Plug Adapters, Voltage Converters & Dual Voltage Devices

Making your electrical appliances work overseas can be a little confusing. So Le TRAVEL STORE has put together this guide to help you determine your needs. (NOTE: If you already know what you need, skip this and go to our plug adapters and voltage converters page.)




Continental European outlet

Foreign Electricity & Plugs

In the USA* electric power comes out of the wall in a range between 110 and 120 volts. In most other countries it comes out between 220 and 240 volts. Some devices are dual voltage, they can take anything from 110v to 240v power. Electronic devices like computers, pdas, phone and camera chargers are usually dual voltage. So to use American appliances overseas you will need either a voltage converter to reduce the power from 220v to 110v, or an appliance or device that accepts both 110 volt and 220 volt power. Appliances that accept both are said to be dual voltage.

In addition, most other countries also use different plug endings. So you may also need plug adapters to help your plug fit into the foreign outlets.

* Other Countries that Use 110 volts and U.S. style plugs include Japan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and much of the Carribean, Central America, and the Pacific Islands.


 


>>Dual Voltage Appliances

Dual Voltage Devices and Appliances

A dual voltage appliance is one that accepts both 110v and 220v power, so all you need is a plug adapter to make your plug fit into the wall. You don’t need a voltage converter. Some appliances like travel hair dryers, travel irons, and curling irons are dual voltage. They often have a switch with one setting for 110 volts, another for 220 volts.

The chargers for digital devices like cameras, iPods, pdas, phones and computers are normally dual voltage; they automatically adjust to 110v or 220v power.

How Can I Tell If My Appliance is Dual Voltage?

Be sure to check the indications panel on any appliance you plan to use overseas. It shows information like the model #, wattage and where it's made. It will also tell you the voltage of the appliance.

  • Dual voltage appliances will say something like 100/240V or 110~220vac. This means it should work with both U.S. style 110 volt power and the 220 volt power found elsewhere. (vac = volts alternating current).
  • Single voltage appliances will just say 110vac or 120vac.

The indications panel shows the (input) voltage the device can accept. For digital devices the indications panel is found on the charger not the device. The image at the left indicates it can take input (I/P) from 100 to 240 volts.




>> Worldwide Adaptor

My Device or Appliance is Dual Voltage. What Do I Need?

All you need is plug adapters to make your plug fit into the wall outlet. If your US plug has 2 pins, you can use the ungrounded adapter. If your US plug has 3 pins, it is grounded and you will need the grounded adapter.

Adapter Plugs for some common destinations:

NOTE: Many electronic devices like laptops, netbooks, phones, and digital cameras are dual voltage so all you need is the appropriate plug adapters.

My Appliance is Not Dual Voltage. What Do I Need?

You need a voltage converter and a plug adapter. The easiest choice is the Voltage Converter/Adapter Set, which has a converter that works for any appliance, and a set of 5 adapter plugs, covering most of the world.

To determine exactly which voltage converter is appropriate for your appliance, you need to know the wattage. Look at the indications panel - the wattage is the number followed by a W, (for example, 12W, 50W, or 1600W.

  • The converter that works with most appliances and devices is the 2000 Watt Auto Adjust Voltage Converter, which switches automatically to the appropriate low or high wattage setting.
  • If you are using low wattage devices only -- under 50W -- you can use a 0-50 Watt Transformer along with the proper adapter plug.