Voltage Converters and Safe Use of Electrical Equipment when Traveling Overseas

People often wonder if there is a difference between voltage converters and voltage regulators.  A regulator acts as both a converter and a voltage stabilizer.  A converter ensures that the power supply delivered to an electrical item is the correct voltage and a stabilizer provides protection against a fluctuating power supply

Importance of Choosing the Correct Converter

People often wonder if their electrical items will work overseas, and in most cases, choosing the correct transformer or converter (depending on the electrical item involved) will enable most devices to work correctly.  The USA and a number of countries in South America and the Caribbean use a power supply that is 110 volts and 60 Hz.  The rest of the world use a supply that 220 volts and 50 Hz.    Voltage converters cause power to step up (110 to 220 volts) or step down (220 to 110V) 

Power Plugs and Converters

People who travel overseas usually need to take a converter and often an international adaptor plug that enables the device to be plugged into a power outlet, regardless of shape and angle of the plug.   It is important to remember that a plug is not a converter or a transformer and you will need to purchase them separately from the adaptor plug.  

Safe Use of Converters

As a guide, you must know the watts your device requires to work correctly.  You can find this information either on the device itself or in the owner’s instruction manual.   It is useful to buy a converter that is at least 50% higher than your appliance needs.    Operating a device on a converter that is higher than your device requires it should not damage the device; however operating a device with a converter that is less than required may cause your device not to work.  Most modern equipment won’t be affected by the difference in electricity generation at 50v or 60v.

Many online stores carry a great amount of stock and can assist you in choosing good quality voltage converters that will ensure that your appliances function wherever you travel.  For less expensive appliances, it may be worth buying a cheap device in the country you are visiting, but remember that purchasing and taking a converter will provide you with peace of mind that equipment you need to take with you will continue to function correctly.