2007-07-08 02:21:24 · 7 answers · asked by Martad 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
A converter will cost about $40-$60 (buy a decent one); make sure it's not just the adapter plug - it must convert the voltage not just change two pins to three.
btw, does anyone know why American two-pin plugs are so crappy? I was surprised at how old-fashioned they are.
2007-07-08 02:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what type of appliance. You can get travel irons and hair dryers that work on both voltages, and some chargers that can switch between voltages, as well as converting transformers. It also depends on the country:
http://www.powerstream.com/cv.htm
Notice that the frequency in Europe is 50 Hz, while in America it's 60 Hz (cycles per second AC frequency). This can make some clocks run slow, at 5/6 the speed they run in the U.S.
As for why American two-pin plugs are crappy, I hadn't noticed that. What's crappy is how people treat them. You should never plug or unplug an appliance unless the power is turned off first. Otherwise, there's sparking and pitting at the plug and socket. If you make a habit of this, you'll eventually have to replace the wall outlet. If you have a very sticky/tight plug, rubbing a very small amount of graphite (even a pencil lead) on the blades usually fixes it. We had commercial generating plants a long time before many other places in the world, so the outlets were standardized way-back-when. It may be an old design, but it works well. By the way--other plugs are just as susceptible to sparking and pitting if you don't turn off the appliance before plugging and unplugging. The switch contacts are designed to resist such pitting; the plugs and outlets are not.
2007-07-08 03:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any device not designed for 220 Volts will be damaged. Look for appliances which are designated 110/220 volts which MAY be available in the US. We purchased a 220 volt hot pot and hair curler in Europe just for our many trips. A convertor is nice but heavy which considering the baggage weight requirements and heavy cost penalties, avoiding the need for one is desireable. If you buy a convertor compare the amperage load each will take. It's easy to overload one with a small amperage rating. Have a fun trip!
2007-07-08 02:53:31 · answer #3 · answered by travlinbob222 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The standard voltage in Europe was changed few years ago.
It was 220 V before and is 230 V now.
2007-07-09 17:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by oregfiu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to buy an adapter plug that helps you plug into and on the other end is the EU prongs, but you gotta check your appliance power output and make sure it says 110-220v on it, if not, itll fry your goods, if it doesnt say 220 on it you have to by a transformer for it, they run about 30 bucks for a decent one for one appliance.
2007-07-08 02:24:40 · answer #5 · answered by Mark W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None if you don't by an adaptor...American's think the world revolves around them :)
2007-07-08 05:59:11 · answer #6 · answered by kadnil 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a converter. Walmart should have them.
2007-07-08 02:25:27 · answer #7 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋