The terms 220 to 110 converter and travel transformer are sometimes used interchangeably. Some manufacturers even use one term for the other when putting labels on their products. However, a 220 to 110 converter is technically different from the way a transformer changes voltages. The following is a simple description of how converters work.

Transformers are so named due to the fact that they transform or change the voltage of electric current. A travel transformer takes a high voltage and converts it into low voltage. This step down approach to power conversion is safe and does not cause any problem with any appliance or gadget.

On the other hand, a 220 to 110 converter does not transform voltages as its moniker may have people think. What this device does is to simply just cut the power down in half from 220 volts to 110 volts. In a seamless perfect world, that process would have been completely worry-free. Well, that’s not the case on this planet, which is why many people have complained about these so-called converters.

A 220 to 110 converter cuts the current’s sine wave in half, which is why there never is a negative 110v rating in these so-called converters. These converters are known to fry different kinds of electronic devices. Plug a 1,200-watt device in a 1,600-watt converter and you have an instant smoking paperweight right in front of you.

AC alternates from plus to minus as it runs through a circuit. This is basically the behavior one can observe in a sine wave pattern. The current switches from one direction to the other in a fraction of a second. A 220 to 110 converter only uses the positive side of the sine wave and prevents electrons from going the other way. This method of reducing electric current can cause a short circuit in many silicon chips used today.

The best advice for anyone traveling to Europe therefore would be to purchase a real power converter, which means getting a transformer and not just a “converter.” A 220 to 110 converter is an indispensable device as long as one ensures that the device actually converts the power and not just cuts it in half.

Some people ask if they should bring a travel transformer to Europe or a power converter. A lot of people think that a converter and a transformer are just the same thing. Part of the list of things in a typical travel kit would include both of these two items, which basically raises the question of which one to bring and if there’s any difference between these two things at all.

Well, a travel transformer and a power converter may seem to bring the same results but the general public should know that there is a significant underlying difference. That singular difference can spell convenience for the entire duration of the European trip or the fatal end of the gizmo that was just plugged into the wall bringing up the fancy fireworks – not to mention a nice dinner by candle light right in your hotel room.

Here’s the big difference – a travel transformer changes the AC current from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. On the other hand, a power converter only reduces the power from a high 220 volts to a lower 110 volts. The travel transformer is recommended for anyone traveling to Europe while using a power converter is definitely not advisable.

A travel transformer actually changes the 220-volt European electricity to the usual 110 volts that American gadgets are designed for. Converting from one voltage to another is safe both for the user and the appliances or gadgets that tourists bring along. However, in case a transformer starts to hum or get hot it simply means that its load is maxed out. The solution of course is to purchase a bigger travel transformer that can supply the needed power.

As stated earlier, a converter cuts the European 220 volts in half thus producing 110 volts. Many people think that there should be no problem with this but in fact, this process can indeed fry the equipment that’s plugged in. The way a converter cuts the power doesn’t work well with the behavior of AC electricity. This means that if a traveler can’t live without a hair dryer then get a good-sized travel transformer.

If you have decided to push through with that European trip you have always planned on taking, you will need a foreign travel voltage converter with you if you have many electrical devices to bring. This is because European countries operate on 210 to 220 volts electrical supply while the United States operate on a 110 volt electrical supply. In your trip, you are sure to bring an electrical razor, hair dryer, iron, MP3 or iPod, digital camera, laptop and the battery chargers for these gadgets. All of these will need a foreign travel voltage converter.

A foreign travel voltage converter is a small device that will allow your appliances to get the right amount of volts they need to operate and function well. The regular ones do not cost much and are priced at $20 or below. The stylish and latest models cost below $60. These converters are not that big and are very convenient to bring along.

When you buy a foreign travel voltage converter, it will come with a case which has a main converter and other extra inserts that will ensure you will be able to connect properly to the power system of different countries.

When you use your foreign travel voltage converter, you simply connect your appliance to it then plug this into the socket on the wall. Make sure you know the correct electric voltage system in the place you are in before plugging on your appliance. Check out the guide or manual that comes along with your converter as this has information on the voltage specifics of various countries.

To be able to travel lightly, just bring one or two converters with you. Make sure you also have a plug adaptor as European countries have different sockets. Your foreign travel voltage converter will surely be a big help for you to use all your electronic gadgets.

With a voltage converter, travel would be easy as you will be able to use all the necessary gadgets you need such as your cell phone, battery charger, digital camera, laptop, radio, and other electrical devices. When you use a voltage converter, travel is more fun as you will be able to listen to music before you sleep, take pictures of the countries you visit, go online and communicate with your family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and officemates.

The voltage in both America and Japan is low at 110-120 volts while European countries have high voltage at 200-240 volts. With a voltage converter, travel is hassle-free as you just connect this to your appliances before you plug the appliances onto the socket.

A voltage converter travel kit will alter the voltage of electricity so that a device or gadget will have the amount of volts it needs to function well. The voltage is changed using a manual electromagnetic induction. The current that goes through the secondary circuit will make a magnetic field. Because there are alterations in the current, this will then effect changes in the magnetic field. In return, the voltage of the secondary circuit will also be transformed.

The wattage of a voltage converter travel kit and the appliances must also be considered. Converters with 50 watts of power can be used with MPs or battery chargers but they cannot run appliances that have 100 watts of power such as a personal computer.

When your appliances are made in Japan or in the U.S., you will surely need a European voltage converter if you go on a European trip. This will make you use all the gadgets that you bring with you. Thanks to the invention of voltage converter travel kits, people can connect with other individuals in another continent.

Which travel converter to buy will be determined on where your device was manufactured, where you will be traveling, and the watts or amps. If you are using your 220V or 240V device in a country with 110V power, you will need a travel converter that will lower the power, but if you are traveling to a country with 220V or 240V power and have a device from a 110V country, you will need a travel voltage converter to increase the voltage.

Where Do I Find The Wattage Of My Device?

To buy the correct converter, you will need to know what wattage the device is. This is easily determined by looking at the product for the engraved wattage information. Choose a converter that is higher in wattage than the one you have to get the best performance from your travel converter.

Do Televisions Travel Voltage Converters Have Different Specifications?

Yes, there are different specifications for televisions. In order to use your TV, it is necessary to get a deluxe travel voltage regulator that gives you a higher wattage (20% more) than your set, not a travel voltage regulator. TVs require more wattage because they are known to create a surge in power when turned on, so you will need more wattage than you could get from a travel voltage converter.

If My American Hair Dryer/Blower Is 220V, Will I Require A Travel Voltage Converter?

Yes, because American dryers are typically 2-phase 100V, whereas in Europe the standard is single-phase 200V, so you will need a travel converter.

Should I Get A Travel Voltage Converter Or Regulator?

Depending on your needs, you may require a voltage regulator or a travel converter. A regulator does everything a travel voltage converter does but also keeps the current to +/- 4% of the standard voltage. The reason you would want a regulator instead of a travel voltage converter is that while countries run on 110 or 220V, it actually can vary between 75 and 130V, or 180V and 260V. This is the difference between voltage regulator and travel voltage converter.

How Do I Use My Travel Voltage Converter When In A Country With Different Plug Shapes?

This is very easy; just use an adapter on top of your travel converter.

As you can see, it is easy and simple to use a travel converter, and if you are going to travel abroad, you should plan on purchasing a converter to plug in your electronic devices and appliances.

A travel voltage converter is not expensive and will make your life traveling easier and help you make the most of your travel adventure and your devices. You can find converters online or you can find them at your local electronics shop. Being prepared will help make your travels that much more enjoyable.

If you have done any traveling overseas, you know that in order to use your personal electrical devices such as an electric shaver, hair dryer, or curling iron you will need a travel voltage converter. If you do not have access to one then you will not be able to plug them in and have them work in Europe, Australia and even Eastern countries because they all use different electrical power voltages than the US. Also, if you are traveling you will need a converter for your laptop, CD player, MP3 player, and cell phone.

US outlets supply 110 or 120V, while other countries usually put out 210 to 240V through wall outlets, so you can see why you need a travel voltage converter to keep from frying your electronics when you travel to these other countries. A simple plug adapter will allow you to plug in your electronics, but the extra voltage would blow out your appliance or electronic device. You must also have a travel voltage converter to lower the voltage to a point that your device can handle.

What About Double Voltage Electronics or Appliances?

Since traveling across countries has become much more common over the years, there are more people who travel with electronic devices. These days it is practically impossible to travel without cell phones, laptops, GPS, hair curlers or dryers and other appliances and electronic equipment. Many manufacturers are fitting these devices with transformers that can translate the voltage or power to the appropriate level before it reaches the device, so that it can serve as a dual-voltage device. But does this negate the need for a travel voltage converter? Many of these device’s transformers identify the voltage and change the levels up or down depending on how much voltage is needed or not needed.

So again, do you need a converter with a device that has a transformer in the charger?

While these dual-voltage devices are great and can handle the voltage switch for you, even if you have one or more dual-voltage devices, you will probably need a travel voltage converter because not all of your devices will have dual-voltage capacity. And it’s always a good idea to use a travel voltage converter just in case; it’s the safest way.

To be certain that your devices are dual-voltage or if you are not sure, check your device or the charger to see what the label says. It will look like this:

INPUT: AC 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz

A label that only says AC 110V or 120V or AC 240V, is not considered dual voltage and will need a travel voltage converter to use overseas.

You may need more than a travel converter; your American plug will probably not properly fit into the wall outlets where you travel. There are almost one dozen plug shapes in use all over the world and simply using a travel converter will not allow you to plug in your device. You will need a plug adapter. You may want to purchase an adapter kit that is universal in addition to your travel voltage converter to insure that you have the proper plug adapters.