Do American appliances work in Europe?

Question

for example...plugs, outlets, etc???

Answer 1

No. The outlets are shaped different. To see pictures of the different outlets used worldwide, go here http://kropla.com/electric.htm then click on the different pictures and it will tell you where that particular type of plug is used.

They also work on different voltage systems:

America uses a 110 volt/60 hertz system
Europe uses a 220 volt/50 hertz system

A number of plug adapter kits are available for connecting to foreign plugs. However, use of these plugs without a transformer or voltage converter can result in fireworks. If the device is not capable of handling 220 volts of electricity, it will fail. In addition, some electrical devices cannot handle the lower 50 hertz cycle and may experience difficulties.

To see if a voltage converter is needed, look at the informational panel on the back of the electrical device in question. Many manufacturers design equipment with varying voltages in mind, and may list an ability to handle input ranging from 110-240 volts, indicating that it will work in Europe and the United States. In addition, the equipment is usually rated at 50/60 hertz, and will function on either cycle. However, some devices, especially hair dryers, are designed to function at either 110/60 or 220/50. If this is the case, a voltage converter is necessary.

If this is the case, look at the wattage requirement of the device, which should also be listed. When buying a voltage converter, be certain to get one with a wattage which has a higher rating than the device you are plugging in, to prevent electrical malfunction. Some electronics also require more energy at start up than in a running or standby mode, and if this is the case the wattage rating of the voltage converter should account for 120% or more of the listed wattage need of the device.

**A side note: In general, it is safer to purchase a hair dryer in the country where it will be used, or to purchase a voltage converter which can handle at least 2000 watts to avoid damage to the hair dryer, operator, and electrical system it is plugged into.

Answer 2

Not without a power converter and adapter plugs. The power converter allows you to use US appliances which are built for 110v to work in Europe which is 220v. The adapter plugs allow you to fit your appliance's plug into the foreign outlets. Most of Continental Europe uses the two prong outlet while the UK has its own block type plug. Any travel store will have a converter kit which generally costs around 25USD. However, if you're using an appliance that has its own converter (like a laptop), you don't need the converter, just the adapters, which are far cheaper.

Answer 3

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They do if you get a 220 V to 110 V power converter, plus the proper plug adapter. (They use 220V in Europe and only 110V in the US, if you plug in your appliance using only the adapter, but not the voltage converter you'll blow your appliance. Some appliances also have a little 220/110 swich, if you have this you can use it with only the adapter, just make sure you switch it to 220 first.) Look at any travel/luggage store at your local mall, or a big store such as Target or Walmart. It will be in the luggage/travel section. It should come in an all-in-one kit.