Voltage Converters: Important Questions and Answers
The electricity that comes from the wall outlet plug is different in different parts of the world. This can be a problem if you travel with electrical appliances or electronic devices, because the electrical devices made to be used in one part of the world will not always play nicely with the electricity in another part of the world. If you’re planning to take your favorite hair dryer or digital camera from the U.S. to Ireland, for example, you’ll need something – like a playground monitor – to make Irish electricity play nice with your U.S. toys. Those somethings are voltage converters and voltage transformers. Here’s more information about voltage converters and other important things you need to know about electricity and world travel.
What are voltage converters and transformers? Voltage converters and voltage transformers are devices that change the voltage of an electrical current by either stepping it up – increasing it – or stepping it down – decreasing it, so that it can be used by electrical appliances and devices intended for use with higher or lower voltage than the current supplied.
Is there a difference between voltage converters and voltage transformers? Yes. Electricity comes from the outlet in alternating bursts that take the shape of waves – called sine waves. Voltage converters reduce the voltage from the outlet by cutting the sine wave in half, resulting in short, choppy bursts of energy. Voltage transformers reduce the voltage by shortening the length of the sine waves but keeping the shape, resulting in smooth waves of electricity. Electrical appliances with motors and heating elements can use either type of electricity. Electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones and other items that use printed circuits or electronic chips require the smoother electricity provided by voltage transformers. When in doubt, choose a voltage transformer.
How important is wattage and how do I figure out how much I need? The voltage converter you choose needs to be able to handle the number of watts your electrical devices need. If you try to draw more wattage from the electrical source than it is capable of delivering, you’ll short out the electrical system. In other words, the wattage is important.
Figuring out the wattage for the voltage converter you buy is really a lot easier than it sounds. Look for the label on the appliances you intend to plug into the converter. It will tell you the number of watts it needs to operate – just look for a number with a W after it. If that’s not there, you’ll need to do a little bit of math. Look for the amperage – listed as a number with an A after it, such as 1.5A (or 1.5 amps), and a number with a V after it – it will be either 110-120V or 220-240V. Multiply the A number by the V number to get the number of watts for the converter you need to buy.
If you’re expecting to plug in more than one item at once, add up the wattage needed by each of them to come up with the total wattage needed.
What if I can’t plug my appliance in because the plug shape is different? Plug configurations are even more confusing than voltage differences. Every country – and even some regions within countries – has its own plug configuration standard. In order to plug electrical appliances and electronics safely, you’ll need a plug adapter that allows you to plug your voltage converter into the outlet. Keep in mind that plug adapters do not convert electricity! Just because you CAN plug it in with an adapter doesn’t mean you should. If your electrical device uses a different voltage than the electrical outlet supplies, be sure to use a voltage transformer or converter.
Today, you can purchase entire electrical travel kits that include voltage converters or voltage transformers, plug adapters and everything else you need to plug in your favorite electronic and electrical devices when you’re away from home for one low price. Most stores and websites will be happy to help you choose the right items for your needs if you ask for help.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world’s MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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