Voltage in Canada?

Question

Hi,

I am travelling to Canada next week and need to know if I need a voltage converter for :

my hairdryer
straightners
baby bottle setrilser
phone charger
ipod charger?

If so does anyone know which one?

thanks so much
cc

Answer 1

Contrary to popular belief, not all of your devices will need a voltage converter. Check your devices. Many support both 120 and 240 volts already. On them they will say something like 110-250V. If this is the case, it will already work on the voltage in Canada. My hairdryer has a switch on it that I have to stick a paper clip in to move it but I can select 240V or 120V. My mobile phone charger automatically converts from 240 or 120V as needed as it says it works anywhere from 108V to 250V. Same with the straightener and our laptop power supply. This may or may not be the case with your devices; you have to read the label on the charger/device. If all your devices are dual voltage then all you need is a plug adapter to switch from the mains style of your home country to the style used in Canada. These are MUCH cheaper and much more compact than step up voltage transformers.

If you have devices that do require voltage conversion, you will find that there are two types available; one type for high wattage heating element type devices, and one type for low wattage devices. You may find one that has a switch that will allow you to select between the two. The high wattage should be used for hair dryers. The low wattage should be used for the phone charger, iPod charger, etc. Do NOT use the high wattage for low wattage devices or vice versa or you'll ruin something. Do NOT exceed the wattage rating of your voltage converter. Having traveled internationally somewhat frequently, I've seen many people melt their electronic devices in their hotel rooms, blow fuses/breakers for the entire floor of a hotel, etc. Write down the voltage and wattage of every device you plan on taking, take it to Maplin or the sort and find someone knowledgeable there to help you out. If you'd like, you can send the list to me and I'll tell you what you need.

Answer 2

Canada Voltage

Answer 3

110 volts as specified above.

If you're coming from somewhere that doesn't use 110 volts, have a look at your power supplies for your phone, iPod, etc. Usually these supplies are multi-voltage (e.g. they might say 100-240 volts). If this is the case a simple, inexpensive pin adapter will work fine.

If the device needs 220 volts (like your hairdryer for certain does) you will need a voltage converter. Bear in mind that hair dryers use a lot of amps so it will probably be cheaper to buy a hair dryer here than buy a converter with enough capacity.

During our recent trip to the UK and Switzerland from Canada, we used voltage adapters because our phones, iPod and laptops all worked on any voltage between 100-240. Our hotels had hair dryers so that was no problem.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Voltage in Canada?
Hi,

I am travelling to Canada next week and need to know if I need a voltage converter for :

my hairdryer
straightners
baby bottle setrilser
phone charger
ipod charger?

If so does anyone know which one?

thanks so much
cc

Answer 5

It would help if we knew where you were travelling FROM. In Canada we use 110 volt power just like in the US, so if that's where you're coming from, you don't need a converter.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 6

110. If you are from England, yes, you will need a converter.

Answer 7

110 - 120 same as USA

Answer 8

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