stoves/ovens/cooktops, and US and Canadian air conditioners intended to be run on a North American 220-240 volt circuit. You're probably already aware of the fact that clothes dryers and cooking appliances (stoves/ovens) typically plug into different types of outlets to begin with, as opposed to normal household outlets. This is because those appliances run on two-phase circuits. A normal household circuit has one 120 volt phase wire and one neutral wire, whereas a circuit for a clothes dryer or stove/oven has two 120 volt phase wires. This is also different from Europe, the UK and other countries where normal household outlets are 220-240 volts, because in those countries, those circuits consist of a single 220-240 volt phase wire and a neutral wire, as opposed to two 120 volt phase wires. Bottom line? They're incompatible, even with a voltage transformer. A local electrician may be able to solve the problem, but it's going to require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage transformer isn't going to help.

 

Lamps, Lights, Wall Sconces, Chandeliers, and Other Lighting Fixtures

Okay, let's get the easy part out of the way first: Chandeliers, wall sconces, fluorescent lighting fixtures, etc. are permanently-installed and hard-wired directly to the building's electrical system. Consult with a local electrician. There's probably a solution, but it will require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage converter or transformer doesn't apply to this kind of situation. (Well, it might, but it would be something an electrician needs to supply and install into a wall, or in the ceiling, etc.)

Freestanding lamps may be able to be used with a voltage transformer, albeit with some associated issues which may prove to be deal-breakers.

For one thing, are you even able to easily obtain replacement bulbs? In North America, light bulbs generally have screw-type connectors, whereas abroad they usually have bayonet-type connectors. Powering a lamp via a voltage transformer is likely to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs significantly, so expect to have to change bulbs out frequently.

Fluorescent bulbs are sensitive to the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) which will result in an annoying flicker if the frequency isn't what the bulb was designed for. Unfortunately, there's no practical solution for the frequency issue.

And then there's the matter of voltage transformers not exactly being the prettiest things in the world. Let's say your lamp has five 100-watt bulbs. You'd need at least a 500-watt voltage transformer, which isn't exactly tiny and unobtrusive. Perhaps you could conceal it behind a couch, or a plant, or something like that. But otherwise, your beautiful lamp would have a bulky, ugly piece of machinery sitting right next to it. You'll want to ask yourself whether it's really worth it.

The other solution would be to have an electrician completely re-wire the lamp, including the bulb sockets, if it's even possible to do so given any physical limitations/barriers based on the way the lamp was originally built. The question remains: Is it really worth all the trouble?

Lately, LED string lights seem to be gaining in popularity, and these things are often shipped directly from China or Japan via marketplace web sites like eBay. If you're buying LED string lights, pay very close attention to their electrical input requirements before you buy. If the information isn't published, ask the seller, and be sure they're telling you the truth.

LED string lights are often powered by way of a "brick" type power supply or an AC adapter, similar to the kind of power supply a laptop uses. And those are often multi-voltage compatible. Check its label and look for something like "Input: 100-240V" and if it says that, then you're in luck, because you just need a simple plug adapter that matches the type of outlet you need to plug into.

Otherwise, you may end up with LED string lights which were designed for Chinese 220 volt electricity, or Japanese 100 volt electricity. And at that point, your only solution is a voltage transformer. You'll need to determine how many watts your light string requires, and select a voltage transformer that can handle the wattage required by the lights.

 

Power Tools and Other Shop / Factory Machines

Charging stations for many newer model cordless power tools are multi-voltage compatible. Check the label on the bottom of the charging station and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If that's the case for your particular tool's charging station, then the difference in voltage is irrelevant, and the only issue is changing the shape of the charging station's plug so that it can physically interface with the foreign outlet. That requires only a simple plug adapter (for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7.) The tool itself is running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, so things like frequency (Hz) are also irrelevant. Frequency only applies to alternating current (AC) power.

Corded power tools are a different and more complicated situation, because they're running directly on the alternating current (AC) power coming from the wall outlet, and therefore things like frequency (Hz) come into play. Corded power tools built to be powered by 110-120 volt North American electricity can be safely powered abroad by way of a voltage transformer, which will change the 220-240 volt electricity coming from the wall outlet to 110-120 volt power for use by the tool.

Check the nameplate on the tool, where the brand name and model number appear, and determine the tool's wattage (W) requirement. Sometimes the nameplate will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  10.0A" 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. You'll need a voltage transformer with a wattage capacity sufficient to handle the tool's wattage load.

In normal household applications, a "regular" voltage transformer will do the job just fine. But "regular" transformers are vented, and that can be a problem if you're in a shop or factory or other "harsh environment" where, for example, there might be sawdust flying all over the place. Sawdust gets inside the transformer, stuff burns up, bad situation. Don't even get us started on the potential hazards of thrown metal shavings coming into contact with other metal which is carrying electric current. Yikes!

If you're in an industrial environment, you might want to consider one of our Todd Systems transformers instead. The outer chassis of Todd Systems transformers are sealed with a modified polyester heat-cured varnish, thus protecting the transformer's internal metal windings from moisture, airborne particulates and other contaminants. They're (quite a bit) more expensive, but not nearly as expensive as a fire. (They can also be bolted down to a workbench or sawhorse or other work surface, which can be a significant feature.)

Back to the frequency issue.... Again, with cordless power tools, frequency isn't an issue because the tool itself is actually running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, and frequency only relates to alternating current (AC) power. But when a corded tool is running directly on AC power, the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) will affect the performance and the lifespan of the tool's fractional horsepower (FHP) motor.

One effect may not be all that significant. The difference in frequency will cause a 60Hz motor to rotate one-sixth more slowly when powered on 50Hz. That's objectively a 17% performance degradation, but how big an issue that is depends on the work being done. It might not even be noticeable with, for example, a drill. Or it might be a slight issue, but really just something you'll need to get used to. Or the tool being used may be entirely dependent on the motor running at a precise speed, and a 17% difference might be a deal-breaker. You'll need to draw your own conclusions on that.

The second effect is potentially a lot more serious. A 60Hz FHP motor will heat up a lot more quickly when run on 50Hz. Again, the degree to which this is significant depends on the work being done. If it's a circular saw, which will make a cut for a couple minutes, then sit for a couple minutes until the next cut, chances are it's never going to get to the point where the difference in frequency causes the motor to overheat and/or potentially burn out. But if it's a band saw, which will be running continuously for hours, the difference in frequency is likely to burn out the motor pretty quickly. Again, that's an assessment you'll need to make.

As a workaround for the overheating issue, you might consider a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer. To avoid overheating a long-running FHP motor, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Wall outlets in the State of Kuwait are Type G (BS-1363) and supply electricity at 240 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. Chances are you're reading this because you're traveling there from the United States or Canada and are bringing things that will need to be plugged in there. The good news is that it's not nearly as complicated as you may think. In fact, in most cases, it's actually pretty simple. Once you've determined the electrical input requirements of the specific device(s) or appliance(s) you need to plug in abroad, you're already about 90% there. And that's also pretty simple, actually.

 

Laptops, tablets / iPads, smartphones / iPhones, digital cameras and other digital-age "techie" electronic devices that run on batteries

These devices generally have chargers that are already compatible with any standard household voltage from 100 volts in Japan, to 240 volts in the UK. Simply check the charger's label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your charger says that, then stop right there! Because, guess what, you're done! Yes, it's just that easy.

Since your charger is already compatible with the 240 volt electricity coming from the British wall outlet, the only issue is changing the shape of the plug so that it can actually interface with the outlet. And that can be accomplished with a simple plug adapter. The adapter for a Type G outlet is our item #EA7.

 

 

Hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners / flat irons and other bathroom appliances

As manufacturers smarten up to the fact that people tend to want to travel abroad with these things, more and more newer models are built to be dual-voltage compatible. Dual-voltage "travel models" are usually available just about anywhere you'd ordinarily buy this kind of thing, and they often don't cost any more than a regular single-voltage model.

Look for a voltage selector switch, usually somewhere on the handle. Don't worry about whether it says "110/220V" or "115/230V" or "120/240V" or "125/250V" because it's basically all the same, the specific numbers don't really matter. Simply set the switch to the higher voltage setting, attach a plug adapter (our item #EA7 for the British Type G outlet) to the cord's plug, and you're all set.

But while dual-voltage models are widely available these days, most hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are still single-voltage. And if you plug a single-voltage (120 volts for the US and Canada) appliance into a 220-240 volt outlet, even with a plug adapter, you'll "fry" it, because 220-240 volts is just too much for the appliance to handle. You could even start a fire. If you don't see a voltage selector switch on the appliance, it's almost certainly single-voltage.

So what do you do if yours is single-voltage? Well, one option would be to buy a new one that's dual-voltage. But that can be expensive, especially if yours is fairly high-end, and/or if we're talking about a number of different appliances. And, hey, we can get attached to our particular bathroom appliances. We get it.

Another option is to use a voltage converter. Like, for example, our item #PB1650. A voltage converter will "step down" the voltage from 220-240 volts supplied by the outlet to 110-120 volts so that you can safely use the appliance without "frying" it. A voltage converter is often more economical than replacing one or more appliances, and you can use it with your hair dryer and curling iron and whatever else (one appliance at a time.) You'll also still need an adapter (item #EA7 for a Type G British outlet) so that the voltage converter can plug into the British outlet. Outlet adapter voltage converter appliance. Problem solved!

PLEASE NOTE: While curling irons, flat irons and such are usually around 300-500 watts, hair dryers can sometimes be 1500-2000 watts! The model pictured above is actually 1875 watts, it says so right there on the side in big bold letters. Good thing it's dual-voltage, because a voltage converter wouldn't be able to handle it. Voltage converters only support up to 1600 watts. So if you have a single-voltage hair dryer that needs more than 1600 watts, you're out of luck. You'll need to buy a dual-voltage model.

 

CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Most newer model CPAP and BiPAP machines are multi-voltage compatible, from 100 volts in Japan to 240 volts in the UK, and therefore only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7) to change the shape of the plug so that it can interface with the foreign outlet.

To confirm this for your particular CPAP or BiPAP machine, check the label on its power supply. Most of them use a "brick" type power supply (if you're of a certain age, you may refer to this as an AC adapter) that's a lot like the kind you'd find with a laptop. Check its label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your machine's power supply says that, then just attach an adapter to its plug and you're all set!

Older models may be only compatible with a single voltage (for example, "Input: 120V") and if that's the case, then the next question is, is the "brick" power supply detachable? It probably is. If so, then you could just replace that part with one that's multi-voltage compatible. Power supplies like this are converting the AC power coming from the wall outlet to low-voltage direct current (DC) power for use by the appliance. The appliance itself runs on DC. So, for about $20, you could replace just that part with a multi-voltage equivalent. Just make sure it outputs the same DC voltage (usually 5, 12 or 24 volts DC) and amperage / wattage, and that its connector matches the connector on your CPAP or BiPAP machine. Then just attach an EA7 adapter to the new multi-voltage power supply, and you're good to go!

Or, as a last resort, you could use a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer will convert the voltage from 220-240 volts at the outlet, to 110-120 volts at the plug, so that you can safely use your CPAP or BiPAP machine abroad. The downside is that voltage transformers can be fairly bulky and heavy. They're not exactly the most convenient things to carry around with you. But hey, if you've got no other choice, a voltage transformer will do the job.

Whatever you do, don't mistake a voltage converter for a voltage transformer. They're entirely different things, and while voltage converters like you'd use for a hair dryer are smaller and lighter, they're not suitable for electronics or devices like CPAP and BiPAP machines.

 

Consumer Grade Audio/Video Equipment, including Televisions, A/V Receivers, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Players, Game Consoles, Etc.

The short answer? Don't even bother. It's probably not worth the trouble.

The somewhat longer answer: When it comes to audio/video equipment, the electrical input is probably the least of your worries. Even if you're able to properly supply electricity to the equipment, there are numerous other compatibility issues which need to be addressed. And even if you address them all, you'll probably end up in a situation where the cure is worse than the disease -- hundreds of dollars worth of gadgets and cables scattered all over the place, and conversion after conversion, each of which (assuming they even work) degrading the eventual output to the point of frustration.

The bottom line is that A/V equipment just isn't built to be taken abroad. Even if your television is 100-240V multi-voltage compatible, there are differences in scan rates (30/60/120 frames per second in North America vs. 25/50/110 frames per second in Europe, for example) and broadcast standards (PAL vs. NTSC vs. SECAM) and tuning frequencies and DVD/Blu-Ray region coding, and on and on like that. It's a mess.

You'd need to talk to an A/V expert if you're really REALLY intent on taking your A/V equipment abroad. But even then, the answer will probably be the same: it's just not worth all the trouble. Manufacturers deliberately build these various incompatibilities in specifically so that A/V equipment can't be used outside of the country / region for which it's intended to be bought, sold and used. You could try to fight The Man on this, but The Man is almost certainly going to win.

Now, you might be saying "Okay, but I'm going to be running a completely closed system when I get there. All my equipment is American, and I won't be bringing any signals in from the outside. Just my own DVDs, maybe some internet streaming like Netflix, and stuff from my PC. Shouldn't that be okay?" Maybe, but again, probably not. You could give it a shot with a voltage transformer, but even then, there will probably be issues. Voltage transformers output "modified sine wave" or "stepped wave" electricity, and A/V equipment can be particularly sensitive to that. The degree to which it degrades the picture/sound output varies depending on the equipment, but it can be a significant problem. And signals from internet streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, PS Vue, Amazon, etc. will be fed to your devices according to the local standards, which will be incompatible with the standards your equipment was built for. Again, it's a mess.

We get it, you want to conquer this thing. The best way to do that? Concede, regroup at Red Lobster, and live to fight another day.

 

Small Kitchen Appliances, including Mixers, Toasters, Coffee Makers, Slow Cookers, Blenders, Food Processors, Microwave Ovens, etc.

For the sake of simplicity, let's just say small kitchen appliances are "never" dual-voltage or multi-voltage. Surely there are a handful of exceptions out there somewhere, but in the US and Canada, there's basically a 100% chance that your kitchen appliances are only compatible with 110-120 volt North American electricity.

But most small kitchen appliances can be safely (albeit less-effectively) used abroad with a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer takes the 220-240 volt electricity supplied by the outlet, and changes it to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. (For a Type G British outlet, you would also need to attach a plug adapter, our item #EA7, to the voltage transformer's plug, so that the transformer can plug into the British outlet.)

You'll need to determine the wattage requirement for your specific appliance. Some things, like hand mixers, require relatively little wattage, while things with heating elements, like coffee makers and toasters, require a much higher amount of wattage. Check the label on the bottom or back of your appliance, where the brand name and model number appear, and locate its electrical specifications. It should look something like "Input: 120V  60Hz  240W" where W indicates the wattage. You'll need a voltage transformer that's capable of supporting that amount of wattage or greater.

Sometimes the label will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  2.0A" 120 volts x 2.0 amps = 240 watts.

Want to use a power strip to gain additional outlets and plug multiple appliances into a single transformer? You can do that. But the transformer's wattage rating needs to be greater than the total combined wattage of all the appliances plugged into it at the same time. So for a 500 watt mixer, and a 500 watt blender, the transformer's capacity needs to be greater than 1000 watts. Also, make sure to use a simple power strip, and not a surge protector. Voltage transformers and surge protectors don't play nice together, and in certain rare but possible circumstances, it could create a fire or electrocution hazard.

Voltage transformers can be bulky and heavy, particularly at higher wattages. A 3000 watt transformer can weigh upwards of 35 pounds! So, while you may love that 2000 watt toaster, you'll want to think about whether it's really worth the trouble of plugging it into something that weighs over 30 pounds and is larger than the appliance itself.

Appliances with motors and clocks/timers will be affected by the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) and unfortunately there's just no way around that. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not a very significant issue. A motor will rotate one-sixth more slowly on 50Hz as opposed to 60Hz. So your mixer will run about 17% more slowly, as will your blender or food processor. But that's usually not a big deal, it might just take a little getting used to. A slightly more significant issue might be the timer on your microwave. If you set it for 5 minutes, it's going to actually run for 6 minutes, because the difference in frequency is making the timer count one-sixth more slowly. Again, this can usually be overcome by just getting used to making some mental adjustments when using the appliance. The problem gets more significant the longer the appliance is used at a time. For example, over an 8 hour slow cooker cycle, the timer will be off by more than a full hour!

 

Major Household Appliances, including Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, etc.

Most major appliances with fractional horsepower motors (like a washing machine or dishwasher) or compressors (like a refrigerator or air conditioner) can be safely used abroad with a voltage transformer. However, these kinds of appliances require a special type of voltage transformer known as a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer.

Why? Fractional horsepower motors (FHP motors) and compressors are particularly heat-sensitive to the difference in the frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) of the alternating current. For smaller motors like those in small kitchen appliances, it's not a very significant issue. But larger motors, particularly ones that either run non-stop (refrigerators) or that continuously stop-and-start (washing machines) will overheat and burn out in short order if the difference in frequency isn't compensated for. A triple-tap transformer is an effective workaround for that issue.

To avoid overheating these FHP motors and/or compressors, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Exceptions to this are clothes dryers, stoves/ovens/cooktops, and US and Canadian air conditioners intended to be run on a North American 220-240 volt circuit. You're probably already aware of the fact that clothes dryers and cooking appliances (stoves/ovens) typically plug into different types of outlets to begin with, as opposed to normal household outlets. This is because those appliances run on two-phase circuits. A normal household circuit has one 120 volt phase wire and one neutral wire, whereas a circuit for a clothes dryer or stove/oven has two 120 volt phase wires. This is also different from Europe, the UK and other countries where normal household outlets are 220-240 volts, because in those countries, those circuits consist of a single 220-240 volt phase wire and a neutral wire, as opposed to two 120 volt phase wires. Bottom line? They're incompatible, even with a voltage transformer. A local electrician may be able to solve the problem, but it's going to require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage transformer isn't going to help.

 

Lamps, Lights, Wall Sconces, Chandeliers, and Other Lighting Fixtures

Okay, let's get the easy part out of the way first: Chandeliers, wall sconces, fluorescent lighting fixtures, etc. are permanently-installed and hard-wired directly to the building's electrical system. Consult with a local electrician. There's probably a solution, but it will require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage converter or transformer doesn't apply to this kind of situation. (Well, it might, but it would be something an electrician needs to supply and install into a wall, or in the ceiling, etc.)

Freestanding lamps may be able to be used with a voltage transformer, albeit with some associated issues which may prove to be deal-breakers.

For one thing, are you even able to easily obtain replacement bulbs? In North America, light bulbs generally have screw-type connectors, whereas abroad they usually have bayonet-type connectors. Powering a lamp via a voltage transformer is likely to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs significantly, so expect to have to change bulbs out frequently.

Fluorescent bulbs are sensitive to the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) which will result in an annoying flicker if the frequency isn't what the bulb was designed for. Unfortunately, there's no practical solution for the frequency issue.

And then there's the matter of voltage transformers not exactly being the prettiest things in the world. Let's say your lamp has five 100-watt bulbs. You'd need at least a 500-watt voltage transformer, which isn't exactly tiny and unobtrusive. Perhaps you could conceal it behind a couch, or a plant, or something like that. But otherwise, your beautiful lamp would have a bulky, ugly piece of machinery sitting right next to it. You'll want to ask yourself whether it's really worth it.

The other solution would be to have an electrician completely re-wire the lamp, including the bulb sockets, if it's even possible to do so given any physical limitations/barriers based on the way the lamp was originally built. The question remains: Is it really worth all the trouble?

Lately, LED string lights seem to be gaining in popularity, and these things are often shipped directly from China or Japan via marketplace web sites like eBay. If you're buying LED string lights, pay very close attention to their electrical input requirements before you buy. If the information isn't published, ask the seller, and be sure they're telling you the truth.

LED string lights are often powered by way of a "brick" type power supply or an AC adapter, similar to the kind of power supply a laptop uses. And those are often multi-voltage compatible. Check its label and look for something like "Input: 100-240V" and if it says that, then you're in luck, because you just need a simple plug adapter that matches the type of outlet you need to plug into.

Otherwise, you may end up with LED string lights which were designed for Chinese 220 volt electricity, or Japanese 100 volt electricity. And at that point, your only solution is a voltage transformer. You'll need to determine how many watts your light string requires, and select a voltage transformer that can handle the wattage required by the lights.

 

Power Tools and Other Shop / Factory Machines

Charging stations for many newer model cordless power tools are multi-voltage compatible. Check the label on the bottom of the charging station and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If that's the case for your particular tool's charging station, then the difference in voltage is irrelevant, and the only issue is changing the shape of the charging station's plug so that it can physically interface with the foreign outlet. That requires only a simple plug adapter (for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7.) The tool itself is running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, so things like frequency (Hz) are also irrelevant. Frequency only applies to alternating current (AC) power.

Corded power tools are a different and more complicated situation, because they're running directly on the alternating current (AC) power coming from the wall outlet, and therefore things like frequency (Hz) come into play. Corded power tools built to be powered by 110-120 volt North American electricity can be safely powered abroad by way of a voltage transformer, which will change the 220-240 volt electricity coming from the wall outlet to 110-120 volt power for use by the tool.

Check the nameplate on the tool, where the brand name and model number appear, and determine the tool's wattage (W) requirement. Sometimes the nameplate will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  10.0A" 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. You'll need a voltage transformer with a wattage capacity sufficient to handle the tool's wattage load.

In normal household applications, a "regular" voltage transformer will do the job just fine. But "regular" transformers are vented, and that can be a problem if you're in a shop or factory or other "harsh environment" where, for example, there might be sawdust flying all over the place. Sawdust gets inside the transformer, stuff burns up, bad situation. Don't even get us started on the potential hazards of thrown metal shavings coming into contact with other metal which is carrying electric current. Yikes!

If you're in an industrial environment, you might want to consider one of our Todd Systems transformers instead. The outer chassis of Todd Systems transformers are sealed with a modified polyester heat-cured varnish, thus protecting the transformer's internal metal windings from moisture, airborne particulates and other contaminants. They're (quite a bit) more expensive, but not nearly as expensive as a fire. (They can also be bolted down to a workbench or sawhorse or other work surface, which can be a significant feature.)

Back to the frequency issue.... Again, with cordless power tools, frequency isn't an issue because the tool itself is actually running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, and frequency only relates to alternating current (AC) power. But when a corded tool is running directly on AC power, the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) will affect the performance and the lifespan of the tool's fractional horsepower (FHP) motor.

One effect may not be all that significant. The difference in frequency will cause a 60Hz motor to rotate one-sixth more slowly when powered on 50Hz. That's objectively a 17% performance degradation, but how big an issue that is depends on the work being done. It might not even be noticeable with, for example, a drill. Or it might be a slight issue, but really just something you'll need to get used to. Or the tool being used may be entirely dependent on the motor running at a precise speed, and a 17% difference might be a deal-breaker. You'll need to draw your own conclusions on that.

The second effect is potentially a lot more serious. A 60Hz FHP motor will heat up a lot more quickly when run on 50Hz. Again, the degree to which this is significant depends on the work being done. If it's a circular saw, which will make a cut for a couple minutes, then sit for a couple minutes until the next cut, chances are it's never going to get to the point where the difference in frequency causes the motor to overheat and/or potentially burn out. But if it's a band saw, which will be running continuously for hours, the difference in frequency is likely to burn out the motor pretty quickly. Again, that's an assessment you'll need to make.

As a workaround for the overheating issue, you might consider a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer. To avoid overheating a long-running FHP motor, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Wall outlets in the Republic of Kenya are Type G (BS-1363) and supply electricity at 240 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. Chances are you're reading this because you're traveling there from the United States or Canada and are bringing things that will need to be plugged in there. The good news is that it's not nearly as complicated as you may think. In fact, in most cases, it's actually pretty simple. Once you've determined the electrical input requirements of the specific device(s) or appliance(s) you need to plug in abroad, you're already about 90% there. And that's also pretty simple, actually.

 

Laptops, tablets / iPads, smartphones / iPhones, digital cameras and other digital-age "techie" electronic devices that run on batteries

These devices generally have chargers that are already compatible with any standard household voltage from 100 volts in Japan, to 240 volts in the UK. Simply check the charger's label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your charger says that, then stop right there! Because, guess what, you're done! Yes, it's just that easy.

Since your charger is already compatible with the 240 volt electricity coming from the British wall outlet, the only issue is changing the shape of the plug so that it can actually interface with the outlet. And that can be accomplished with a simple plug adapter. The adapter for a Type G outlet is our item #EA7.

 

 

Hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners / flat irons and other bathroom appliances

As manufacturers smarten up to the fact that people tend to want to travel abroad with these things, more and more newer models are built to be dual-voltage compatible. Dual-voltage "travel models" are usually available just about anywhere you'd ordinarily buy this kind of thing, and they often don't cost any more than a regular single-voltage model.

Look for a voltage selector switch, usually somewhere on the handle. Don't worry about whether it says "110/220V" or "115/230V" or "120/240V" or "125/250V" because it's basically all the same, the specific numbers don't really matter. Simply set the switch to the higher voltage setting, attach a plug adapter (our item #EA7 for the British Type G outlet) to the cord's plug, and you're all set.

But while dual-voltage models are widely available these days, most hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are still single-voltage. And if you plug a single-voltage (120 volts for the US and Canada) appliance into a 220-240 volt outlet, even with a plug adapter, you'll "fry" it, because 220-240 volts is just too much for the appliance to handle. You could even start a fire. If you don't see a voltage selector switch on the appliance, it's almost certainly single-voltage.

So what do you do if yours is single-voltage? Well, one option would be to buy a new one that's dual-voltage. But that can be expensive, especially if yours is fairly high-end, and/or if we're talking about a number of different appliances. And, hey, we can get attached to our particular bathroom appliances. We get it.

Another option is to use a voltage converter. Like, for example, our item #PB1650. A voltage converter will "step down" the voltage from 220-240 volts supplied by the outlet to 110-120 volts so that you can safely use the appliance without "frying" it. A voltage converter is often more economical than replacing one or more appliances, and you can use it with your hair dryer and curling iron and whatever else (one appliance at a time.) You'll also still need an adapter (item #EA7 for a Type G British outlet) so that the voltage converter can plug into the British outlet. Outlet adapter voltage converter appliance. Problem solved!

PLEASE NOTE: While curling irons, flat irons and such are usually around 300-500 watts, hair dryers can sometimes be 1500-2000 watts! The model pictured above is actually 1875 watts, it says so right there on the side in big bold letters. Good thing it's dual-voltage, because a voltage converter wouldn't be able to handle it. Voltage converters only support up to 1600 watts. So if you have a single-voltage hair dryer that needs more than 1600 watts, you're out of luck. You'll need to buy a dual-voltage model.

 

CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Most newer model CPAP and BiPAP machines are multi-voltage compatible, from 100 volts in Japan to 240 volts in the UK, and therefore only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7) to change the shape of the plug so that it can interface with the foreign outlet.

To confirm this for your particular CPAP or BiPAP machine, check the label on its power supply. Most of them use a "brick" type power supply (if you're of a certain age, you may refer to this as an AC adapter) that's a lot like the kind you'd find with a laptop. Check its label and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If your machine's power supply says that, then just attach an adapter to its plug and you're all set!

Older models may be only compatible with a single voltage (for example, "Input: 120V") and if that's the case, then the next question is, is the "brick" power supply detachable? It probably is. If so, then you could just replace that part with one that's multi-voltage compatible. Power supplies like this are converting the AC power coming from the wall outlet to low-voltage direct current (DC) power for use by the appliance. The appliance itself runs on DC. So, for about $20, you could replace just that part with a multi-voltage equivalent. Just make sure it outputs the same DC voltage (usually 5, 12 or 24 volts DC) and amperage / wattage, and that its connector matches the connector on your CPAP or BiPAP machine. Then just attach an EA7 adapter to the new multi-voltage power supply, and you're good to go!

Or, as a last resort, you could use a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer will convert the voltage from 220-240 volts at the outlet, to 110-120 volts at the plug, so that you can safely use your CPAP or BiPAP machine abroad. The downside is that voltage transformers can be fairly bulky and heavy. They're not exactly the most convenient things to carry around with you. But hey, if you've got no other choice, a voltage transformer will do the job.

Whatever you do, don't mistake a voltage converter for a voltage transformer. They're entirely different things, and while voltage converters like you'd use for a hair dryer are smaller and lighter, they're not suitable for electronics or devices like CPAP and BiPAP machines.

 

Consumer Grade Audio/Video Equipment, including Televisions, A/V Receivers, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Players, Game Consoles, Etc.

The short answer? Don't even bother. It's probably not worth the trouble.

The somewhat longer answer: When it comes to audio/video equipment, the electrical input is probably the least of your worries. Even if you're able to properly supply electricity to the equipment, there are numerous other compatibility issues which need to be addressed. And even if you address them all, you'll probably end up in a situation where the cure is worse than the disease -- hundreds of dollars worth of gadgets and cables scattered all over the place, and conversion after conversion, each of which (assuming they even work) degrading the eventual output to the point of frustration.

The bottom line is that A/V equipment just isn't built to be taken abroad. Even if your television is 100-240V multi-voltage compatible, there are differences in scan rates (30/60/120 frames per second in North America vs. 25/50/110 frames per second in Europe, for example) and broadcast standards (PAL vs. NTSC vs. SECAM) and tuning frequencies and DVD/Blu-Ray region coding, and on and on like that. It's a mess.

You'd need to talk to an A/V expert if you're really REALLY intent on taking your A/V equipment abroad. But even then, the answer will probably be the same: it's just not worth all the trouble. Manufacturers deliberately build these various incompatibilities in specifically so that A/V equipment can't be used outside of the country / region for which it's intended to be bought, sold and used. You could try to fight The Man on this, but The Man is almost certainly going to win.

Now, you might be saying "Okay, but I'm going to be running a completely closed system when I get there. All my equipment is American, and I won't be bringing any signals in from the outside. Just my own DVDs, maybe some internet streaming like Netflix, and stuff from my PC. Shouldn't that be okay?" Maybe, but again, probably not. You could give it a shot with a voltage transformer, but even then, there will probably be issues. Voltage transformers output "modified sine wave" or "stepped wave" electricity, and A/V equipment can be particularly sensitive to that. The degree to which it degrades the picture/sound output varies depending on the equipment, but it can be a significant problem. And signals from internet streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, PS Vue, Amazon, etc. will be fed to your devices according to the local standards, which will be incompatible with the standards your equipment was built for. Again, it's a mess.

We get it, you want to conquer this thing. The best way to do that? Concede, regroup at Red Lobster, and live to fight another day.

 

Small Kitchen Appliances, including Mixers, Toasters, Coffee Makers, Slow Cookers, Blenders, Food Processors, Microwave Ovens, etc.

For the sake of simplicity, let's just say small kitchen appliances are "never" dual-voltage or multi-voltage. Surely there are a handful of exceptions out there somewhere, but in the US and Canada, there's basically a 100% chance that your kitchen appliances are only compatible with 110-120 volt North American electricity.

But most small kitchen appliances can be safely (albeit less-effectively) used abroad with a voltage transformer. A voltage transformer takes the 220-240 volt electricity supplied by the outlet, and changes it to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. (For a Type G British outlet, you would also need to attach a plug adapter, our item #EA7, to the voltage transformer's plug, so that the transformer can plug into the British outlet.)

You'll need to determine the wattage requirement for your specific appliance. Some things, like hand mixers, require relatively little wattage, while things with heating elements, like coffee makers and toasters, require a much higher amount of wattage. Check the label on the bottom or back of your appliance, where the brand name and model number appear, and locate its electrical specifications. It should look something like "Input: 120V  60Hz  240W" where W indicates the wattage. You'll need a voltage transformer that's capable of supporting that amount of wattage or greater.

Sometimes the label will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  2.0A" 120 volts x 2.0 amps = 240 watts.

Want to use a power strip to gain additional outlets and plug multiple appliances into a single transformer? You can do that. But the transformer's wattage rating needs to be greater than the total combined wattage of all the appliances plugged into it at the same time. So for a 500 watt mixer, and a 500 watt blender, the transformer's capacity needs to be greater than 1000 watts. Also, make sure to use a simple power strip, and not a surge protector. Voltage transformers and surge protectors don't play nice together, and in certain rare but possible circumstances, it could create a fire or electrocution hazard.

Voltage transformers can be bulky and heavy, particularly at higher wattages. A 3000 watt transformer can weigh upwards of 35 pounds! So, while you may love that 2000 watt toaster, you'll want to think about whether it's really worth the trouble of plugging it into something that weighs over 30 pounds and is larger than the appliance itself.

Appliances with motors and clocks/timers will be affected by the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) and unfortunately there's just no way around that. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not a very significant issue. A motor will rotate one-sixth more slowly on 50Hz as opposed to 60Hz. So your mixer will run about 17% more slowly, as will your blender or food processor. But that's usually not a big deal, it might just take a little getting used to. A slightly more significant issue might be the timer on your microwave. If you set it for 5 minutes, it's going to actually run for 6 minutes, because the difference in frequency is making the timer count one-sixth more slowly. Again, this can usually be overcome by just getting used to making some mental adjustments when using the appliance. The problem gets more significant the longer the appliance is used at a time. For example, over an 8 hour slow cooker cycle, the timer will be off by more than a full hour!

 

Major Household Appliances, including Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, etc.

Most major appliances with fractional horsepower motors (like a washing machine or dishwasher) or compressors (like a refrigerator or air conditioner) can be safely used abroad with a voltage transformer. However, these kinds of appliances require a special type of voltage transformer known as a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer.

Why? Fractional horsepower motors (FHP motors) and compressors are particularly heat-sensitive to the difference in the frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) of the alternating current. For smaller motors like those in small kitchen appliances, it's not a very significant issue. But larger motors, particularly ones that either run non-stop (refrigerators) or that continuously stop-and-start (washing machines) will overheat and burn out in short order if the difference in frequency isn't compensated for. A triple-tap transformer is an effective workaround for that issue.

To avoid overheating these FHP motors and/or compressors, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Exceptions to this are clothes dryers, stoves/ovens/cooktops, and US and Canadian air conditioners intended to be run on a North American 220-240 volt circuit. You're probably already aware of the fact that clothes dryers and cooking appliances (stoves/ovens) typically plug into different types of outlets to begin with, as opposed to normal household outlets. This is because those appliances run on two-phase circuits. A normal household circuit has one 120 volt phase wire and one neutral wire, whereas a circuit for a clothes dryer or stove/oven has two 120 volt phase wires. This is also different from Europe, the UK and other countries where normal household outlets are 220-240 volts, because in those countries, those circuits consist of a single 220-240 volt phase wire and a neutral wire, as opposed to two 120 volt phase wires. Bottom line? They're incompatible, even with a voltage transformer. A local electrician may be able to solve the problem, but it's going to require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage transformer isn't going to help.

 

Lamps, Lights, Wall Sconces, Chandeliers, and Other Lighting Fixtures

Okay, let's get the easy part out of the way first: Chandeliers, wall sconces, fluorescent lighting fixtures, etc. are permanently-installed and hard-wired directly to the building's electrical system. Consult with a local electrician. There's probably a solution, but it will require some re-wiring. A gadget like a voltage converter or transformer doesn't apply to this kind of situation. (Well, it might, but it would be something an electrician needs to supply and install into a wall, or in the ceiling, etc.)

Freestanding lamps may be able to be used with a voltage transformer, albeit with some associated issues which may prove to be deal-breakers.

For one thing, are you even able to easily obtain replacement bulbs? In North America, light bulbs generally have screw-type connectors, whereas abroad they usually have bayonet-type connectors. Powering a lamp via a voltage transformer is likely to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs significantly, so expect to have to change bulbs out frequently.

Fluorescent bulbs are sensitive to the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) which will result in an annoying flicker if the frequency isn't what the bulb was designed for. Unfortunately, there's no practical solution for the frequency issue.

And then there's the matter of voltage transformers not exactly being the prettiest things in the world. Let's say your lamp has five 100-watt bulbs. You'd need at least a 500-watt voltage transformer, which isn't exactly tiny and unobtrusive. Perhaps you could conceal it behind a couch, or a plant, or something like that. But otherwise, your beautiful lamp would have a bulky, ugly piece of machinery sitting right next to it. You'll want to ask yourself whether it's really worth it.

The other solution would be to have an electrician completely re-wire the lamp, including the bulb sockets, if it's even possible to do so given any physical limitations/barriers based on the way the lamp was originally built. The question remains: Is it really worth all the trouble?

Lately, LED string lights seem to be gaining in popularity, and these things are often shipped directly from China or Japan via marketplace web sites like eBay. If you're buying LED string lights, pay very close attention to their electrical input requirements before you buy. If the information isn't published, ask the seller, and be sure they're telling you the truth.

LED string lights are often powered by way of a "brick" type power supply or an AC adapter, similar to the kind of power supply a laptop uses. And those are often multi-voltage compatible. Check its label and look for something like "Input: 100-240V" and if it says that, then you're in luck, because you just need a simple plug adapter that matches the type of outlet you need to plug into.

Otherwise, you may end up with LED string lights which were designed for Chinese 220 volt electricity, or Japanese 100 volt electricity. And at that point, your only solution is a voltage transformer. You'll need to determine how many watts your light string requires, and select a voltage transformer that can handle the wattage required by the lights.

 

Power Tools and Other Shop / Factory Machines

Charging stations for many newer model cordless power tools are multi-voltage compatible. Check the label on the bottom of the charging station and look for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V"

If that's the case for your particular tool's charging station, then the difference in voltage is irrelevant, and the only issue is changing the shape of the charging station's plug so that it can physically interface with the foreign outlet. That requires only a simple plug adapter (for a Type G British outlet, that would be our item #EA7.) The tool itself is running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, so things like frequency (Hz) are also irrelevant. Frequency only applies to alternating current (AC) power.

Corded power tools are a different and more complicated situation, because they're running directly on the alternating current (AC) power coming from the wall outlet, and therefore things like frequency (Hz) come into play. Corded power tools built to be powered by 110-120 volt North American electricity can be safely powered abroad by way of a voltage transformer, which will change the 220-240 volt electricity coming from the wall outlet to 110-120 volt power for use by the tool.

Check the nameplate on the tool, where the brand name and model number appear, and determine the tool's wattage (W) requirement. Sometimes the nameplate will list amps (A) instead of watts (W) and if that's the case, simply multiply the volts by the amps to get a reasonable approximation of the watts. For example: "Input: 120V  60Hz  10.0A" 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. You'll need a voltage transformer with a wattage capacity sufficient to handle the tool's wattage load.

In normal household applications, a "regular" voltage transformer will do the job just fine. But "regular" transformers are vented, and that can be a problem if you're in a shop or factory or other "harsh environment" where, for example, there might be sawdust flying all over the place. Sawdust gets inside the transformer, stuff burns up, bad situation. Don't even get us started on the potential hazards of thrown metal shavings coming into contact with other metal which is carrying electric current. Yikes!

If you're in an industrial environment, you might want to consider one of our Todd Systems transformers instead. The outer chassis of Todd Systems transformers are sealed with a modified polyester heat-cured varnish, thus protecting the transformer's internal metal windings from moisture, airborne particulates and other contaminants. They're (quite a bit) more expensive, but not nearly as expensive as a fire. (They can also be bolted down to a workbench or sawhorse or other work surface, which can be a significant feature.)

Back to the frequency issue.... Again, with cordless power tools, frequency isn't an issue because the tool itself is actually running on direct current (DC) power from the battery, and frequency only relates to alternating current (AC) power. But when a corded tool is running directly on AC power, the difference in frequency (60Hz vs. 50Hz) will affect the performance and the lifespan of the tool's fractional horsepower (FHP) motor.

One effect may not be all that significant. The difference in frequency will cause a 60Hz motor to rotate one-sixth more slowly when powered on 50Hz. That's objectively a 17% performance degradation, but how big an issue that is depends on the work being done. It might not even be noticeable with, for example, a drill. Or it might be a slight issue, but really just something you'll need to get used to. Or the tool being used may be entirely dependent on the motor running at a precise speed, and a 17% difference might be a deal-breaker. You'll need to draw your own conclusions on that.

The second effect is potentially a lot more serious. A 60Hz FHP motor will heat up a lot more quickly when run on 50Hz. Again, the degree to which this is significant depends on the work being done. If it's a circular saw, which will make a cut for a couple minutes, then sit for a couple minutes until the next cut, chances are it's never going to get to the point where the difference in frequency causes the motor to overheat and/or potentially burn out. But if it's a band saw, which will be running continuously for hours, the difference in frequency is likely to burn out the motor pretty quickly. Again, that's an assessment you'll need to make.

As a workaround for the overheating issue, you might consider a "3-tap" or "triple-tap" transformer. To avoid overheating a long-running FHP motor, a 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 10% lower voltage when operated on 50Hz frequency. So, for example, a 115V 60Hz motor should be run at roughly 100-105V 50Hz. Normal step-down voltage transformers only output 110-120V, and will therefore allow the frequency difference to overheat and burn out the motor. On the other hand, a triple-tap transformer outputs 100-105V, compensating for the difference in frequency and protecting the motor from overheating and eventual burnout.

Unlike most other voltage transformers, PowerBright transformers can be used as either a step up transformer or a step down transformer. This means a PowerBright transformer will work for just about anybody, no matter what the origin and destination countries may be. (Exceptions are Japan (100V) and a handful of countries whose standard voltage is 127V.) Simply select the input voltage coming from the wall outlet via a jumper on the back of the unit, and plug your appliance into the outlet on the front of the unit which matches your appliance's required input voltage.

If you are bringing a U.S. or Canadian 110-120 volt appliance to a country where the voltage is 220-240 volts, you need a step down transformer. Step down transformers take the 220-240 volt electricity supplied in most countries, and convert the voltage down to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. PowerBright transformers do that.

On the other hand, if you are bringing a 220-240 volt appliance from another country to the U.S. or Canada where the voltage is 110-120 volts, you need a step up transformer. Step up transformers take the 110-120 volt electricity supplied in the U.S. and Canada, and convert the voltage up to 220-240 volts for use by the appliance. The same PowerBright transformer will do that too.

But do I need a voltage transformer? Or would a plug adapter be enough?
Well, that depends on what you need to plug in. If your appliance's voltage matches the local voltage at your destination, then a plug adapter will do just fine all by itself. But if your appliance is not compatible with the local voltage, that's when a voltage transformer comes in. Voltage transformers actually change the local voltage to a voltage that's suitable for your appliance.

Wall outlets in most parts of the world outside of North America generally supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But plug adapters do not change voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the wall outlet is supplying. North American wall outlets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be. In fact, most chargers for modern smartphones/iPhones, tablets/iPads, laptops and digital cameras are already multi-voltage compatible. Check your charger for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V" ... voila!

On the other hand, most "conventional appliances" like kitchen items, audio/video equipment, vacuum cleaners, lamps and lights, and most bath appliances are not compatible with multiple voltages, and need to have the voltage changed by way of a voltage transformer like this one. The only way to know for sure is to check the label, or the back of the manual, and determine the specific electrical input requirements for the specific device/appliance in question.

Is this transformer big enough to support my appliance?
The transformer you buy must be capable of supporting the amps and/or watts that your appliance needs in order to operate. If the transformer is too small, you will blow the fuse. The model VC100W supports 100 watts. So as long as your appliance is 100 watts or less, this transformer should be fine.

The watts and/or amps that your appliance requires can be found on a label on the appliance (usually on the bottom or back) where the brand name and model number appear. If the appliance uses a charger or AC adapter, the information will appear on the charger. Look for something like this: "Input: 120V 60Hz 100W " The "W" number is the watts. For this model transformer, that "W" number should be 100 or below.

Sometimes the label will show amps instead of watts. In that case the information would look something like: "Input: 120V 60Hz 10.0A " If the label lists amps, you can figure out a rough approximation of the watts by multiplying the amps by the volts (the "V" number). Example: 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. In this case, the VC100W would not be big enough to support the appliance. You would need to buy a transformer with a higher wattage capacity. PowerBright manufactures transformers that support up to 3000 watts!

Download the Manual

Unlike most other voltage transformers, PowerBright transformers can be used as either a step up transformer or a step down transformer. This means a PowerBright transformer will work for just about anybody, no matter what the origin and destination countries may be. (Exceptions are Japan (100V) and a handful of countries whose standard voltage is 127V.) Simply select the input voltage coming from the wall outlet via a jumper on the back of the unit, and plug your appliance into the outlet on the front of the unit which matches your appliance's required input voltage.

If you are bringing a U.S. or Canadian 110-120 volt appliance to a country where the voltage is 220-240 volts, you need a step down transformer. Step down transformers take the 220-240 volt electricity supplied in most countries, and convert the voltage down to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. PowerBright transformers do that.

On the other hand, if you are bringing a 220-240 volt appliance from another country to the U.S. or Canada where the voltage is 110-120 volts, you need a step up transformer. Step up transformers take the 110-120 volt electricity supplied in the U.S. and Canada, and convert the voltage up to 220-240 volts for use by the appliance. The same PowerBright transformer will do that too.

But do I need a voltage transformer? Or would a plug adapter be enough?
Well, that depends on what you need to plug in. If your appliance's voltage matches the local voltage at your destination, then a plug adapter will do just fine all by itself. But if your appliance is not compatible with the local voltage, that's when a voltage transformer comes in. Voltage transformers actually change the local voltage to a voltage that's suitable for your appliance.

Wall outlets in most parts of the world outside of North America generally supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But plug adapters do not change voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the wall outlet is supplying. North American wall outlets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be. In fact, most chargers for modern smartphones/iPhones, tablets/iPads, laptops and digital cameras are already multi-voltage compatible. Check your charger for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V" ... voila!

On the other hand, most "conventional appliances" like kitchen items, audio/video equipment, vacuum cleaners, lamps and lights, and most bath appliances are not compatible with multiple voltages, and need to have the voltage changed by way of a voltage transformer like this one. The only way to know for sure is to check the label, or the back of the manual, and determine the specific electrical input requirements for the specific device/appliance in question.

Is this transformer big enough to support my appliance?
The transformer you buy must be capable of supporting the amps and/or watts that your appliance needs in order to operate. If the transformer is too small, you will blow the fuse. The model VC300W supports 300 watts. So as long as your appliance is 300 watts or less, this transformer should be fine.

The watts and/or amps that your appliance requires can be found on a label on the appliance (usually on the bottom or back) where the brand name and model number appear. If the appliance uses a charger or AC adapter, the information will appear on the charger. Look for something like this: "Input: 120V 60Hz 100W " The "W" number is the watts. For this model transformer, that "W" number should be 300 or below.

Sometimes the label will show amps instead of watts. In that case the information would look something like: "Input: 120V 60Hz 10.0A " If the label lists amps, you can figure out a rough approximation of the watts by multiplying the amps by the volts (the "V" number). Example: 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. In this case, the VC300W would not be big enough to support the appliance. You would need to buy a transformer with a higher wattage capacity. PowerBright manufactures transformers that support up to 3000 watts!

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Unlike most other voltage transformers for Japan, PowerBright transformers can be used as either a step up "booster" transformer or a step down "reducer" transformer. This means a PowerBright transformer will work whether you're bringing a North American 120 volt appliance to Japan, or bringing a 100 volt Japanese appliance to North America. Simply select the input voltage coming from the wall outlet via a jumper on the back of the unit, and plug your appliance into the outlet on the front of the unit which matches your appliance's required input voltage.

If you are bringing a U.S. or Canadian 110-120 volt appliance to Japan, you need a step up "booster" transformer. Step up transformers take the 100 volt electricity supplied by Japanese wall outlets, and convert the voltage up to 110-120 volts for use by the North American appliance. PowerBright transformers do that.

On the other hand, if you are bringing a 100 volt Japanese appliance to the U.S. or Canada where the voltage is 110-120 volts, you need a step down "reducer" transformer. Step down transformers take the 110-120 volt electricity supplied by American and Canadian wall outlets, and convert the voltage down to 100 volts for use by the Japanese appliance. The same PowerBright transformer will do that too.

But do I need a voltage transformer? Or would a plug adapter be enough?
Well, that depends on what you need to plug in. If your appliance's voltage matches the local voltage at your destination, then a plug adapter will do just fine all by itself. But if your appliance is not compatible with the local voltage, that's when a voltage transformer comes in. Voltage transformers actually change the local voltage to a voltage that's suitable for your appliance.

Wall outlets in Japan usually supply electricity at 100 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 100 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But plug adapters do not change voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 100 volts the wall outlet is supplying. North American outlets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the Japanese voltage -- it may very well be. In fact, most chargers for modern smartphones/iPhones, tablets/iPads, laptops and digital cameras are already multi-voltage compatible. Check your charger for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V" ... voila!

On the other hand, most "conventional appliances" like kitchen items, audio/video equipment, vacuum cleaners, lamps and lights, and most bath appliances are not compatible with multiple voltages, and need to have the voltage changed by way of a voltage transformer like this one. The only way to know for sure is to check the label, or the back of the manual, and determine the specific electrical input requirements for the specific device/appliance in question.

Is this transformer big enough to support my appliance?
The transformer you buy must be capable of supporting the amps and/or watts that your appliance needs in order to operate. If the transformer is too small, you will blow the fuse. The model VC3000J supports 3000 watts. So as long as your appliance is 3000 watts or less, this transformer should be fine.

The watts and/or amps that your appliance requires can be found on a label on the appliance (usually on the bottom or back) where the brand name and model number appear. If the appliance uses a charger or AC adapter, the information will appear on the charger. Look for something like this: "Input: 120V 60Hz 100W " The "W" number is the watts. For this model transformer, that "W" number should be 3000 or below.

Sometimes the label will show amps instead of watts. In that case the information would look something like: "Input: 120V 60Hz 10.0A " If the label lists amps, you can figure out a rough approximation of the watts by multiplying the amps by the volts (the "V" number). Example: 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. In this case, the VC3000J would in fact be big enough to support the appliance. PowerBright manufactures transformers that support up to 3000 watts!

Unlike most other voltage transformers, PowerBright transformers can be used as either a step up transformer or a step down transformer. This means a PowerBright transformer will work for just about anybody, no matter what the origin and destination countries may be. (Exceptions are Japan (100V) and a handful of countries whose standard voltage is 127V.) Simply select the input voltage coming from the wall outlet via a jumper on the back of the unit, and plug your appliance into the outlet on the front of the unit which matches your appliance's required input voltage.

If you are bringing a U.S. or Canadian 110-120 volt appliance to a country where the voltage is 220-240 volts, you need a step down transformer. Step down transformers take the 220-240 volt electricity supplied in most countries, and convert the voltage down to 110-120 volts for use by the appliance. PowerBright transformers do that.

On the other hand, if you are bringing a 220-240 volt appliance from another country to the U.S. or Canada where the voltage is 110-120 volts, you need a step up transformer. Step up transformers take the 110-120 volt electricity supplied in the U.S. and Canada, and convert the voltage up to 220-240 volts for use by the appliance. The same PowerBright transformer will do that too.

But do I need a voltage transformer? Or would a plug adapter be enough?
Well, that depends on what you need to plug in. If your appliance's voltage matches the local voltage at your destination, then a plug adapter will do just fine all by itself. But if your appliance is not compatible with the local voltage, that's when a voltage transformer comes in. Voltage transformers actually change the local voltage to a voltage that's suitable for your appliance.

Wall outlets in most parts of the world outside of North America generally supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But plug adapters do not change voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the wall outlet is supplying. North American wall outlets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be. In fact, most chargers for modern smartphones/iPhones, tablets/iPads, laptops and digital cameras are already multi-voltage compatible. Check your charger for something to the effect of "Input: 100-240V" ... voila!

On the other hand, most "conventional appliances" like kitchen items, audio/video equipment, vacuum cleaners, lamps and lights, and most bath appliances are not compatible with multiple voltages, and need to have the voltage changed by way of a voltage transformer like this one. The only way to know for sure is to check the label, or the back of the manual, and determine the specific electrical input requirements for the specific device/appliance in question.

Is this transformer big enough to support my appliance?
The transformer you buy must be capable of supporting the amps and/or watts that your appliance needs in order to operate. If the transformer is too small, you will blow the fuse. The model VC200W supports 200 watts. So as long as your appliance is 200 watts or less, this transformer should be fine.

The watts and/or amps that your appliance requires can be found on a label on the appliance (usually on the bottom or back) where the brand name and model number appear. If the appliance uses a charger or AC adapter, the information will appear on the charger. Look for something like this: "Input: 120V 60Hz 100W " The "W" number is the watts. For this model transformer, that "W" number should be 200 or below.

Sometimes the label will show amps instead of watts. In that case the information would look something like: "Input: 120V 60Hz 10.0A " If the label lists amps, you can figure out a rough approximation of the watts by multiplying the amps by the volts (the "V" number). Example: 120 volts x 10.0 amps = 1200 watts. In this case, the VC200W would not be big enough to support the appliance. You would need to buy a transformer with a higher wattage capacity. PowerBright manufactures transformers that support up to 3000 watts!

Download the Manual