Being an electronics business based in North America, we understand that many people travel to Europe for business and vacation. Alternatively, many people permanently relocate to Europe. Regardless of the reason, anyone who's traveling or moving with electronics should understand that Europe's electricity operates at a standard voltage of 220 volts. Alternatively, the North American system operates at a standard 110 volts. This means that you won't be able bring and operate your electronic devices overseas by simply plugging them in. You're going to either need to buy new electronics when you arrive overseas, or purchase a voltage converter.
Since the voltage difference is such a common problem with those who travel or relocate, we've decided created an article about voltage converters for Europe. It's a cheaper and easier option than purchasing new electronics for overseas use. The following information will teach you everything you need to know about visiting or relocating to Europe with your electronics.
To begin with, it's common practice that electronics are manufactured to operate only at the voltage of the country in which they are sold. Since Europe uses a standard electrical delivery of 220 volts, people traveling from North America will find that their locally purchased electronics are not suited for use with the European electrical system overseas. The 220 volts encountered in Europe is too high, and can ruin your expensive electronics the second you plug them in. Sometimes this can even result in personal injury or a fire.
Fortunately, voltage converters offer an effective and economical solution to using electronics overseas. There are many different types of voltage converters but for the purpose of this article we're going to focus on voltage converters for Europe. These are called Step-down converters. A Step-down converter is used to lower (hence the term 'step-down') the electrical voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Step-down converters work by plugging directly into the foreign outlet/socket. The voltage converter's internal parts step the electricity down to 110 volts and then deliver it to the electrical outlets/sockets that are on the converter. All you have to do is simply plug your 110 volt electronics into the converter and you can safely and efficiently power your 110 volt electronic devices. It's truly that simple. However, there's another factor you'll need to consider before actually purchasing a voltage converter; Wattage.
Voltage converters are available in a variety off wattages, from 100 watts up to 5, 10 and even 15 thousand watts. In order to choose which voltage converter you should purchase, you're going to need to know how many watts your electronics use. The wattage can easily be found on the manufacturers label that's affixed to the device. Surprisingly, some electronics use next to nothing in wattage when overs use easily over 1,000 watts at normal operating power. This makes it extremely important to have a good idea of what kind of wattage you'll be using. If you still need help in choosing the right converter, view our voltage converter buying guide for more in depth detail.
Once the wattage you'll be using is determined, you're going to need to round that wattage up by 2 to 3 times. This is a precautionary measure that prevents accidental failure or malfunction should the voltage converter not be able to deliver the draw that your electronics are using. Generally speaking, if you need to use around 1,000 watts of power then you should purchase a 2,500 to 3,000 watt voltage converter for Europe. This will ensure that you can have multiple devices plugged in and operating without running the risk of failure, fire, or electrical shock.
Now that you have a better understanding of traveling with electronics, you'll need to find a reputable retailer where you can purchase a converter. 220-Electronics carries a complete inventory of voltage converters for Europe. We are specialists in overseas electronics with over 30 years of experience and carry high quality products offered to you at low, discount prices. Visit us now at www.220-Electronics.com to find exactly what you need to enjoy your trip and your electronics.
Traveling with Electronics - Voltage Converters for Europe
- Mar 7, 2013
Being an electronics business based in North America, we understand that many people travel to Europe for business and vacation. Alternatively, many people permanently relocate to Europe. Regardless of the reason, anyone who's traveling or moving with electronics should understand that Europe's electricity operates at a standard voltage of 220 volts. Alternatively, the North American system operates at a standard 110 volts. This means that you won't be able bring and operate your electronic devices overseas by simply plugging them in. You're going to either need to buy new electronics when you arrive overseas, or purchase a voltage converter.
Since the voltage difference is such a common problem with those who travel or relocate, we've decided created an article about voltage converters for Europe. It's a cheaper and easier option than purchasing new electronics for overseas use. The following information will teach you everything you need to know about visiting or relocating to Europe with your electronics.
To begin with, it's common practice that electronics are manufactured to operate only at the voltage of the country in which they are sold. Since Europe uses a standard electrical delivery of 220 volts, people traveling from North America will find that their locally purchased electronics are not suited for use with the European electrical system overseas. The 220 volts encountered in Europe is too high, and can ruin your expensive electronics the second you plug them in. Sometimes this can even result in personal injury or a fire.
Fortunately, voltage converters offer an effective and economical solution to using electronics overseas. There are many different types of voltage converters but for the purpose of this article we're going to focus on voltage converters for Europe. These are called Step-down converters. A Step-down converter is used to lower (hence the term 'step-down') the electrical voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Step-down converters work by plugging directly into the foreign outlet/socket. The voltage converter's internal parts step the electricity down to 110 volts and then deliver it to the electrical outlets/sockets that are on the converter. All you have to do is simply plug your 110 volt electronics into the converter and you can safely and efficiently power your 110 volt electronic devices. It's truly that simple. However, there's another factor you'll need to consider before actually purchasing a voltage converter; Wattage.
Voltage converters are available in a variety off wattages, from 100 watts up to 5, 10 and even 15 thousand watts. In order to choose which voltage converter you should purchase, you're going to need to know how many watts your electronics use. The wattage can easily be found on the manufacturers label that's affixed to the device. Surprisingly, some electronics use next to nothing in wattage when overs use easily over 1,000 watts at normal operating power. This makes it extremely important to have a good idea of what kind of wattage you'll be using. If you still need help in choosing the right converter, view our voltage converter buying guide for more in depth detail.
Once the wattage you'll be using is determined, you're going to need to round that wattage up by 2 to 3 times. This is a precautionary measure that prevents accidental failure or malfunction should the voltage converter not be able to deliver the draw that your electronics are using. Generally speaking, if you need to use around 1,000 watts of power then you should purchase a 2,500 to 3,000 watt voltage converter for Europe. This will ensure that you can have multiple devices plugged in and operating without running the risk of failure, fire, or electrical shock.
Now that you have a better understanding of traveling with electronics, you'll need to find a reputable retailer where you can purchase a converter. 220-Electronics carries a complete inventory of voltage converters for Europe. We are specialists in overseas electronics with over 30 years of experience and carry high quality products offered to you at low, discount prices. Visit us now at www.220-Electronics.com to find exactly what you need to enjoy your trip and your electronics.
