Voltage Converters: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are a frequent traveler, you will be quite familiar with the problem of voltage difference and its effect, on small appliances and electronic goods that you carry along during travel. There are countries which use 110 or 120 volts as the standard voltage and others that use 210 to 230 volts. With the help of voltage converters, which are also termed as transformers, you can resolve this nagging problem and further save a lot of money, while you travel.

Hair dryers, alarm clocks, electric shavers, iron boxes and electronic items like DVD players, Televisions are some of the common items that we take along with us while traveling. All these products need a particular voltage for them to function properly. Inadequate or excess voltage can damage the products permanently. Basically manufacturing companies develop the products, based on a certain voltage that is the standard for the particular country. Without the correct voltage present, the appliances cannot be used.

The appropriate voltage is required even in the case of a code free DVD player, which is modeled for PAL or NTSC formats. If there is difference in the voltage range, then these cannot be used. A multi-system television too, needs a voltage converter for working efficiently.

Voltage converter:
A voltage converter is an apparatus that raises or lowers the voltage that is passed from an electrical object to an outlet. In cases of difference in the voltage, due to the geographical variation, the converter helps to increase or step up the voltage and also decrease or step down the voltage as required. This facility is present in most converters that are in use, at present.

Before you purchase a voltage converter, know about the voltage pattern of the country you are going to. In case of a 220 standard voltage being, used you can step up the voltage with the converter, if your appliance works at 110 volts only. Similarly you can step down to 110 voltages, if your appliance works with a 220 volt. Converters, usually come with a label, mentioning the voltage conversions that are possible.

The wattage too differs with different appliances. The appliances like electric shavers and other items that do not require heating, need a 50 watt voltage converter. Items like irons need as high as 1600 watt converter for proper functioning.

In the case of a multi-system television or an LCD television, a high powered voltage converter is required as the television sets are prone to voltage surges which cause harm to the converter. Take care to set the converter to the correct voltage before switching it on.

Camcorders, VCRs, CD player and DVD players that are code free, also need to be verified for the correct wattage. Along with the voltage converters, do not forget to buy accessories like adaptors and universal surge suppressors. Simran, Regvolt, Tripplite, Travelarts are some of the brands that are in common use.

To enjoy a hassle free journey, it is advisable to carry with you a voltage converter which not only saves you time but also money that you have to spend for repairing or replacing the damaged items