INTRODUCTION
This is a guide to some important issues when
deciding to use your electrical appliances in another country. It includes a
table describing electrical
systems worldwide, illustrations of
electrical plugs you
may run across, advice on using your computer
and other general advice that you may find
helpful. Finally, there is a list of
sources for electrical travel accessories.
If you are going to use electrical appliances in
another country, you need to know what type of electrical voltage is used in
the country you're traveling to and the type(s) of plugs and outlets used
there. To learn this, consult the
Table of Electrical Systems used
worldwide.
If the voltage is the same, or if you're using a
universal power supply (see below), all you may need is a
plug adapter.
Converters are available to change line voltage from one amount to
another. However, there are different types of converters for different types
of appliances. Small electronics, razors and non-heating appliances can
operate with a 50-watt converter. Heating appliances such as hair dryers,
irons, coffee makers and other high-power electrical appliances need a
1600-watt converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both
types. Check the label on your electrical appliance to find its wattage. Some
places that supply adapters and converters are listed on the
sources page. These
generally work for those from the US traveling to destinations that use higher
voltages to "step down" from 230V to 120V.
On the other hand, those who travel from a good
portion of the world to the US will likely need a
transformer to convert the lower line voltage into the higher voltage
required by their appliances. Many of these devices (sometimes of higher
quality and thus higher-priced) also function as step-down converters.
Given the complexities of safely using your
electrical appliances overseas, you may want to consider some alternatives. If
you plan on staying in one country for awhile, you might want to buy a hair
dryer or electric razor there. Battery operated appliances are another option
if you don't mind replacing the batteries.
Fortunately, many portable computers today come
with power supplies that can be used in almost any part of the world. Check
the manufacturer's label to see what type of input it can handle.
Those designed for use just about anywhere have a
section on the label that looks something like this:
INPUT: AC 100V- 240V~ 1.0A 50 / 60 Hz
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This shows that the device was designed to be
used over a wide range of voltage levels and at different electrical
frequencies. In this particular example (based on an HP Omnibook 800CT), the
computer can accept “nominal” voltage anywhere from 100 volts to 240 volts and
can operate on either a 50 Hz or 60 Hz system. It is designed for alternating
current (AC). Like most appliances, it should not be used on a direct current
(DC) system. DC electrical systems are not common, but some do exist.
If you must take other types of electrical
appliances with you abroad, your best bet is to buy travel-size dual-voltage
appliances that can run on both 110 and 220-volt currents. Make sure the
switch is on the proper voltage for the country you are in before using the
appliance. You will also need to carry adapter plugs with you to fit the
outlets in the countries you're visiting.
The main types of electrical plugs that are used
around the world are listed below. You can click on the illustration to view a
larger picture and a listing of countries where that type of plug is used.
Note: the illustrations below are not to scale. Also, the labels (type A, B,
etc.) used by my principal source listed below are not any type of standard
nomenclature; labels and descriptions used by
various vendors may
differ. Supposedly the IEEE has standard
terminology for these things, but it's not used by anyone in the travel
industry.
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A
Flat blade attachment plug
Click on the picture for more |
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B
Flat blades (same as type A),
but with round grounding pin
Click on the picture for more |
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C
Round pin attachment plug
NOTE: a 'C' style plug can be used with
'E', 'F' and some 'L' receptacles.
Click on
the picture for more |
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D
Round pins with ground
Click on the picture for more |
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E
Round pin plug and receptacle
with male grounding pin
Click on the picture for more |
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F
"Schuko" plug and receptable
with side grounding contacts
Click on the picture for more |
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G
Rectangular blade plug
Click on the picture for more |
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H
Oblique flat blades
with ground
Click on the picture for more |
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I
Oblique flat blades
(inverted V-shape) with ground
Click on the picture for more |
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J
Round pins with ground (offset)
Click on the picture for more |
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K
Round pins with spade ground
Click on the picture for more |
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L
Round pins with ground (in-line)
Click on the picture for more |
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M
"South African" plug, similar to type D but larger and with one
oversized pin
Click on the picture for more |
ADAPTERS AND CONVERTERS
An adapter will allow you to plug an appliance
designed for one type of outlet into another type of outlet. Despite the fact
that more than a dozen different types of plugs are in use, a typical travel
adapter kit usually contains about five adapters which are capable of dealing
with most of the outlets shown here. Adapters often manage this versatility by
bypassing the ground/earth wire.
Is this a good idea? Maybe, but not necessarily.
Not all appliances need to be grounded/earthed, and for short-term activities
like running a portable computer and recharging batteries, the adapter's
convenience usually outweighs any potential safety concerns that might be
caused by not using the ground/earth connection. For appliances that require
grounding/earthing, and for long-term hookups, you should obtain an adapter
that allows you to use the ground/earth wire. These adapters could be more
expensive and may be more difficult to find prior to reaching your
destination, but should be available locally (at your destination) at hardware
or electronics stores.
Remember: an adapter by
itself will not change the electrical voltage. You must be sure that your
appliance can handle different voltages (either automatically or through a
voltage switch). If it can't, you will need a voltage converter.
Converters and sets of adapter plugs are
available at travel & luggage stores and at Radio Shack/Tandy and other
electronic stores. They can often be found in airport shops and duty free
stores. A set of adapter plugs costs around $10 to $15US and in some stores
you can buy an individual adapter for only a few dollars. Other places that
sell these items are listed on the
sources page.
Follow the link below to see a table showing the
types of electrical systems you will find in the various countries of the
world.
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