Foreign Travel AC Voltage Power Converters

Dual Wattage, 50 and 1600 Watt International Electrical Transformers

Sep 3, 2009

The wrong transformer can fry electronic devices. This article looks at safety precautions, watts, socket adapters and types of transformers to use in foreign countries.

Transformers or voltage converters enable travelers to use their domestic electrical devices (cameras, mp3 players, cell phones) when traveling internationally.

This is especially true for Americans and Japanese traveling overseas (and citizens from other countries traveling to the US and Japan). Travel transformers cost between $20 and $50.

Travel Voltage Conversion Basics

Japanese and American domestic household voltage is 100 to 120 volts AC (alternating current) at a frequency of 60 hertz. Many other countries use 220 to 240 volts AC at 50 hertz. Transformers can step up (increase) or step down (decrease) voltage. Americans and Japanese need a step down transformer.

Though the voltage is changed, the frequency isn't. Changing between 60 and 50 hertz isn't supported by simple travel transformers. It doesn't normally matter as most appliances will convert the AC to DC (direct current, zero hertz) anyway.

Aside from the voltage, converter plugs will also be needed for the transformer to fit the electrical socket. While there are only two main electrical standards worldwide, there are many socket standards.

Some equipment can use both types of electrical power. A separate transformer is not needed. Notebook computers are a good example. The watts used and allowable voltage range will be written on the equipment, or on the power brick. Older equipment may have a manual switch to toggle between two voltages.

Magnetic Ballast Transformers Versus Electronic Transformers

Traditional electrical transformers use electromagnets to convert electricity. The higher the power, the more iron or steel is required for the electromagnet. For every 50 to 100 watts of power, about one pound is needed. This limits travel electricity converters to 50 to 200 watts (1 to 2 pounds). New electronic transformers don't use electromagnets. They are much lighter. A 1600 watt transformer can weigh a few ounces.

The disadvantage is that the converted electricity has a lot of "noise" and can destroy electronic devices. Transformer manufacturers warn that they can only be used with purely resistive heating devices: clothes irons, hair dryers, hair straighteners, hot water kettles.

Unfortunately even these simple heating devices can now contain electronics. It is difficult to know for sure. Use of lightweight electronic transformers for any modern electrical device should therefore be avoided.

How to Choose a Travel Voltage Converter

Electronic transformers should be avoided. They can be identified by their light weight and high power (over 1000 watts).

Some are combined with a magnetic transformer, with a switch to select the magnetic (less than 50 watts) or electronic transformer (500 to 1600 watts). Due to possible accidental switching to the wrong range, these combination dual wattage transformers should also be avoided.

Traditional magnetic ballast 50 to 200 watt transformers, weighing 1 to 2 pounds, are the safe choice. Unfortunately most heating devices draw more power and therefore cannot be used. The power rating of any device must be checked. If the watts used is not written on the device, a power meter such as the Kill A Watt™ can be used to measure its power.

The weight of the transformer can pull it out of the socket. Transformers with a short 1 or 2 foot extension cord are better than direct plug-ins. A separate extension cord can also be carried instead.

Travel Voltage Converter Safety Tips

The best transformer is no transformer. Many modern electronic devices are dual voltage.

Appliances such as hair dryers are relatively cheap, not worth the hassle or danger of possibly blacking out the hotel or starting a fire. All just to save a few dollars by using an overloaded or inappropriate transformer. If a traveler does not have a dual voltage device, the safe thing to do is to buy something that will work with overseas voltage.

Transformers should be used only as a last resort, and only magnetic ballast transformers used together with low-power devices.

They should be monitored closely during the first few uses for signs of overheating. Both the transformer and the device should not be too hot to touch. A plastic or wooden clothes hanger should be kept ready to safely switch off the wall socket or pull the transformer out if it catches fire.

Whatever the temperature, a travel transformer should never be left plugged-in and unattended.

The copyright of the article Foreign Travel AC Voltage Power Converters in Business Travel Tips is owned by Yuen Kit Mun. Permission to republish Foreign Travel AC Voltage Power Converters in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.