Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The Importance of Voltage Converting when you are moving abroad

If it is your first time moving outside the country, it is very important to keep in mind that different countries have varying standards for their electrical circuits. In the United States, most household outlets provide 110 volts at a 60 hertz. However, other countries use outlets with varying voltages and frequencies. The differences in these outlets can typically be seen by the different pin structures on plugs and outlet receptacles, however some of them look very similar. The small household appliances you use everyday have likely been made to meet the needs of whichever country you purchased them in, but that means using them outside of your home country will require one extra step: an adapter.

If you are traveling internationally, it is necessary to use a Voltage Converter. This adapter will allow you to plug in small appliances and charging cables without causing damage to your devices. Whether you are traveling with your cell phone or your hair dryer, it is imperative that you use the proper adapter to avoid frying your electronics. The extra voltage and the difference in frequencies can cause irreparable damage to the battery in your phone, or even cause your electronics to overheat, presenting a fire hazard.

The good news is that most 110 volt to 220 volt adapters are relatively inexpensive. For less than five dollars you will have a small plug attachment that you can carry with you to your destination. It is even cost-effective to buy more than one, just in case, without hurting your travel budget at all. Not to mention, you may be able to find a "universal" adapter that is suitable for travel within multiple countries using different pin arrangements.

Since there are many countries, using many different standards for electrical output, and even using different pin arrangements, it is often best to contact a specialty dealer to make sure you are purchasing the correct pin for the location that you will be traveling. Contact us for assistance with your travel needs!

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