| Whether you live in the United States, Canada, Mexico, | | | | Voltage converters usually come with plug end |
| or on another continent, traveling overseas can pose | | | | adapters that enable the conversion of the shape and |
| problems when taking along electrical appliances | | | | size of the plug's end. The plug adapter can be used |
| because of voltage differences in various countries | | | | without the converter if no voltage conversion is |
| around the world. | | | | needed. It's a good idea to carry with you a variety of |
| When taking an extended vacation, there are some | | | | plug end adapters because some countries have |
| electrical items you just can't live without. Needed | | | | many different types of outlets. For example, some |
| items may include battery chargers (for cell phones, | | | | areas do not use the flat prong outlet that's used in the |
| digital cameras, and other portable items), hairdryer, | | | | United States. |
| electric shaver, radio, curlers, iron, VCR, and DVD | | | | Frequency Gaps - Cycle Mishaps |
| player. Without a proper voltage match, you could | | | | Some countries not only have voltage differences, but |
| permanently damage your electrical product when | | | | also frequency (cycles per second) differences. Many |
| plugging it into a power source. | | | | electrical appliances are not affected by this |
| Understand Voltage Differences before You Go | | | | difference; however, some are such as clocks, |
| It's a good idea to research voltage differences before | | | | espresso makers, and other timed products. A clock, |
| traveling. Some countries have an across-the-board | | | | for instance, may not keep time properly if there's a |
| standard of 110 volts while others have a standard | | | | frequency difference. Also, it's not recommended to |
| voltage of 220. For example, North American countries | | | | use voltage transformers with heat-making products |
| as well as parts of South and Central America, the | | | | such as steamers, small electric heaters, or coffee |
| Pacific and Caribbean operate on 110 volts. Other | | | | heaters. Some hotels forbid the use of certain |
| countries around the world operate on 220 volts, while | | | | electrical appliances, so check with the hotel to be sure |
| some countries have both 110 and 220 voltage. | | | | you can bring the items along. |
| If you're traveling from the United States (with a 110 | | | | VCR and DVD Voltage Converters |
| volt standard) to Europe, and the area you plan to visit | | | | If you plan to take along a VCR or DVD player, there |
| only uses 220 volts, you will need an 110v to 220v | | | | are several options. You'll need a voltage converter |
| voltage converter, also called a step up voltage | | | | with most regular video or DVD players. There are, |
| converter. On the other hand, if you are traveling from | | | | however, innovative code free (region free) DVD |
| a country in Europe that has a 220 volt standard to | | | | players that offer voltage capabilities for 110 volts and |
| the United States, you will need a 220v to 110v voltage | | | | 220 volts. These won't need a voltage converter |
| converter, or a step down voltage converter. | | | | because it's built in. Keep in mind that using a voltage |
| What is a Voltage Converter or Voltage | | | | converter usually won't work if there are frequency |
| Transformer? | | | | differences or format differences with the provided |
| A voltage converter is a device used to convert the | | | | television set. Find out in advance if there will be |
| voltage of a power source to create a usable - and | | | | problems so you can prepare. |
| safe - power supply. Another word often used for | | | | When buying a voltage converter or transformer, first |
| voltage converter is voltage transformer although | | | | find out what type of conversion you will need - step |
| there are actually differences between the two. A | | | | up or step down. Most online electronics outlets offer |
| voltage transformer is usually bigger in size and is | | | | many different types of 110220 volts converters, |
| designed for longer, continued use. A voltage | | | | transformers, and plug adapters so you can easily find |
| converter will usually either double or cut in half the | | | | affordable solutions when you travel. |
| voltage, but some converters can do both. | | | | |