Most of the world uses a foreign plug and 220 current so to use only an adapter plug is to commit appliance suicide. If 220 volts go through your 110 appliance count on some smoke.

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Converters and transformers step down the current in different ways so all appliances cannot be used interchangeably with converters and transformers. Electronic appliances, such as computers, CD players and radios can ONLY be used with transformers. Electric appliances can be used with both converters AND transformers but using a high wattage product such as a hair dryer, hot pot or steam iron with a 1500-watt transformer becomes a traveler's nightmare when the transformer weighs over 26 lbs! Therefore, high wattage electrical appliances are used with converters. The advantage of transformers is that those over 50 watts can be used continuously whereas converters can be used up to a maximum of three hours.

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The wattage of an appliance determines the model of the converter or transformer to be used. If a hair dryer (an electric appliance) is 1500 watts, then a 50-1875 watt converter should be used. If a lap top computer (an electronic product) is 85 watts, then the 1-100 watt transformer should be used. Always make sure that the wattage of the product falls within the wattage range of the converter or transformer. In other words, a traveler should NOT use a 100-watt electronic appliance with a 1-50 watt transformer. However, a traveler MAY use a 1200 watt hot pot (electronic appliance) AND a 750 watt printer (electronic product) with a 1-1500 transformer. But remember, the 1-1500 watt transformer weighs 26 lbs!

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Unfortunately, foreign wall outlets do not accept our standard 3-pin North American plug. Adapter plugs, which have a foreign wall outlet configuration out of one end accept North American plugs in the other, are a must when traveling to most overseas countries. There are 3-pin grounded and 2-pin polarized adapter plugs and the kind of dual voltage appliance or converter/transformer being used will determine what style is required. Deciding which configuration of adapter plug to take is a simple matter – Austin House Travel Essentials produces the World Wide Electricity and Teleplug-ins Guide with a country-by-country list of adapter plugs.

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If you are not sure what you’re requirements are bring your appliance's into Packables Travel Solutions for expert advise.

2230 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, BC

(located behind & beside ReMax facing Midland Tools)

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