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
adapter. 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 adapters 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.
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.
Fortunately, many portable computers today 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 (based on an HP Omnibook 800CT), the computer 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 (DC) system. DC electrical systems are not common, but some do
exist.
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 adapter 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.
Supposedly the IEEE has standard terminology
for these things, but it's not used by anyone in the travel industry.
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A
Flat blade attachment plug
Click on the picture for more |
B
Flat blades (same as type A),
but with round grounding pin
Click
on the picture for more |
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C
Round pin attachment plug
NOTE:
a 'C' style plug can be used with
'E', 'F' and some 'L' receptacles.
Click on
the picture for more |
D
Round pins with ground
Click on the picture for more |
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E
Round pin plug and receptacle
with male grounding pin
Click on the picture for more |
F
"Schuko" plug and receptable
with side grounding contacts
Click on the picture for more |
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G
Rectangular blade plug
Click on the picture for more |
H
Oblique flat blades
with ground
Click on the picture for more |
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I
Oblique flat blades
(inverted V-shape) with ground
Click on the picture for more |
J
Round pins with ground (offset)
Click on the picture for more |
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K
Round pins with spade ground
Click on the picture for more |
L
Round pins with ground (in-line)
Click on the picture for more |
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M
"South African" plug, similar to type D but larger and with
one oversized pin
Click on the picture for more |
ADAPTERS AND CONVERTERS
An adapter 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 adapter kit usually contains about
five adapters which are capable of dealing with most of the outlets shown here. Adapters
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 adapter'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 adapter that allows you to use the ground/earth wire. These adapters
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 adapter 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 adapter 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 adapter plugs costs around $10 to
$15US and in some stores you can buy an individual adapter 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.
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