WORLD ELECTRIC
GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
This is a guide to some important
issues when deciding to use your electrical appliances in another country.
It includes a table describing electrical systems
worldwide, illustrations of electrical
plugs you may run across, advice on using your
computer and other general
advice that you may find helpful. Finally, there is a list
of sources for electrical
travel accessories.
If you are going to use electrical
appliances in another country, you need to know what type of electrical
voltage is used in the country you're traveling to and the type(s) of
plugs and outlets used there. To learn this, consult the Table of Electrical Systems
used worldwide.
If the voltage is the same, or if
you're using a universal power supply (see below), all you may need is a plug adaptor. Converters are available to change line
voltage from one amount to another. However, there are different types of
converters for different types of appliances. Small electronics, razors
and non-heating appliances can operate with a 50-watt converter. Heating
appliances such as hair dryers, irons, coffee makers and other high-power
electrical appliances need a 1600-watt converter. You can also purchase
combination converters for both types. Check the label on your electrical
appliance to find its wattage. Some places that supply adaptors and
converters are listed on the sources page.
These generally work for those from the US traveling to destinations that
use higher voltages to "step down" from 230V to 120V.
On the other hand, those who
travel from a good portion of the world to the US will likely need a transformer to convert the lower line voltage into the higher
voltage required by their appliances. Many of these devices
(sometimes of higher quality and thus higher-priced) also function as
step-down converters.
Also, since the quality of
electrical power might be an issue, a Universal Surge Suppressor might be a goody buy, especially one that includes plug adaptors that will
work in most of the world.
In addition to voltage, the
frequency at which the power is generated may also differ, usually from 50
Hz to 60 Hz. Does this matter? Yes, it might. Click this link to read more on
this issue. While it is possible to convert voltage, it is not
possible to convert frequency, though some devices are built to handle
these differences as discussed below.
Given the complexities of safely
using your electrical appliances overseas, you may want to consider some
alternatives. If you plan on staying in one country for awhile, you might
want to buy a hair dryer or electric razor there. Battery operated
appliances are another option if you don't mind replacing the
batteries.
If
you are interested in converting electrical units or sizing
a generator try these Power
Generator Calculators (for calculating generator size in kW,
converting kW to kVA, kVA to kW, Volts, Amps, and
more).
Fortunately, many portable devices
today -- from computers to MP3 players to mobile phones -- come with power
supplies that can be used in almost any part of the world. Check the
manufacturer's label to see what type of input it can handle. This applies
to many digital cameras, VCRs, video games and other electronic devices as
well.
Those designed for use just about
anywhere have a section on the label that looks something like this:
INPUT: AC 100V- 240V~ 1.0A 50 / 60 Hz
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This shows that the device was
designed to be used over a wide range of voltage levels and at different
electrical frequencies. In this particular example, the device can accept
nominal voltage anywhere from 100 volts to 240 volts and can operate on
either a 50 Hz or 60 Hz system. It is designed for alternating current
(AC). (Like most appliances, it should not be used on a direct current, or
DC system -- DC electrical systems are not common, but some may still
exist.) If your device has a label with these parameters, it can be
used pretty much anywhere. In that case, all you need is a plug
adaptor.
If you must take other types of
electrical appliances with you abroad, your best bet is to buy travel-size
dual-voltage appliances that can run on both 110 and 220-volt currents.
Make sure the switch is on the proper voltage for the country you are in
before using the appliance. You will also need to carry adaptor plugs with
you to fit the outlets in the countries you're visiting.
The main types of electrical plugs
that are used around the world are listed below. You can click on the
illustration to view a larger picture and a listing of countries where
that type of plug is used. Note: the illustrations below are not to
scale. Also, the labels (type A, B, etc.) used by my principal
source listed below are not any type of standard nomenclature; labels and
descriptions used by various vendors may
differ.
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A
(North
American/Japanese 2-blade)
Flat blade attachment
plug
Click on the picture for
more |
B
(American
3-pin)
Flat blades (same as type A),
but with round grounding
pin
Click on the picture for
more |
|
|
C
(European
2-pin)
Round pin attachment plug
Click on the picture for
more |
D
(Old
British plug)
Round pins with ground
Click on the picture for more |
|
 
|
E
(French
2-pin)
Round pin plug and
receptacle
Click on the picture
for more |
F
("Schuko"
plug)
Round pins with
side ground contacts
Click
on the picture for more |
|
|
G
(British
3-pin)
Rectangular blade plug
Click on the picture for more |
H
(Israeli
3-pin)
Oblique blades/pins
with
ground
Click on the picture for
more |
|
 
|
I
(Australian
plug)
Oblique flat blades
(inverted V-shape)
with ground
Click on the picture
for more |
J
(Swiss
3-pin)
Round pins with offset
ground
Click on the picture for
more |
|
|
K
(Danish
3-pin)
Round pins with spade
ground
Click on the picture for
more |
L
(Italian
3-pin)
Round pins with ground
(in-line)
Click on the picture
for more |
|
|
M
(South African plug)
Round pins similar to
type D but larger and with one oversized
pin
Click on the picture for
more |
ADAPTORS AND
CONVERTERS
An adaptor will allow you to plug an
appliance designed for one type of outlet into another type of outlet.
Despite the fact that more than a dozen different types of plugs are in
use, a typical travel adaptor kit usually contains about five adaptors
which are capable of dealing with most of the outlets shown here. Adaptors
often manage this versatility by bypassing the ground/earth wire.
Is this a good idea? Maybe, but not
necessarily. Not all appliances need to be grounded/earthed, and for
short-term activities like running a portable computer and recharging
batteries, the adaptor's convenience usually outweighs any potential
safety concerns that might be caused by not using the ground/earth
connection. For appliances that require grounding/earthing, and for
long-term hookups, you should obtain an adaptor that allows you to use the
ground/earth wire. Grounding adaptors could
be more expensive and may be more difficult to find prior to reaching your
destination, but should be available locally (at your destination) at
hardware or electronics stores.
Remember: an
adaptor by itself will not change the electrical voltage. You must be sure
that your appliance can handle different voltages (either automatically or
through a voltage switch). If it can't, you will need a voltage
converter.
Converters and sets of adaptor plugs
are available at travel & luggage stores and at Radio Shack/Tandy and
other electronic stores. They can often be found in airport shops and duty
free stores. A set of adaptor plugs costs around $10 to $15US and in some
stores you can buy an individual adaptor for only a few dollars. Other
places that sell these items are listed on the sources
page.
Follow the link below to see a table
showing the types of electrical systems
you will find in the
various countries of the world.
More -- Electric Power Around
the World -- A Plug and Voltage Guide
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