Questions About Voltage Converters? Here are The Simple Answers You Need

If you're a fan of high-end imported consumer electronics - or if you travel overseas - there's a good chance that you'll encounter a need for voltage converters at some time in your life. Thanks to the ease of buying electronics and electrical appliances from around the world, you may find yourself with a gorgeous espresso machine or other household appliance that won't work on your household current. That's where voltage converters come into play.

Because there are different standards for electricity delivery in different parts of the world, appliances made for sale in France or Spain, for example, don't use the same strength - voltage - of electrical current that U.S. household current delivers. Generally, if you plug (or try to plug, at least - most of them also won't fit standard household outlets in the U.S.) - your new toy into the wall, it will attempt to draw more current from the circuit than the system is designed to deliver. It may mean that your new appliance simply won't work. It could cause more drastic damage, either to your appliance or to your household current.

Voltage converters are designed to do exactly what the name says - they convert the voltage coming from your electrical outlets into electricity that your incompatible appliances can use. Before you buy a voltage converter to use with your appliance, though, you'll need the answers to a few simple questions.

Which Kind of Voltage Converter Do I Buy?

There are three different kinds of voltage converters, and the one you choose will depend on three factors: the voltage your appliance requires, the voltage your circuits will deliver and the wattage of electricity your appliance needs to operate. If you live in the U.S., your household current is 110v. If your appliance is from a country where 220v to 240v is the norm, you'll need a step up voltage converter. If you live in a country where the norm is 220v to 240v and you're powering a 110v appliance, you'll need a step down converter. The third type of voltage converter, generally more expensive, is capable of either increasing or decreasing the voltage. These are called step up and down voltage converters and are the most versatile choice.

What About the Wattage?

In addition to the right voltage, you need to choose a voltage converter capable of delivering enough wattage to power your new appliance. Check the sticker or tag on your appliance to find out the wattage it requires and choose a voltage converter that's rated for about 40 to 50 percent more watts than your appliance needs.

Voltage Converter or Voltage Transformer?

While many people use voltage converter and voltage transformer interchangeably, there are actually significant differences between them. Voltage converters are fine for machines with a mechanical motor or a heating element or fan. If your device is a piece of consumer electronics, however, you'll need a voltage transformer or you risk damaging the delicate electronics cards and circuits.

What if the Plug Doesn't Fit?

In addition to a voltage converter or transformer, you'll also need a plug adapter that fits your appliance and your plug. You can usually buy plug adapter kits that include all the different variations of plugs you'll find throughout the world for less than $20. Just be sure that you use a voltage converter between the plug and the wall if your appliance requires a different current than the household electricity.

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About the Author

+Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2013 (Fri Dec 30 2011) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com