Or will they blow up? Electronics are cheaper in the USA & I want to buy a digital camera from there, but I don't know if it will work. Can I just get a 240v adaptor or is is more complicated than that?
2006-08-09 04:54:57 · 14 answers · asked by stockwoodstockco 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
To use American products abroad, there are two considerations: you have to ADAPT the plug to fit the other country's outlet configuration, and you need to CONVERT the voltage from 110-120V (typical voltages in the US) to the local voltage (220-240V throughout every part of Europe I've ever visited).
I've traveled throughout Europe (the Continent & UK) with my Canon digital camera and battery charger. The charger itself says that it is compatible with 60V-240V power supplies, so I do not need to convert the voltage (with a converter), but its US plug is not compatible with the outlet configurations in either the UK or the rest of Europe, so I use the appropriate adaptor to make it fit in the outlet.
Check the information on the camera you're looking at - either look at the user's manual online (preferred), or go to a store in the UK and flip the charger over to see what kind of voltage with which it is compatible (this presumes that you'll get the same kind of charger with the camera from the US, which you most likely will - apart from the different plug configuration). If it works with 240V, you will only need an adaptor plug. If it only works with up to 120V (which, I have to say, would surprise me), then you'll need a converter and an adaptor (the converter will probably come with a set of adaptor plugs). Obviously, the latter case will be more expensive.
Make sure you consider all the attendant costs - including, as Stephen M mentioned, any loss of warranty that might come from purchasing an item from outside your own country - before you decide this is the best option for you.
2006-08-09 06:32:56 · answer #1 · answered by kcbranaghsgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UK is now 230, the European voltage. (Actually, power is transmitted under the Channel from France during the rush hour, which is possible because the Continent is on Central European Time; not relevant to your query but interesting.)
Some electronics sold in the USA are marked 120Ë240 and these can be used in the UK with just a plug adapter. Hair dryers and some other appliances have built in resister circuits and you can move a switch from 120 to 230/240.
Otherwise you need a converter (not recommended by many electricians except as an emergency travel expedient) or a transformer. You need to match up the wattage or amperage or you will burn out the transformer.
For camera battery chargers and the like, in the unlikely event they aren't dual voltage, you can put them in the 120 v. socket of a batheroom shaver outlet (these have circuit breakers in them for 1 amp or less). I have not seen any digital camera chargers recently that aren't dual voltage. But make sure. You can buy adapters to fit the unique British electrical outlets in drug and appliance stores all over Britain, and at airports.
2006-08-09 05:02:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is an adaptor to convert the voltage, and the shape and positioning of the plugs. When I traveled to the UK, we brought our adaptors, and they worked fine. Just take the plug to a store that sells electronics and I would imagine they would be able to help you. If you're going to be coming to the US to purchase the camera, stop at an electronics store here - they will let you know all you need to know.
2006-08-09 05:01:29 · answer #3 · answered by monarchfly7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you have a converter to convert from the 240v down to the 110v. Also be sure you have the proper plugs because the UK has different 240 outlets than other European countries
2006-08-09 05:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by knmardix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is "Yes you can". However, there are warranty issues. If you live in the UK but buy a US market camera, you will find you most likely won't get warranty support from the UK.
We have this issue in Canada. If we buy US electronics, the Canadian subsidiary often won't honour the US warranty. When I find something I want to buy and its cheaper in the US, my local camera shop will usually price match.
2006-08-09 05:16:28 · answer #5 · answered by Stephen M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many digicam chargers are 110v-240v compatible. There are also many AA chargers that are 110v-240v compatible. Check out some camera reviews. www.stevesdigicams.com. Also www.dcresource.com---Battery charger info-www.thomasdistributing.com
2006-08-09 05:07:04 · answer #6 · answered by stan l 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may need to use a transformer to convert the voltage depending on what you are using. That is what I had to do when I lived in Germany. Best thing to do is call the company that you want to purchase the product from and ask them.
Good Luck
2006-08-09 05:02:44 · answer #7 · answered by tinar92 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can as long as your adapter is pluged into a transformer from 110v to 240v and by a chance you've bought the thing don't plug it yet get a trasformer 110v to 240v.
2006-08-09 05:01:43 · answer #8 · answered by Ricky666 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look on the adapter. it will have a voltage rating on it. as long as the rating is fom 115v or bellow to 240v or above then crack on.
otherwise it would be careful
2006-08-09 05:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by richard the monkey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a "transformer" in electrical shops,I bought my son a PSP in the US - before they came out here(UK).
It worked fine.
2006-08-09 05:00:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋