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