European and American power systems differ, with Europe using 220 volt/50 hertz and the US using 110 volt/60 hertz. Using American devices in European outlets and vice versa can cause damage. Plug adapter kits are available, but a voltage converter may be necessary. Check the device’s information panel for input capability and power requirement, and purchase a voltage converter with a higher wattage rating than the device. Be cautious with high wattage devices like hair dryers and consider purchasing one in the country of use or a voltage converter capable of handling at least 2000 watts.
Many travelers to Europe have had difficulty with their electronics, because European and American power systems work differently. Most of the world, including Europe, uses a 220 volt/50 hertz system. A handful of other countries, including the United States, have 110 volt/60 hertz electricity, which is thought to be safer. As a result, appliances in these nations are designed to connect to a specific type of power source, and running American devices into European outlets and vice versa can wreak havoc.
Many countries also use different plugs, and there are a number of plug adapter kits available for connecting to foreign plugs. However, using these plugs without a transformer or voltage converter may result in fireworks. The voltage in Europe is double that in the US, and while many electronic devices are designed to adapt to changes in voltage, it’s vital to check. If the device can’t handle 220 volts of electricity, it won’t work. Also, some electrical devices cannot handle the lower 50 hertz cycle found in much of the world and may experience difficulty.
To see if you need a voltage converter, look at the information panel on the back of the electrical device in question. Many manufacturers design equipment with varying voltages in mind and may list an input capability ranging from 110-240 volts, indicating it will work in Europe and the US. Also, the equipment is usually rated at 50/60 hertz and will operate on both cycles. However, some devices, especially hair dryers, are designed to operate at 110/60 or 220/50. In this case, a voltage converter is required.
If this is the case, look at the device’s power requirement, which should also be listed. When shopping for a voltage converter, make sure you get one with a wattage that has a higher rating than the device you’re connecting to, to avoid electrical malfunctions. Some electronic components also require more power on startup than in run or stand mode, in which case the power rating of the voltage converter should represent 120% or more of the device’s rated power demand.
Travelers are cautioned to be especially careful with hair dryers, which have very high wattage requirements. In general, it is safer to purchase a hair dryer in the country where it will be used, or to purchase a voltage converter capable of handling at least 2000 watts to avoid damage to the hair dryer, the operator and the electrical system to which it is connected.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
