Re: Electricity Question

On 2008-08-30, S Viemeister <firstname@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Janet Wilder wrote:
We are leaving for Europe in a little over a month. This will be my
first time. Today I purchased a set of electric plug adapters and a
transformer. I understand how they are used.

My question relates to some appliances that say they are dual voltage:
that is they will work with European voltage if an adapter plug is used.
Does that mean that I don't need to use the transformer? I know this
sounds like a dumb question, but I'd rather not blow anything up.

If the device has markings indicating that it is dual voltage, you will
not need the transformer. Most computers, and many cellphones and
cameras, as well as some hair dyers, are dual voltage.

Pretty much all electronics operate on low voltage DC. To get that, they
need to convert the high voltage AC you get from an electrical outlet.
That's done by a transformer, usually placed in small box on the power
cord of the device, like this:

http://www.bizsyscon.com/pics/SALCOMPOY_ACH-4U.jpg

When making such a transformer, it's fairly easy to make one that can
handle a vide range of voltages. Then the same unit can be sold in all
markets - you just need different plugs on them.

I would be very surprised to see any cellphone, camera, battery charger or
laptop that wasn't dual voltage. If in doubt look at the power supply of
the equipment you want to bring - the range of usable voltages and
frequencies will stated somewhere. Expect to see "100-240V" and "50-60 Hz".

.

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