Travel Voltage Converter: Step Up Or Step Down?

Are you planning to go on a trip to another country? If you do, surely you're thinking of bringing your favorite gadgets such as your camera, laptop or simple electrical appliances such as hair dryers or shavers along with you? Before you do any unnecessary damage to your precious gadgets, you should learn about the different voltage system of certain countries and how a travel voltage converter can help convert the voltage into something that is compatible with the devices you're planning to use abroad.

Indeed, it is important to note that not all countries in the world operate on 110 Volt / 60 Hz except countries in North America and certain parts of Central and South America. Most foreign countries operate on 220 Volt / 50 Hz where the range of the Volt is 220-250V. Without the intervention of travel voltage converters to convert the voltage, plugging an electrical product that operates on 110 Volt into a 220 Volt power outlet (even if the plug adapter fits) will not only cause it not to work correctly but can also cause permanent damages and even burn the circuit boards.

That's why you need carry a voltage converter for travel along with you if you plan to go overseas because it allows appliances made for the voltage of one geographical region to operate from the power outlets of another area. It is light and high portable so it is very easy to carry one while travelling. Depending on the model you have, most voltage converters can usually only double or halve the voltage while the more expensive models can do both.

There are basically two types of voltage converters and they are step up and step down. A step up travel voltage converter is capable of increasing the voltage from 110 V to 230 V and it is especially useful if you plan to use an electrical product that is designed to work in the United States in another foreign country that operates on 220/240V voltage. Step down converter is the exact opposite because it will convert from 230 V to 110 V so that you can safely operate your US appliances in any foreign countries.

When choosing a travel voltage converter, you want to make sure that it will convert the voltage of the country you're planning to travel to into the voltage that your appliances operate on. Make sure that it comes with at least 5 different plug-in adapters so that you can safely travel around the world (Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, Middle East and the Caribbean) without having to worry a thing about not having the right adapter for your appliances. Also make sure that it is fuse protected for safety and that it comes with a handy travel pouch so that you can carry it easily with you.

Be sure to read the instructions or manuals before operating the travel voltage converter because there are certain restrictions which you need to be awared of. For example, a voltage converters with 50/1600 Watts restriction can only be used for charging the batteries of your cellphone or ipods or work with certain heating-type appliances such as hair dryers and bottle warmers. You must never use it to operate kitchen appliances, household appliances or power tools because it will most likely burn and cause permanent damages to your appliances.