2006-07-31 16:38:09 · 35 answers · asked by my_acers 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
tipan is on the right trac though #'s are backwards the u.s. is 60 hertz and europe is 50
2006-07-31 19:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by derf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is the voltage different, but the cycles of alternating current are different too. American is 60 times a second and most of Europe is 50 times a second. Votage varies from 215 to 245. Plugs are different in different countries.
Japan is 100 volts.
America is 110-120v at 60 cycles.
You need two kinds of converters. One for things like irons and hair dryers. Another for things like radios and stereo sets.
Many products, however, are rated for 110-240 50/60 cycles. Read the back label.
If a product can handle the current differences then all you need is a pulg converter and maybe you need to turn a switch on the appliance.
Consult the maker of the indiual appliance to be sure.
When in doubt, buy a product in the country. Most products are cheap.
You can alway sell them before you leave or e-bay them after you get back for the next set of vacationers!
2006-07-31 16:47:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appliances in Europe and the USA are made to operate on different voltages - a power outlet in the states is 110W while a power outlet in Europe is on average 220/230 W - Americans are much more energy efficient - but it isn't that these appliances won't work, you can buy an adapter which will have em working just fine - but who can be arsed?
2006-07-31 16:43:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the plugs are differently shaped to prevent accidents. if you try to plug in an appliance with a lower voltage capacity than what is running out of the wall, your device can explode or catch fire.
some devices may work fine, but just be slower or faster because of the electric frequency. for example, I brought my PS2 to Japan and noticed games were a lot slower. (Japan uses same plugs, but 100V 50Hz, US is 110-120V and 60Hz.) UK is 240V! that'll certainly short out any American device, since it is double.
so you need a stepdown converter or a transformer to make it suitable for American appliances.
2006-07-31 16:55:49 · answer #4 · answered by pogo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Such places as Germany use standard 220 in lieu of the State's 110. GIs transferring there must buy transformers for every room having an electrical outlet.
When PCSng to another location, the GI simply sells them to the new occupant.
2006-07-31 16:43:58 · answer #5 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically appliaces have region codes for different places, for example in USA and European countries, they will have different voltage requirement and also the shape of plugs' leg will be different also. Pls be advise that it would not be advisable to use appliances that is not compatible with the voltage as it might burn
2006-07-31 16:43:48 · answer #6 · answered by Vearn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1999
2006-08-02 08:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There voltage is 220 where the US is 110
2006-07-31 16:41:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The AC voltage in Europe runs at 50Hz, and here it is at 60Hz. Not to mention the plugs won't even be the same.
2006-07-31 16:41:41 · answer #9 · answered by Jdude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in europe the manufacturers manufacture thair appliances with a diffrent outlet then here. You could get an adapter to fit american appliances to european
2006-07-31 16:44:56 · answer #10 · answered by ify 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Europe uses different voltage than USA and different plug types.
2006-07-31 16:42:22 · answer #11 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋