Voltage Converters | What is a Voltage Converter and How Do I Use It?

A voltage converter is a device that converts the voltage of electricity for use with an appliance. It allows for an appliance with a different rated voltage to be used locally. This article will explain how to use a voltage converter and why you might need one in your home.

Why do voltage converters exist?

Different countries use different voltages. Roughly, it is either a 100-120v or a 200-240v. There are minor differences within the ranges depending on the local electricity. The United States and Japan are two countries that have 110v electricity. Most of the world uses 200-220v electricity.

Increased foreign trade and travel have made the global economy shrink in terms of reach. When people travel, they bring along their appliances with them. Incompatibility happens when you bring a 110v device with you to other countries or when foreigners bring 220v appliances with them to the United States.

Do not plug a 110v appliance into a 220v wall outlet. It is best to plug a 110v device into a voltage converter, plugged into the 220v socket. The 110v-to-220v voltage converter provides the correct voltage for the appliance and prevents any damage to the device. The voltage converter ensures that the correct voltage level is supplied to the machine.

How Do I Know the Voltage of an Appliance

You have to know the voltage of an appliance before you plug it into the wall. The voltage is usually printed on the label or packaging. It informs the consumer before buying the machine. The power requirements and the voltage are also printed on a label at the bottom of the appliance side. Other information published includes any standards passed, certifications, power usage in watts, and others.

What happens when I plug a 110v device into a 220v outlet?

110-volt appliances are designed for North American and Japanese outlets, so they can't handle being plugged into 220 volts from other countries without frying or breaking. Plugging into the wrong outlet will blow an internal fuse in the appliance if not fixed before too long because there's more power running through the wires than the wiring system was meant to carry. It may also just fry your whole appliance instead of blowing an internal fuse.

Alternatively, when plugging a 220v device into a 110v outlet, it would not perform correctly. For instance, if it were a hot iron, it would take three times the time for it to warm up to usable levels. In addition, the device will still get damaged because of the voltage difference used.

Using a voltage converter is very simple. The converter is plugged into the wall socket and turned on. Typically, the converter has two to four or maybe more outlets, and the device is plugged into any of these outlets. The converter also has a built-in fuse to prevent excess current flow to the mains. It protects both the devices plugged into it and the electrical source.