The Science behind a 220 to 110 Converter

The terms 220 to 110 converter and travel transformer are sometimes used interchangeably. Some manufacturers even use one term for the other when putting labels on their products. However, a 220 to 110 converter is technically different from the way a transformer changes voltages. The following is a simple description of how converters work.

Transformers are so named due to the fact that they transform or change the voltage of electric current. A travel transformer takes a high voltage and converts it into low voltage. This step down approach to power conversion is safe and does not cause any problem with any appliance or gadget.

On the other hand, a 220 to 110 converter does not transform voltages as its moniker may have people think. What this device does is to simply just cut the power down in half from 220 volts to 110 volts. In a seamless perfect world, that process would have been completely worry-free. Well, that’s not the case on this planet, which is why many people have complained about these so-called converters.

A 220 to 110 converter cuts the current’s sine wave in half, which is why there never is a negative 110v rating in these so-called converters. These converters are known to fry different kinds of electronic devices. Plug a 1,200-watt device in a 1,600-watt converter and you have an instant smoking paperweight right in front of you.

AC alternates from plus to minus as it runs through a circuit. This is basically the behavior one can observe in a sine wave pattern. The current switches from one direction to the other in a fraction of a second. A 220 to 110 converter only uses the positive side of the sine wave and prevents electrons from going the other way. This method of reducing electric current can cause a short circuit in many silicon chips used today.

The best advice for anyone traveling to Europe therefore would be to purchase a real power converter, which means getting a transformer and not just a “converter.” A 220 to 110 converter is an indispensable device as long as one ensures that the device actually converts the power and not just cuts it in half.

With a Voltage Converter, Travel is Easy

With a voltage converter, travel would be easy as you will be able to use all the necessary gadgets you need such as your cell phone, battery charger, digital camera, laptop, radio, and other electrical devices. When you use a voltage converter, travel is more fun as you will be able to listen to music before you sleep, take pictures of the countries you visit, go online and communicate with your family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and officemates.

The voltage in both America and Japan is low at 110-120 volts while European countries have high voltage at 200-240 volts. With a voltage converter, travel is hassle-free as you just connect this to your appliances before you plug the appliances onto the socket.

A voltage converter travel kit will alter the voltage of electricity so that a device or gadget will have the amount of volts it needs to function well. The voltage is changed using a manual electromagnetic induction. The current that goes through the secondary circuit will make a magnetic field. Because there are alterations in the current, this will then effect changes in the magnetic field. In return, the voltage of the secondary circuit will also be transformed.

The wattage of a voltage converter travel kit and the appliances must also be considered. Converters with 50 watts of power can be used with MPs or battery chargers but they cannot run appliances that have 100 watts of power such as a personal computer.

When your appliances are made in Japan or in the U.S., you will surely need a European voltage converter if you go on a European trip. This will make you use all the gadgets that you bring with you. Thanks to the invention of voltage converter travel kits, people can connect with other individuals in another continent.

The Need for a Foreign Travel Voltage Converter

If you have decided to push through with that European trip you have always planned on taking, you will need a foreign travel voltage converter with you if you have many electrical devices to bring. This is because European countries operate on 210 to 220 volts electrical supply while the United States operate on a 110 volt electrical supply. In your trip, you are sure to bring an electrical razor, hair dryer, iron, MP3 or iPod, digital camera, laptop and the battery chargers for these gadgets. All of these will need a foreign travel voltage converter.

A foreign travel voltage converter is a small device that will allow your appliances to get the right amount of volts they need to operate and function well. The regular ones do not cost much and are priced at $20 or below. The stylish and latest models cost below $60. These converters are not that big and are very convenient to bring along.

When you buy a foreign travel voltage converter, it will come with a case which has a main converter and other extra inserts that will ensure you will be able to connect properly to the power system of different countries.

When you use your foreign travel voltage converter, you simply connect your appliance to it then plug this into the socket on the wall. Make sure you know the correct electric voltage system in the place you are in before plugging on your appliance. Check out the guide or manual that comes along with your converter as this has information on the voltage specifics of various countries.

To be able to travel lightly, just bring one or two converters with you. Make sure you also have a plug adaptor as European countries have different sockets. Your foreign travel voltage converter will surely be a big help for you to use all your electronic gadgets.

Europe Travel Tips: Travel Transformer vs. Power Converter

Some people ask if they should bring a travel transformer to Europe or a power converter. A lot of people think that a converter and a transformer are just the same thing. Part of the list of things in a typical travel kit would include both of these two items, which basically raises the question of which one to bring and if there’s any difference between these two things at all.

Well, a travel transformer and a power converter may seem to bring the same results but the general public should know that there is a significant underlying difference. That singular difference can spell convenience for the entire duration of the European trip or the fatal end of the gizmo that was just plugged into the wall bringing up the fancy fireworks – not to mention a nice dinner by candle light right in your hotel room.

Here’s the big difference – a travel transformer changes the AC current from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. On the other hand, a power converter only reduces the power from a high 220 volts to a lower 110 volts. The travel transformer is recommended for anyone traveling to Europe while using a power converter is definitely not advisable.

A travel transformer actually changes the 220-volt European electricity to the usual 110 volts that American gadgets are designed for. Converting from one voltage to another is safe both for the user and the appliances or gadgets that tourists bring along. However, in case a transformer starts to hum or get hot it simply means that its load is maxed out. The solution of course is to purchase a bigger travel transformer that can supply the needed power.

As stated earlier, a converter cuts the European 220 volts in half thus producing 110 volts. Many people think that there should be no problem with this but in fact, this process can indeed fry the equipment that’s plugged in. The way a converter cuts the power doesn’t work well with the behavior of AC electricity. This means that if a traveler can’t live without a hair dryer then get a good-sized travel transformer.

Which Travel Voltage Converter Should You Purchase?

Which travel converter to buy will be determined on where your device was manufactured, where you will be traveling, and the watts or amps. If you are using your 220V or 240V device in a country with 110V power, you will need a travel converter that will lower the power, but if you are traveling to a country with 220V or 240V power and have a device from a 110V country, you will need a travel voltage converter to increase the voltage.

Where Do I Find The Wattage Of My Device?

To buy the correct converter, you will need to know what wattage the device is. This is easily determined by looking at the product for the engraved wattage information. Choose a converter that is higher in wattage than the one you have to get the best performance from your travel converter.

Do Televisions Travel Voltage Converters Have Different Specifications?

Yes, there are different specifications for televisions. In order to use your TV, it is necessary to get a deluxe travel voltage regulator that gives you a higher wattage (20% more) than your set, not a travel voltage regulator. TVs require more wattage because they are known to create a surge in power when turned on, so you will need more wattage than you could get from a travel voltage converter.

If My American Hair Dryer/Blower Is 220V, Will I Require A Travel Voltage Converter?

Yes, because American dryers are typically 2-phase 100V, whereas in Europe the standard is single-phase 200V, so you will need a travel converter.

Should I Get A Travel Voltage Converter Or Regulator?

Depending on your needs, you may require a voltage regulator or a travel converter. A regulator does everything a travel voltage converter does but also keeps the current to +/- 4% of the standard voltage. The reason you would want a regulator instead of a travel voltage converter is that while countries run on 110 or 220V, it actually can vary between 75 and 130V, or 180V and 260V. This is the difference between voltage regulator and travel voltage converter.

How Do I Use My Travel Voltage Converter When In A Country With Different Plug Shapes?

This is very easy; just use an adapter on top of your travel converter.

As you can see, it is easy and simple to use a travel converter, and if you are going to travel abroad, you should plan on purchasing a converter to plug in your electronic devices and appliances.

A travel voltage converter is not expensive and will make your life traveling easier and help you make the most of your travel adventure and your devices. You can find converters online or you can find them at your local electronics shop. Being prepared will help make your travels that much more enjoyable.

Travel Voltage Converter Information for Travelers

If you have done any traveling overseas, you know that in order to use your personal electrical devices such as an electric shaver, hair dryer, or curling iron you will need a travel voltage converter. If you do not have access to one then you will not be able to plug them in and have them work in Europe, Australia and even Eastern countries because they all use different electrical power voltages than the US. Also, if you are traveling you will need a converter for your laptop, CD player, MP3 player, and cell phone.

US outlets supply 110 or 120V, while other countries usually put out 210 to 240V through wall outlets, so you can see why you need a travel voltage converter to keep from frying your electronics when you travel to these other countries. A simple plug adapter will allow you to plug in your electronics, but the extra voltage would blow out your appliance or electronic device. You must also have a travel voltage converter to lower the voltage to a point that your device can handle.

What About Double Voltage Electronics or Appliances?

Since traveling across countries has become much more common over the years, there are more people who travel with electronic devices. These days it is practically impossible to travel without cell phones, laptops, GPS, hair curlers or dryers and other appliances and electronic equipment. Many manufacturers are fitting these devices with transformers that can translate the voltage or power to the appropriate level before it reaches the device, so that it can serve as a dual-voltage device. But does this negate the need for a travel voltage converter? Many of these device’s transformers identify the voltage and change the levels up or down depending on how much voltage is needed or not needed.

So again, do you need a converter with a device that has a transformer in the charger?

While these dual-voltage devices are great and can handle the voltage switch for you, even if you have one or more dual-voltage devices, you will probably need a travel voltage converter because not all of your devices will have dual-voltage capacity. And it’s always a good idea to use a travel voltage converter just in case; it’s the safest way.

To be certain that your devices are dual-voltage or if you are not sure, check your device or the charger to see what the label says. It will look like this:

INPUT: AC 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz

A label that only says AC 110V or 120V or AC 240V, is not considered dual voltage and will need a travel voltage converter to use overseas.

You may need more than a travel converter; your American plug will probably not properly fit into the wall outlets where you travel. There are almost one dozen plug shapes in use all over the world and simply using a travel converter will not allow you to plug in your device. You will need a plug adapter. You may want to purchase an adapter kit that is universal in addition to your travel voltage converter to insure that you have the proper plug adapters.

European Outlet Converter Basics and Essentials

The secret to happy visits to the various parts of Europe is simply to bring a European outlet converter. Having one around for the trip helps tourists avoid blowing off their tops when they blow their fuses. Since the many countries of the world have not come to terms where unifying the type of power to use is concerned then the different citizens of this lovely planet will just have to bear with carrying power converters and at least one European outlet converter.

Some people ask what in the world a European outlet converter is. Well, simply put it is a plug adapter where people plug in an American size plug on one side and the other side fits a foreign outlet. In this case, the plug adapter being referred to fits into the various wall outlets in the many European countries. Remember that a European outlet converter does not covert the power.

Other than an outlet converter, another indispensable tool is a transformer or power converter. Unless the appliances or devices you brought along have a 240 volt power rating with 50 Hz to boot then a power converter becomes quite a necessity.

Another frustration for many folks traveling to Europe is the fact that each country, and at times each hotel, has a different type of wall socket. The wall sockets in Ireland and Britain will require a three pronged plug that has two flat prongs plus one perpendicular prong. As a bit of a trivia, note that the UK and Irish outlets usually have a fuse and an on/off switch.

Traveling to Italy will require the tourist to bring two types of European outlet converter. They have grounded and ungrounded three prong outlets. The plugs that go into these outlets have narrower prongs. It should also be noted that not all of these outlet converters can be bought in the US. The solution of course is to purchase a universal or all-in-one outlet adapter. With the insane diversity of power outlets out there, bringing a European outlet converter saves tourists a lot of trouble

European Electrical Adapters for Mobile Tourists

Big tip off the bat: always bring European electrical adapters. Visiting other countries will require the modern-day tourist to be both mobile and adaptable. Of course, one of the usual issues about traveling from one part of the world to another is that the power is different from country to country.

Not only is the power different, the sockets on the wall can take on any form or shape beyond one’s imagination – ok, that’s stretching the metaphor but you get the idea, right? Just don’t forget to bring European electrical adapters, they’re true life savers.

Those traveling to Europe will definitely find that the sockets in their hotel rooms are really big. Another very obvious and interesting thing about these wall sockets is that there aren’t that many of them. Well, the big reason behind it, as an FYI, is that the power in Europe is comparatively more expensive. The size and number of wall sockets are definitely good reasons to bring along European electrical adapters.

People traveling all around Europe will need at least two different conversion devices. The first one set of devices are European electrical adapters, which is basically acts like a bridge or a go between for the relatively smaller plug of the electrical appliance and the larger wall socket.

Other European electrical adapters the second type of conversion device one needs is a power converter. Get the one can convert 220v to 110v and vice versa. One shouldn’t bother with a power converter or transformer if the devices run 220v. Always remember that the power in Europe is 220v, which means never plug any 110v appliance on the wall socket.

Here are a few more useful tips to go by when traveling to Europe. First off, determine which European country you’ll be traveling to. Note that there are all-in-one electrical adapters that have various plugs that can fit any wall socket in any country – it’s a bit more expensive but it can be pretty handy at times. When traveling to different European countries, make sure to bring European electrical adapters that fit into the various wall socket shapes.

Traveling and Using Electrical Converters for Europe

When you travel to Europe, you are sure to bring your mobile phone, battery chargers, digital camera, laptop, hair dryer, iron, and MP3 or iPod. Because you have all these devices, you will need to bring electrical converters for Europe. The U.S. has a current that runs 110 volts and 60 cycles. European countries on the other hand have a current that runs between 210 and 220 volts and 50 cycles. Electrical converters for Europe would make you use your gadgets in your European trip as they would lessen the voltage and heighten the cycles.

Aside from electrical converters for Europe, you may need to bring a plug adaptor as well. Different countries in Europe have different plug shapes. You have to connect your electrical converter into the plug adaptor and then connect this into the wall socket. There are some electrical devices that can change from 120 and 220 volt current but most of the appliances do not. That is the benefit of electrical converters for Europe as they are very flexible and you will be able to utilize your gadgets. Most notebook computers and battery chargers for digital cameras do not need electrical converters but it would still be best to use a converter to be safe and sure.

There are some electrical converters for Europe that are dual wattage convertors where you just adjust the settings from low to high and vice versa. Appliances that require low settings are radios, shavers and curling irons while devices that use high settings include irons, steamers, and hair dryers. You can check the volts your appliances need by checking at their bottom, base or manual.

It would be ideal if you can travel without gadgets but the reality is you need your devices to communicate with people while you are away and document your whole trip. For these reasons, electrical converters for Europe are vital.

Converters for Europe: Essential when Traveling

When you plan to travel to England, France, Italy or any European country, you will need to bring converters for Europe. Countries such as Japan and the U.S. have voltage between 100 and 127 volts. Europe on the other hand has voltage between 200 and 240 volts.

Converters for Europe are important if you plan to bring appliances and electronics. These converters are important especially if the gadgets and devices you have do not have built-in converters. Make sure that your converters for Europe are the right ones for the appliances and electronics you have. If you have a hair dryer with you, this needs a high voltage converter. A low voltage converter is ideal for appliances such as cellular phones, MP3 players, battery charger, digital cameras, curling irons, and other devices with low voltage.

Bear in mind that low voltage converters for Europe should not be used on high voltage appliances. Using the wrong converter with the wrong device will definitely destroy them both. They may even burn the gadget to ashes. To be sure, it would be better to buy the latest converter kits that immediately convert to the kind of voltage the appliance requires. These new converters for Europe are more compact and come with new designs such as a USB port. Those converter kits even have plugs and a travel pouch and they cost less than $60.

To use a converter, plug it in the outlet and plug your appliance into the converter. You just need to know the exact voltage system the European country you are in utilizes. If you are in a hotel, ask the receptionist the voltage system they use.

With converters for Europe, you will be able to enjoy your trip as you have all the appliances and gadgets you need and you would be able to use them to the fullest.