
The amount of power that a device uses is measured in watts (W).

The marking uses a dash to indicate the range of acceptable voltages, such as 100-240V. These DO NOT require either a converter or a transformer. MULTI VOLTAGE devices include items such as laptop computers, cell phones, tablets, cameras and battery chargers. (Look for the slash to indicate the two voltage ratings, such as 120V/240V.) These single voltage devices require a travel transformer.ĭUAL VOLTAGE devices such as newer model hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors and toothbrushes DO NOT require ether a converter or a transformer. The second type are the more modern “electronic” devices that use chips, circuits and electronic motors. (The dash indicates this voltage range.) These single voltage items use heating elements and mechanical motors requiring a travel converter. First are the older appliances, such as hair dryers and curling irons, with a very narrow voltage tolerance, such as 100-120V. SINGLE VOLTAGE appliances come in two types. They operate using lower wattages and can be used for longer periods of time safely. Travel transformers work with “electronic” devices that have microchips and circuits.

They handle high power and should only be used for short periods of time, from 1 to 2 hours. Travel converters are used with simple appliances that use heating elements and mechanical motors. The Difference Between Travel Converters and Travel Transformers You will only need a travel converter or travel transformer if your appliance is single voltage rated. See if the INPUT voltage is single, dual or multi.

It could be on the back of the device, on the AC power box at the end of the power cord, or molded into the plug in very small print. Look for a label on your appliance that identifies the INPUT voltage (V) that it requires.
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How to Know if You Need a Travel Converter or Travel Transformer If it’s too little, you won’t get the performance you expect and it might cause damage to the motor, fan or heating unit. If it’s too much, your equipment may overheat and burn out.

Travel converters and transformers increase or decrease the voltage that reaches your device making it safe to use your electronics and personal-care appliances abroad. A travel converter or travel transformer changes the voltage coming out of the wall outlet to match the voltage of your appliance. and Canada run on 110/125V Most of the other countries around the world use 220/240V. The world runs on two different types of electricity or voltage ratings: 110/125V or 220/240V. Currently, there are 15 different types of electrical outlets in use around the world today, each identified by a letter of the alphabet, A through O. Travel Smart by Conair offers a complete array of foreign power adapters in single and multiple configurations, some with USB ports and safeguards such as surge protection. United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and SingaporeĪustralia, New Zealand, China and Argentina These international travel adapters do not convert electricity, they simply allow your device’s plug to fit into the foreign outlet.Įurope, Middle East, Israel, Asia, and South America A power adapter will let you plug your device into an electrical socket that is different from the type used in your home country. All over the world, there are different types of electrical wall outlets.
