International Electrical Information
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Using your electrical appliances, computers, cameras and phone around the world can be challenging. The use of plug adapters and electrical converters can solve many issues if your prepared.
Practical advice from experience.
For detailed information on specific countries on your itinerary click on the link provided below. The most common foreign plug and outlet is the two prong round "C" plug and outlet configuration shown in the photo. This is 220 volt 50 cycle current.
Most (but not all) new phone, camera, and computer power supplies and chargers can handle up to 240 volts so an electrical converter is not needed only the plug adapter. If you read the fine print on the charger it should say INPUT "110 - 240 V AC" as shown below. I plug a two prong three outlet adapter, available at most hardware stores, into the the European adapter so I can charge several items at a time as pictured to the left.( BE AWARE THEY WILL NOT BE GROUNDED and a three prong plug should not be by passed. International current is 50 cycles per second which is differentt than the US. Any US appliance with at MOTOR in it such as a hair dryer will run much hotter because the blower does not run as fast. This may cause the Hair Dryer to overheat and shut down. They also have a safety circuit breaker on them which may not be compatible with the electric converter causing major problems. I once blew out the electric on an entire floor with my hair dryer. Most hotels and river cruise ships provide hair dryers so my advice is to leave yours at home. Electrical Medical equipment should be approved for use with an adapter by the manufacturer. To be safe call the manufacturer's customer service department. |
