Foreign Voltage Systems
Digg this page
| 
Save This Page
| 
Stumble It!Foreign countries may have electric systems different from the United States that require special consideration for safe use of US electric appliances or electronic devices. As a general rule a US device will require voltage conversion in a foreign country, unless the country has a 110/120V system like the US or the device is "dual voltage."
Most laptop computers and a growing array of other travel-oriented devices are now "dual voltage," meaning they are designed to operate safely with either 110/120V or 220/240V systems. If a device is not dual voltage, it may need a converter or transformer to actually change the voltage it uses in the foreign country.
If a device is dual voltage, all that will be needed to operate it in a foreign country is an electric adapter plug to convert the device's electric plug to the style of foreign electric socket. To determine whether a device is dual voltage, look for a legend on its power adapter "box," or on the device itself. The device is dual voltage if it says something like, "INPUT: AC 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz". The device is not dual voltage if it says something like, "INPUT: AC 120V, 60Hz", or, "INPUT: AC 240V, 50Hz".
The easiest way to travel internationally is to carry dual voltage devices. However, if they are not available, or your time or budget don't permit the purchase of new dual voltage devices, you can use a converter or transformer to operate your single voltage devices safely in foreign countries.
"Cycles" in Foreign Electric Systems
Cycles are the number of times AC electric current "alternates" each second. In North and Central America and some of South America, the current alternates 60 times per second, or "60Hz." In Europe and most of the rest of the world, the current alternates 50 times each second, or "50Hz."
Most converters and transformers change voltage but do not change cycles in their conversion process. Therefore it is important to know whether the electric device will operate the same, even though the AC current being supplied is on a different cycle. As a rule of thumb, the appliances that are affected by cycle differences are those with motors such as turntables and clocks. They will run faster or slower than they should, depending upon the cycle difference. As with any rule of thumb, however, there are many exceptions. The only way to be sure is to consult the appliance's technical documentation or to contact the manufacturer.
Do You Need a Converter or Transformer?
Converters and transformers are electric conversion products that enable safe operation of electric devices in foreign countries. Electric devices that are designed for use with 110V systems require foreign 220V current to be "stepped-down." Devices that are designed for use with 220V systems require foreign 110V current to be "stepped-up."
The choice between a converter or transformer depends on several things. First, is your device an electric appliance with a high-power heating element or mechanical motor, such as a hair dryer or iron? If you are using an electric appliance, you need a converter.
Or is your device electronic, using electronic chips or circuits, such as a computer, printer or VCR? If you are using an electronic device, you need a transformer.
When in doubt about the type of device, use a transformer. Both electric appliances and electronic devices work with a transformer, but only electric appliances work with a converter. Second, is your use continuous and long-term, or is it sporadic and short-term? Transformers are designed for long term, continuous use. Converters are designed to operate for only an hour or two at a time.
What's the difference between a converter and a transformer? It lies in how the device "converts" voltage current. AC power is supplied in alternating bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave." To reduce 220V to 110V, for example, a converter chops off the sine waves in half whereas a transformer alters the length of the sine waves. This is a critical difference, because electronic devices require a full sine wave for operation; thus they can operate only with a transformer. Electric appliances function with either a full or a half sine wave, so can be operated with either a converter or a transformer.
The converter's short-term use and "chopping" off of sine waves are relatively simple and compact functions, whereas the transformer's continuous use and alteration of sine waves are relatively sophisticated functions and require more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier and much more expensive than converters. Thus if you are going to travel with an electronic device, you should purchase one that is dual voltage, if available. Most converters and transformers available to the consumer do not alter or convert the "cycles," shown as "Hz" on most devices. Although cycle differences do not cause a problem with many devices, they do impact some devices with motors such as clocks and turntables.
Reprint courtesy of LaptopTravel.com.
