If you've been across the continent or across the globe, you may have heard about voltage converters. These are devices that allow appliances made for voltage in one region to work in a region with a different voltage. For this reason, voltage converters are sometimes referred to as "travel adapters" and "power converters." Most electrical outlets in the world supply power at 100-120 Volts or 210-240 Volts. If you live in a region with 110V electricity and move or travel to a region with 220V electricity, you'll be in trouble - unless you have a voltage converter. If you have one, you'll be able to use your home devices in the new region.
Travel Converters
If you're getting ready for your big trip, you need to know the voltage of the equipment you'll be traveling with and the mains voltage in the country you'll be visiting. You'll also need to know the power consumption of the appliance you're taking. Say you have a 110V toaster that you want to use in Germany, which has 220V mains. If the toaster requires 800 watts of power to work, you'll want a converter that can handle 25% to 30% more wattage than what the toaster needs and that will make your toaster work with 220V electricity. If you need a converter for a motorized appliance, your converter should handle twice the wattage the appliance uses.
Step Up and Down Voltage Converters
Step up and down converters are beautifully versatile. Suppose you have a 110V device that you want to use in a country that uses 220V supply. You will need a step down converter to step the 220V down so that it won't fry your 110V appliance. And if you have a 220V device you want to use in a country that has 110V supply, you'll need a step up converter so that the voltage will operate the 220V appliance. Step up and down converter transformers are handy for people who travel frequently to regions with different mains voltages.
Why Good Voltage Converters Are Heavy
Converters and transformers require many features to safely and effectively control and distribute voltage. Although lightweight metals like aluminum can be used in transformer coils, heavy copper is a better choice. Copper coils increase transformer efficiency and reduce the amount of heat generated. Although these devices may be heavier than you would expect, they are worth it because they last longer and cost less (in terms of electricity) to operate.
Final Considerations
Some countries, like Vietnam or Brazil, feature dual voltage. In these places, you may be able to use your 110V devices or 220V devices. However, it never hurts to buy a voltage converter, since dual voltage is not always available everywhere - even throughout countries that offer it. Be certain that the voltage converter you buy can handle more than the wattage of the equipment you will use. It's wise to get a converter that can handle twice the wattage of the device you plan to use. Using an underpowered voltage converter can cause heat buildup and make your appliances shut down altogether. And that would spoil anyone's trip.
Author Resource:
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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