Elani Piper
When travelling with electronics, it is important to know the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter. A travel adapter changes the shape of your plug, allowing you to plug appliances into wall outlets in countries with different-shaped plugs than your own. A voltage converter, on the other hand, changes the voltage of your electronic device. Countries such as the USA and Canada have 120V electricity, while destinations in Europe have 220V electricity. If you plug a 120V device into a 220V wall socket (or vice versa), you will blow a fuse in your device and possibly the building. Therefore, it is crucial to use a voltage converter when travelling to a country with a different voltage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Changes the voltage of your electronic device |
| Plug Adaptability | Changes the shape of your plug |
| Use Case | Used when travelling with electronics to countries with differing voltages |
| Use with Plug Adapters | Always use with a plug adapter |
| Use with Dual-Voltage Devices | Do not use with dual-voltage devices |
| Use with High-Power Devices | Do not use with high-power devices such as hair dryers |
What You'll Learn
Travel adapters vs. voltage converters
When travelling with electronics, it's important to understand the difference between travel adapters and voltage converters.
Firstly, the plug you use at home may not work in a wall socket in another country because different countries have different plug shapes. Secondly, you can't use some of your electronics abroad unless they're dual voltage. For example, the US and Canada have 120V electricity, while European countries have 220V electricity.
Travel adapters (sometimes called travel plug converters) allow you to plug your electronics into foreign wall sockets. They adapt to the outlet and change the structure of the outlet to connect your device. Adapters do not convert electricity.
Voltage converters (also called transformers, voltage adapters, or international voltage converters) change the voltage of your electronic device. They are large, heavy, and less practical for travel. They are also not designed for "continuous duty" and should only be used for short periods of time.
Most modern travel electronics are dual-voltage, meaning they can withstand more than one type of electricity and only require an adapter. These include cell phone, laptop, and tablet chargers.
If you're travelling with single-voltage devices, you will need a voltage converter. Single-voltage appliances include older irons and hair dryers.
It's important to note that you should not use a converter on a device that is already dual-voltage, as you can damage your device.
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When to use a voltage converter
Voltage converters are used when travelling with electronics that are not dual voltage. Dual voltage electronics have two options: 110-120V and 220-240V. They are designed to be used in different countries and can be safely used at home and abroad.
Most modern devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops are dual voltage, so they only require a travel adapter. However, if you are travelling with older electronics, such as hair dryers or irons, you will likely need a voltage converter.
Before travelling, it is important to check the voltage requirements of your devices. If a device is labelled as "INPUT: 100-240 V", it is multi-voltage and will work with any voltage between 100 V and 240 V. In this case, a travel adapter is all that is needed.
On the other hand, if a device is single voltage, such as "INPUT: 120V", and you are travelling to a country with a different voltage (e.g. Europe, which has 230 V), then a voltage converter is necessary.
Converters are used with "electric" products, which are typically simple heating devices or those with mechanical motors. This includes hair dryers, steam irons, shavers, toothbrushes, and small fans. It is important to note that converters are not designed for continuous use and should only be used for short periods (1-2 hours). They must be unplugged when not in use.
Additionally, most converters are for ungrounded appliances (2-pin plugs) and may not be suitable for all types of electronics.
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How to use a voltage converter
To use a voltage converter, you need to know the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter. A travel adapter changes the shape of your plug, allowing you to plug appliances into wall outlets in countries with different-shaped plugs than your own. A voltage converter changes the voltage of your electronic device.
The next step is to check the voltage of the country you are travelling to. Countries such as the USA and Canada have 120V electricity, whereas destinations in Europe have 220V electricity.
Then, check the voltage of the device you want to use. This can be found on the manufacturer's label, usually located on the back or bottom of the appliance. If the voltage is 100-240V, then your device is multi-voltage and will work anywhere in the world. If the voltage is 120V, then your device is single-voltage and can only be used on 120V.
If your device is single-voltage, you will need a voltage converter to change the voltage of the electricity coming from the socket. You will also need to use a travel adapter to ensure your plug fits into the wall socket.
When using a voltage converter, it is important to note that they are not designed for "continuous duty" and should only be used for short periods of time (1 to 2 hours). They also need to be unplugged from the wall when not in use.
It is also worth noting that voltage converters are typically large, heavy devices that are less practical for travel. If your device is not dual voltage, it is recommended to leave it at home, especially if it is a hair tool or another high-powered electrical device.
Finally, always follow the instructions that come with your voltage converter and be sure to pay attention to the power details. Using the wrong voltage converter can ruin your device or cause a fire.
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Voltage converter vs. transformer
When travelling with electronic devices, it is important to know the difference between a voltage converter and a transformer. Both devices are used to ensure that your electronics are compatible with the voltage of the country you are visiting. However, they work in different ways and are suitable for different types of devices.
Voltage Converter
A voltage converter changes the voltage of your electronic device. It is designed for short-term use and can handle continuous use. Voltage converters use a solid-state switch and a circuit board to convert the voltage in a non-sine wave output, cutting off excess input voltage. Small converters with high power ratings are not recommended for sensitive electronics such as computers. They are best suited for heat-resistant products like travel irons, water heaters, and hair dryers.
Transformer
A transformer, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used with both "electric" and "electronic" products. Electric products are simple heating devices or those with mechanical motors, such as hair dryers, irons, and toothbrushes. Electronic products, on the other hand, have a chip or circuit, such as computers and printers.
Transformers are designed for continuous use and can keep your electronics safe for long periods. They are built with an actual transformer to output voltage in a sinusoidal waveform, making them compatible with all types of electronics. However, transformers tend to be bulkier and heavier, especially if you require more power (wattage).
When travelling, it is important to determine if your electronic device is single voltage or dual voltage. If your device is dual voltage, you may not need a converter or transformer at all. Most modern devices, such as smartphones and laptops, are dual voltage.
If your device is single voltage, you will need to check if it is an "electric" or "electronic" product to choose the right converter or transformer. For electric products, a voltage converter is suitable, whereas for electronic products, a transformer is required. Additionally, consider the wattage requirements of your device to choose an appropriately sized transformer.
In summary, while both voltage converters and transformers serve a similar purpose, they differ in their design, compatibility, and intended use. Voltage converters are best for short-term use with electric devices, while transformers are more versatile and suitable for continuous use with both electric and electronic devices.
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Plug types and voltage by country
When travelling, it's important to know the voltage and plug type of your destination country. This is because different countries have different types of electricity and plug shapes. Using the wrong voltage can blow a fuse in your device and possibly the building.
Type A Plug (NEMA 1-15 US 2-pin)
- Max voltage: 125V AC
- Max rating: 15 A
- Countries that use Type A: Antigua and Barbuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Central African Republic, China, Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Federated States of Micronesia, Japan, United Arab Emirates, US Virgin Islands
Type B Plug (NEMA 5-15 US 3-pin)
- Max voltage: 125V AC
- Max rating: 15 A
- Countries that use Type B: Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Central African Republic, Federated States of Micronesia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United Arab Emirates, US Virgin Islands
Type C Plug (CEE 7/16 Europlug)
Countries that use Type C: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican City, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Type E Plug (French) CEE 7/6 plug & CEE 7/5 socket
- Voltage: 16 A
- Countries that use Type E: Belgium, Benin, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, France, Gabon, Guinea, Luxembourg, Mali, Niger, Poland, Slovakia, Togo
Type F Plug ("Schuko") CEE 7/4 plug & CEE 7/3 socket
- Voltage: 16 A
- Countries that use Type F: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Type G Plug (BS 1363)
- Voltage: 13 A
- Countries that use Type G: Bahrain, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, Cyprus, Dominica, Gibraltar, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malta, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saint Helena, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Type H Plug (SI 32 Israel)
Countries that use Type H: Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon
Type I Plug (Australian AS/NZS 3112)
Countries that use Type I: Argentina, Australia, China, Cook Islands, El Salvador, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Western Sahara
Type J Plug (SN 441011 Switzerland)
- Voltage: 10 A
- Countries that use Type J: Liechtenstein, Switzerland
Type K Plug (SRAF 1962/DB Denmark)
Countries that use Type K: Denmark, Greenland
Type L Plug (CEI 23-50 Italy)
- Voltage: 10 A
- Countries that use Type L: Albania, Algeria, Chile, Italy, Libya, San Marino, Tunisia
Type M Plug (BS 546)
- Voltage: 15 A
- Countries that use Type M: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa
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Frequently asked questions
A travel adapter changes the shape of your plug so that it fits into a different type of wall socket. A voltage converter changes the voltage of your electronic device so that it can be used in a country with a different voltage.
Most modern devices such as phones and laptops are dual voltage, meaning they can handle voltages from all over the world. In this case, you only need a travel adapter.
Check the label and/or owner's manual. If it says something like "INPUT: 100-240 V", then your device is dual voltage. If it says "INPUT: 120V", then it is single voltage and you will need a converter if travelling to a country with a different voltage.
The vast majority of the world uses 220 to 240 volts. North America and parts of South America and the Caribbean tend to use 100 to 125 volts.
Converters are for "electric" products with simple heating devices or mechanical motors, such as hair dryers and shavers. Transformers are for "electronic" products with a chip or circuit, such as computers.
