Tagged with 'step down converter'

As you may or may not know, the standards for electrical voltage vary from country to country and region to region. Depending where in the world you live, you may find anything from 110 volts to 240 volts being delivered to your home. Since electronics sold locally are always compatible with the local voltage, we never really notice (or need to notice) differences until we travel overseas, relocate, or work abroad. It's during those times of going abroad that the voltage differences play a part in our plans, and therefor we have to be prepared.

 

In United States and the rest of North America (including Canada and Mexico), the standard voltage is 120 volts. All electronics and electrical devices - with the exception of some commercial equipment and machinery - are designed to work on the 120 volt electrical grid. If you're moving from North America to Europe for example, your electronics will not be compatible with the 220 volt standard electricity there. The higher voltage will not only damage your 110 volt devices, but using them can result in fire or electrical shock. There are two options in this situation. The first is leaving your electronics behind and purchasing new items when you arrive in your destination country. The second option is to take your electronics along with you and simply purchase a step-down voltage converter.

 

What is a Step-down Voltage Converter?

A step-down voltage converter is a rather simple device that plugs directly into a wall outlet and changes the voltage from 220 volts (or 240 volts) down to 120 volts. Since the electricity is being decreased, it's called a "step-down" converter because it literally steps the voltage downwards. The opposite converter - which could be used to power European electronics in North America - is called a step-up converter. Voltage converters are affordable, efficient, safe to use, and often more economical than purchasing new electronics and appliances. Not only do step-down voltage converters work for people traveling to foreign lands, but they're also popular among the locals of 220-volt countries who wish to purchase appliances and/or electronics which are only available from 120-volt countries.

 

How Much Do Step-down Converters Cost, and Where Can I Buy One?

Step-down voltage converters are relatively inexpensive. The price and availability generally depends on the size you'll need, and the size you'll need is dependent of the wattage required to run your electronics or appliances. Since a refrigerator uses significantly higher wattage than a LED TV, you'll need a step-down converter with a larger capacity for the refrigerator than you would for a TV. The general rule is to purchase a converter that is rated for 2 to 3 times the wattage of your device(s) to protect them during prolonged use or any electrical surges that might occur. Generally speaking, voltage converters are available in any voltage from 500-watts up to 25,000 watts. The prices vary accordingly, and you can shop a complete inventory of step-down converters here. If you're not sure which style or size you'll need, you can learn more about converters in our Voltage Converter Buying Guide.

 

Step-down Voltage Converters can be purchased both locally and online, but it's important to choose a retailer who has a history of international electronics as they'll be more inclined to identify your specific needs. Once you have the proper type and size of step-up converter for your application, you'll be able to use your electronics safely and efficiently without the risk of damage or injury.

 

If you're moving to another country, traveling overseas, or have electronics or appliances that are not compatible with the voltage in your home, RV or boat - you're going to need to purchase a voltage converter.

 

Voltage converters - also known as voltage transformers - are devices that do exactly what the name implies. They convert voltage up or down, making it possible to use electronics and appliances that require a voltage other than what you currently have available.

 

There are many reasons for needing a voltage converter, including:

 

• Moving overseas with electronics or appliances that were purchased in your home country

• Traveling overseas for an extended period with electronics

• Purchasing electronics or appliances from a foreign retailer

• Using 110 or 120 volt appliances or electronics in a yacht/RV that utilizes 220 or 240 volts

• Using specialty tools like welders which often use an operating voltage of 220 volts

 

Whatever the reason, voltage converters make it easy to use your electronics and appliances at the voltage they were designed to be used with. Attempting to use a device at a higher or lower voltage than it was designed to be used for is dangerous and can damage your device, cause personal injury, and result in a fire.

 

Step Up vs. Step Down Converters

There are two main types of voltage converters available to use, Step-up and step-down. A step-up voltage converter takes the voltage up, allowing 220/240 volt devices to be used with a 110/120 volt electrical outlet. A Step-down voltage converter takes the voltage down, allowing a 110/120 volt device to be used with a 220/240 volt electrical outlet.

 

What type of voltage converter do you need? See the examples below.

 

Step-up Voltage Converters: Used by people from 220/240 volt countries (most european countries) who are traveling or relocating to North America (or other 110/120 volt country) with their electronics and appliances. Likewise, a step-up voltage converter can be used by anyone in North America who needs to use a 220/240 volt product.

 

Step-down Voltage Converters: Used by people from 110/120 volt countries who are traveling or relocating to a 220/240 volt country with their electronics or appliances. Likewise, step-down converters can be used by anyone in a 220/240 volt country who needs to use a 110/120 volt product.

 

It's actually quite simple. Step-up converters step your voltage up, while step-down converters step the voltage down. Several years ago when traveling to Europe, I brought a step-down converter with me so I could use my large computer monitor and desktop computer during an extended business stay. I plugged the unit into the 220 volt wall outlet, and it safely stepped the voltage down so I could use my system at the 120 volts it was designed for. It made life easy, and with a power strip connected to the converter I was able to use a few other 120 volt devices I had brought with including my Playstation 3. The converter was easy to use and eliminated any chase of harm or damage to my devices.

 

Dual-Purpose Step-up/Step-down Converters

Some people prefer to have the ability to step the voltage up and down with a single device. These people can purchase a dual-use step-up/step-down converter that is capable of bringing voltage both up or down. The dual functionality of these causes them to cost slightly more, but the difference is negligible if that's what you really need.

 

Where to Buy a Voltage Converter

Voltage converters can be purchased in many places, but it's important to look for a quality product. It's also important to know that the converters are rated in watts, and you need to be sure that the model you purchase is rated for sufficient wattage to handle the devices you're planning on using. Sizes range from a very low 100 volts up to 5,000 volts or more. You can learn exactly how to choose the proper voltage converter here by using our detailed buying guide.

 

As specialists in international electronics & appliance use, we sell a complete line of voltage converters for any situation. We have multiple sizes and styles, including converters with voltage regulators to enhanced safety. You can shop our complete inventory here, from the comfort of your home. We guarantee the lowest prices and ship worldwide.

 

With over 35 years of experience in international relocation and global electronics, 220-Electronics is a trusted source for consumers all over the world. Our low prices and decades of experience ensure a pleasant purchase experience and the help of a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Shop our online store with confidence! We have helped end of thousands of customers in the last 5 years alone and we hope that you'll be one of them.

If you're planning a move or long-term travel to france from North America, it might be a good idea to purchase a voltage converter. In North America electricity is delivered at 120 volts, and in turn, all electronics sold in America are designed to operate at 120-volt electricity. France on the other hand uses 220 volt electricity, which means that your North American electronics cannot be used there. The voltage in France is too high for 120-volt electronics and attempting to use them can result in damaged electronics, electrical shock, or even a fire. There is a simple solution however, for using 120-volt electronics in a 220-volt environment - a voltage converter, also known as a voltage transformer.

 

Voltage converters do exactly what the name implies - they convert voltage. The converter is plugged directly into an electrical outlet and when turned on, it converters the electricity to the proper voltage. The converter itself actually has outlets built in, and this is where you can safely plug in your appliances or electronics to use at their proper operating voltage. There are a variety of types and sizes of voltage transformers available, depending on the wattage required to operate your devices. This includes voltage converters for France.

 

The Proper Voltage Converters for France

When the voltage needs to be reduced from 220 to 110 volts, this is called "stepping down", and a Step-down converter is needed. In this case of using American electronics in France, you'll need a step-down voltage converter. The converter effectively reduces the voltage to the proper number for safely using your North American appliances in France without the risk of fire, electrocution or damage to your electronics.

 

It is important to note that the size of the voltage converter you will need for France will vary. The sizes vary in watts. If you need something to power your computer or some small personal electronics, 500 watts should be sufficient. If you plan on using your voltage converter to power a hair dryer, blender, coffee maker or something that has a high power draw such as a flat screen TV, the required wattage will be much higher. It's important to check the manufacturer labels on your devices to get an estimate of the wattage and then purchase accordingly. Additionally, in order to avoid problems and because some devices can surge up to twice of their manufacturer stated wattage, it's a good idea to purchase a voltage converter rated for 2 to 2.5 times the wattage you expect to use. This eliminates the risk for failure or damage and acts as a safeguard in countries where voltage may fluctuate or surge during times of busy use.

 

For more information on choosing the proper voltage converter, check out this helpful Voltage Converter Buying Guide. It contains all the information you'll need to make the right purchase. You'll also learn about plug adapters, and how to be sure that you're 100% ready to use your step-down voltage converter in France without any issues.

 

Are you planning to travel abroad, relocate or vacation to Africa in the near future? If you're from North America, you should be aware that the electrical system there operates at a different voltage and you'll need to be properly prepared before embarking on your trip.

 

In Africa, the standard electrical voltage is 220 Volts, which applies to the whole continent. However, in North America, the standard voltage is 110 Volts. On both continents, consumer electronics are specifically designed and manufactured to work with the native electrical voltage. This means that North American electronics are designed to operate with a 110 (or 120) Volt electrical system, while electronics in Africa are designed to operate with a 220 (or 240) Volt electrical system.

 

What this means is that North American electronics cannot be used in Africa and African electronics cannot be used in North America. The difference in voltage will either be too low to efficiently power the electronics, or too high for the device to handle. Attempting to plug-in or operate electronics devices in a foreign environment where the voltage differs can result in damage to your electronics, fire, and even electrocution.

 

What you'll need to do in order to properly and safely use your electronics in Africa is purchase a voltage converter. A voltage converter is a device that plugs into the wall and converts the voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts and has its own electrical outlets built into it, where you can plug-in and use your electronics devices safely, without worry.

 

There are many different types and models of voltage converters, depending on where you're traveling. They also come in different sizes which are rated by the wattage they can handle. The size of the converter you'll need to purchase depends on the wattage that your electronics require to operate. Higher wattage electronics will naturally require a higher wattage voltage converter to be used safely without the risk of damage or injury.

 

For more information on how to choose the proper voltage converters for Africa, please visit our voltage converter buying guide. It contains all the necessary information needed to identify the proper type of converter you'll need, as well as the size. You'll also learn about the different plugs and sockets which vary from country to country and how you can be prepared with foreign plug adapters.

 

At 220 Electronics, we sell a complete line of high quality voltage converters that can be utilized wherever you're traveling. From step-up converter and step-down converters to travel voltage converters, we carry everything you need to efficiently and effectively power your electronics in a foreign country. Check out our inventory today! We've been the trusted source for international electronics for over 30 years.