Do You Need An Electrical Adapter When Traveling Overseas?

Technology has played a major part in making the world seem like a much smaller place.   However, with “globalization” there seems to be a lack of “standardization” when it comes to electricity. The electrical standards used to power that technology haven’t changed much since the national standards were originally created in each country.  If you’ve traveled abroad, it becomes quite obvious the the plugs for your gadgets and appliances don’t fit in the outlets oversees.

The differences are actually more than the shape. The United States and most of the Western hemisphere use electrical systems that operate at 110-120 volts.  Most other countries use 220-240 volts as a standard.  To add to that, the 110 volt systems have a 60Hz cycle while most of the 220 volt systems operate at 50Hz. This difference in cycles per second is not normally an issue, but it can make certain items like electric clocks run faster or slower depending on the cycle.

Let’s start first with what you might need to take with you when you travel abroad:

Adapters

Converters

Transformers

Many people interchange the terminology thinking that they are all one and the same, but quite the opposite is true.  Adapters are nothing more than a connector that changes the shape of the plug to match the outlet.  It doesn’t change the voltage in any way.  Use an adapter if the shape is the only difference between your equipment and the electrical system you are using.  Unsure?  Check your equipment!  Some items are manufactured with the ability to work with either 110v or 220v.  A common example are the power supplies for laptops.  Most are “smart” and will work with either 110v or 220v and you can just use an adapter to fit the plug to the outlet.  It is always wise however, to double check with the manufacturer if you have any doubts.

If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a converter or transformer.  Converters take the 220v received from a source and rapidly cut it on and off to approximate 110v.  Converters are not good for anything that is going to be plugged in for more than a few minutes and are definitely not to be used with any electronic equipment.  The rule of thumb is, if it has an electronic chip in it, don’t use a converter.  Electronic items should be used with transformers.  Remember that most laptop power supplies have this built in and you only need the adapter for the shape of the plug.   Transformers actually reduce the voltage of the electricity going through it.  Converters only approximate 110v and therefore just limit and the amount of electricity.  This is a big difference between the two.  Also, if you are stepping up from 110v to 220v you should use a transformer.

The last thing you want on your trip is a burned-out curling iron, clock that runs too fast, or a expensive electronic device that is no longer usable.  Understand the terminology and take a close look at the electrical items you will be taking on your trip to make sure that you have exactly what you need.

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