Can I buy an adapter in the US?
2006-11-21 18:23:38 · 4 answers · asked by Davey 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Voltage is not a problem, it is the frequency of the current.
Japan uses both 50 Hertz (Hz) and 60 Hz current, and most Japanese appliances have a switching power supply which runs on both currents. It should have a label that shows something like 50/60 Hz. This number is the frequency of the sine wave of the AC power grid you are using.
If your appliance uses both frequencies, you are OK.
The USA uses only 60 Hz current. If your appliance only runs on 50 Hz, it will wear out very quickly in the USA. Also, if it is a clock, or uses an internal clock run on the 50Hz current, it will run faster in the USA.
The kind of adapter you need would be a power inverter, which is capable of changing a 50 Hz sine wave to a 60 Hz sine wave, while maintaining the correct voltage. These are expensive adapters. It might be less expensive to purchase an American appliance.
FYI: I have DVD Players, Computers, Vacuum Cleaner, Rice Cooker, Hot Pot, Fans, etc., all purchased in Tokyo, and all run on both 50/60 Hz, and I have used them in both Japan and the USA with no problem.
2006-11-23 17:17:21 · answer #1 · answered by Longshiren 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't need to buy an adapter in US ..I have sent most Japan made electrical appliances stuff for personal use to US and Canada, and it works all the same... I don't buy any adaptor even once .. Ask the dealer or store representatives if you have any question before buying.. even if the instruction is not translated in English..you can see illustrations of voltage to use on your appliance overseas .check it out.
but, I make sure I have dual voltage when traveling even for my laptop or digital camera for visits in other Asian countries etc.
2006-11-23 06:23:37 · answer #2 · answered by Ny 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For most appliances you don't need an adaptor. Japanese current is close enough-100V vs. 115V that it should be OK. Exceptions would be something that is fussy about current, like high-end stero gear.
2006-11-22 03:30:56 · answer #3 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clocks also can run a bit off when you bring a Japanese clocks to the U.S.
2006-11-22 06:05:02 · answer #4 · answered by ami.kawabata 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋