voltage

The voltage is the electrical voltage that a device needs to operate. There are two standards, depending on the country, of 120 Volts or 230 Volts, corresponding to the voltage delivered to the socket.

The 230 Volts (between 220 and 240 Volts) is the most widespread standard, especially in Europe. The 120 Volt standard (between 100 and 127 Volts, depending on the location) are characteristic of the American continent (including Canada and the United States), and some Asian countries (Japan, Taiwan …). Note that in a dozen countries (including Brazil and Madagascar), the voltage can be different within the same country, depending on the regions varying between 120 Volts and 230 Volts.

The electrical devices of each country are basically designed to operate on the voltage used in it or a voltage close (between 100 Volts and 127 Volts for a 120 Volts and between 220 Volts and 240 Volts for a 230 Volts). Devices equipped with a transformer can operate on both standards.

Caution: these are nominal values. In many developing countries the voltage is unstable and sometimes significantly lower than its theoretical value. In this case it will be necessary to use a voltage regulator to protect your sensitive devices.

Frequencies

In addition to the voltage, it is also necessary to pay attention to the frequency (the number of changes in the direction of the current per second, expressed in Hertz). In France, the network delivers 50 Hz while in North America, for example, it delivers 60 Hz.

Unless otherwise stated, devices may sometimes not function properly and may incidentally present small risks of deterioration if used with a frequency other than expected.

So, how do we do it abroad?

If you travel or if you want to import or export electrical equipment (i.e. with a motor for example, and therefore not “purely electronic”), you will have to make sure that your devices can operate in the country of destination. A device designed for 220V will not be able to work with 110V (and vice versa) unless you use a transformer. On the contrary a deviation of plus or minus 10 volts will generally be inconsequential (but in case of doubt use a voltage regulator). An electric motor designed for 50Hz will be able to run on 60Hz but will run faster, and a 60Hz motor will run slower if powered by 50Hz.

Here’s how to do it:

1-Know the voltage and frequency of the destination country

Before leaving, check on the internet the voltage and frequency delivered in the electricity network of the country of destination, on the previous page “Which sockets for which country”.

On the spot, if you have a doubt, to know the voltage: If you are traveling and you do not know what the local voltage is, just look at what is printed on a lamp in your hotel room or in a supermarket!

2-Know the operating conditions of its devices

Before leaving, check the nameplates of your devices,which include the voltage, frequency, amperage and wattage of the device in question. If there is a mention like “100-240V~50/60Hz”, your device is dual-voltage. If there is only “230V~50Hz” or “110V~60hz”, for example, there is the risk that you will damage your hardware.

Most electronic devices (and not “electric”!) using chargers (mobile phone, laptop, camera, tablet…) are generally bi-voltage, i.e. designed to be able to be recharged with both types of current. To find out if your device is dual-voltage, you need to look at the power information on the device, either on the device itself or on the power box on the cord.

3-Equip yourself properly

To run devices without a motor, you will only need an adapter. For example, to charge your camera, video camera, mobile phone or to use your laptop.

You will definitely need a converter or transformer if you are going to use electrical appliances with a motor such as a hair dryer, razor, etc.

Plug adapter. A plug adapter allows you to plug an electrical device into outlets used abroad.

Warning: these plug tips only change the format of your socket! They do not convert electrical voltages. To use your electrical appliances abroad and change the voltage (the current comes out in 230 volts in France, against 100 to 120 volts in many countries), you need a voltage converter or a transformer.

Converters and transformers. Converters, like transformers, convert the voltage of the electricity grid (110 volts, for example) to the operating voltage of the device (230 volts, for example), but there is a difference between the two: converters are not designed for continuous use and generally cannot be used for more than two hours in a row. In addition, most converters do not have a ground outlet.

Transformers and converters do not change the frequency and sometimes this difference can also prevent the device from working properly.

To calculate the power of the converter/transformer adapted to your needs, there is a simple principle: the sum of the powers of the devices connected to the converter/transformer must be less than the power of the converter/transformer. You just need to calculate the sum of the operating powers of the devices you want to connect to the converter. This power, expressed in watts, is indicated in the instructions of the electrical appliances or on the appliances themselves. A distinction should be made between operating power and starting power, which is necessary to start up an electrical appliance. The starting power is much higher than the rated power: up to 2 to 3 times higher. Good quality converters/transformers absorb peak consumptions of up to 2 times their rated power (over short periods of time). In general this does not pose a problem, however, in case of doubt, it may be necessary to “oversize” the converter / transformer. We recommend that you purchase a converter/transformer with a maximum wattage rating of at least 25% more than your device.

The wattage of a device is indicated on its nameplate. In the event that this information is not included, you can do the calculation yourself by multiplying the voltage by the amperage in order to find the power in watts (e.g. 230 V *2 A = 460 W).

Below there is a list of electrical devices and their approximate wattage. Do not use this list as a reference point for the purchase of a converter or transformer: always consult the nameplate of the device in question!

• 100 watts (or less): small devices, such as chargers for mobile phones, laptops, video cameras, small fans, printers, etc.

• 300 watts: most TVs, refrigerators, etc.

• 500 watts: mixers, video projectors, home cinemas, etc.

• 1000 watts: small electric convectors, multifunction robots, etc.

• 1600 – 2000 watts: hair dryers, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, electric convectors, toasters, fryers, irons, coffee makers, etc.

• 3000 watts: dryers, large air conditioners, etc.

Where to buy your adapter / converter: in DIY stores, hardware stores, household appliances (BHV, Monsieur Bricolage, Leroy Merlin …), in the electronic department of department stores such as Carrefour or in airports. Price of a converter: about 30,00€