The Best Voltage Converter

A voltage converter is a device used to change a power source’s electrical output. They are most often used to change 220 volts down to 110 volts or to change 110 volts up to 220 volts. If you are using an appliance or electronic device that was made for a specific voltage and that voltage is not available, you need to convert the power to the correct voltage level. Voltage converters are most often needed for those who travel to other countries.
Step Up and Step Down Voltage Converters

A Step Down voltage converter lets you step down the electricity when you are in countries that use 220, 230, or 240 volts. These converters bring the electricity down to 110 volts. This allows you to use your 110 volt appliances and electronics without any problems. A Step Up voltage converter will let you go from 110 to 220 volts. Voltage converters that can do both functions are referred to as a 2-way converter.

Type and Size of Voltage Converters

If you are taking appliances and electronics that you bought in a 110 volt country to use while visiting a 220 volt country, you need a Step Down converter. On the other hand, if you are taking appliances and electronics bought in a 220 volt country to a 110 volt country, you will need a Step Up voltage converter.

A voltage converter’s size is determined by the wattage. The size of converter you need will depend on exactly which items you will be powering and how many watts they use. You will want to look for a converter with a wattage that is two to three times higher than the devices you will be using. This is because certain things like motors, power tools, TVs, and printers require a surge of power when they are first turned on. This surge can be two to three times the watts the device normally uses. This extra wattage is simply a precaution to keep your appliances and electronics from becoming damaged. A converter with a watt rating higher than you need cannot hurt your devices, but one with not enough wattage won’t work.

Finding a Device’s Wattage and Selecting the Proper Converter

The first thing you have to do is find the wattage of the appliances and electronics you will be traveling with. This information can be found on the manufacturer’s label located on the bottom or back of your items. The wattage may also be found in the owner’s manual. If there is no “Watts” or “W” on the label, it is probably listed as “Amps” or “A.” Amps can be changed into Watts so that you can find the correct voltage converter. Use the following equation to do this:
Volts x Amps = Watts

Voltage Stabilizer

The power supply can fluctuate in certain countries. It can go up and down by more than just a few volts. This is referred to as “brown outs.” They can be quite common in some places. Brown outs happen when the normal voltage drops way below normal. This can cause lights to momentarily dim. It can be worse on appliances and electronics than if the power completely went out. After the power dips during a brown out, it comes back with a sudden surge of watts. This can be strong enough to damage common appliances and electronics. A voltage stabilizer protects your devices from brown outs. Some voltage converters have voltage stabilizers built in.
Foreign Plug Adapter

The plug adapter allows you to plug your devices into the electrical outlet. Outlet and plug styles vary from country to country. They only accept items with a matching style of plug. Adapter plugs can also be used for the voltage converter itself. Items that have dual voltage can be used with 110 volts or 220 volts, but they still may need a plug adapter. If you are traveling through several different countries, a voltage converter with a foreign adapter set will be a good investment.

Recommendations

A terrific mid-priced voltage converter is the Travel Smart by Conair. For just under $25 this one device works as a converter and adapter combo with a built in surge protector for fluctuating currents found in other countries. This converter works in the most frequently visited areas such as Europe, Italy, China, and Spain.
If you are in search of a voltage converter that is small enough to easily pack without blowing your budget, the OREI European Plug Adapter Schuko Type E/F is ideal. It is priced under $10, and it works in Germany, France, Russia, and Europe. The double ports allow you to use two devices at the same time making this a convenient converter for the price.

The overall top pick for value and functionality is the Bestek Voltage Converter. It converts 220 volts to 110 volts, and it comes with three international adapter plugs that support outlets in over 150 countries. The compact size of 6 by 3 by 1.57 inches makes it perfect for travel along with a five foot detachable power cord. It also includes four USB charging ports. The Bestek voltage converter can be found for just under $45.

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This page about Voltage Converter was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-05-09 08:11:28 and has been viewed 4023 times.