The Power Converter - Sometimes it's Just Not Enough!
Just because you have packed your
handy power converter don’t get too confident that all your electrical problems
are solved. Electronic appliances (CD players, stereos, VCRs) require a
transformer instead of a voltage converter. Single Volt products with
electronic circuitry need a specific sine wave to operate. An AC transformer
will maintain the quality of the sine wave where as an AC power converter won’t,
and therefore damage the electronic circuitry. Fortunately many dual voltage
converters include a built in transformer.
Another thing that you will want to
factor in is the difference in Hertz (50 and 60Hz). Even with a travel
converter, AC motors brought from North America (60Hz) to Europe (50Hz) will run
slower. In some cases, like a hair dryer or electric razor, the difference
won’t be noticeable and as long as you used the correct AC voltage converter you
should be ok. However, other devices, like tape and CD players or electric
clocks, even with the use of your travel voltage converter, will not operate
correctly. These devices, operating at 5/6 normal speed will be noticeably
slower (i.e. Music will be played slower and clocks will lose time). When
purchasing your voltage converters you I suggest purchasing a battery operated
travel clock.
Some things, even with an
AC power
converter won’t work at all. For example, don’t bother bringing a television
with you. Despite being able to overcome the differences in electricity with an
international voltage converter you still will only receive rolling static as
the broadcast signals in Europe and North America are different. Another thing
you need to worry about is old wiring. Bad wiring will defeat a transformer or a
converter every time. Many older European hotels have older electric wiring and
will not be able to support your 1000 watt travel iron. Luckily most hotels
have warning signs; however, if the lights start to flicker unplug your
electrical device immediately.
And finally, be very careful with the
European bathroom electric shaver socket. They are designed for low wattage
electrical appliances (shavers and toothbrushes) and are not meant for use with
a hairdryer or curling iron.
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