Electrical Equipment Abroad - Avoid These Pitfalls
- Date: 2008-10-19 - Word Count: 280
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Check if your electrical appliances are multi-voltage or if they only run on the voltage in your home country. If they are not multi-voltage and you will travel to a country with a different voltage you need to get a voltage converter or a transformer.
There may also be differences in the electrical frequency (e.g. 50 Hz or 60 Hz) which may cause problems (e.g. burn-outs) if your appliance is not designed to handle that frequency.
Even if your appliance runs on the same voltage and frequency as your destination (or is universal) you may need to get a plug adapter since not all electrical outlets look the same. You can check out the Internet for a description of the plugs used in the most common travel destinations or use a universal plug adapter.
If you have expensive electronics you may want to invest in a surge protector in order to protect your equipment. Read the instructions on the surge protector carefully to find out if you need to get a voltage converter as well.
You can also consider getting battery powered appliances to avoid the problem altogether (except if you use rechargeable batteries that is).
Personal Experience - The Luzon Lighting
One of the weirdest electrical experiences I had was in the Philippines where the only socket in the room was attached to the side of the ceiling lamp. I just could not get it to work until I realized that you had to turn on the light to the ceiling lamp in order for the socket to get electricity. Well if you are ever in Luzon and run into that lamp now you know what to do :)
Related Tags: electricity, frequency, voltage, electrical adapter, plug adapter
You can find out voltage, electrical frequency and type of plugs used in various countries at: Hello Backpacker.
Peter Siljerud is an experienced world traveller and co-author of the Backpacker's toolbox. He regularly contributes to Hello Backpacker - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages:
Get inspired / Plan your trip / Advice on the road / Tips when back home
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