Converters?
Feb 13th, 2007, 09:18 PM
#2
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Buy a stop down converter when you arrive in China. It will convert the power from 220V to 110V for your USA appliances.
Another option would be to sell them and just buy new appliances when you get to China.
Another option would be to sell them and just buy new appliances when you get to China.
Feb 13th, 2007, 09:29 PM
#4
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This is true for large household appliances. I think LostinChina is just taking a trip to China, not moving there.
Most laptops, camera and cell phone chargers, shavers...things travelers might be carrying...they will probably have the capacity to operate across a range of voltages. Check the manual and the power cord. Beware...my cell phone is OK for multiple voltages, but the cord that came with it was not...I had to purchase a new cord to use it with higher voltages, so be sure you check both the item and the power cord to be sure they are both ok for 220V.
The electric plug configuration is different. A good adaptor set, available in eletrical goods shops, online and in most large airports, is what will enable you to plug things in.
A quick google search gave this good information as the first result.
http://www.kropla.com/china_power.htm
Most laptops, camera and cell phone chargers, shavers...things travelers might be carrying...they will probably have the capacity to operate across a range of voltages. Check the manual and the power cord. Beware...my cell phone is OK for multiple voltages, but the cord that came with it was not...I had to purchase a new cord to use it with higher voltages, so be sure you check both the item and the power cord to be sure they are both ok for 220V.
The electric plug configuration is different. A good adaptor set, available in eletrical goods shops, online and in most large airports, is what will enable you to plug things in.
A quick google search gave this good information as the first result.
http://www.kropla.com/china_power.htm
Feb 14th, 2007, 07:52 AM
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For most small electronic stuff, don't need buy any new cord, like KimJapan suggested. The current carried over the wires is so small that they won't have problem with 220V.
For stuff that draws a lot of power - like hair dryer or curling iron, better to buy local, unless yours is specifically designed for dual voltage. Do not use a stepdown converter for such "appliances".
Most newer Chinese hotels have wall plates that can accept US plugs, so no need to bring even an adapter.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, use the UK-type plug with 3 large square pegs and a fuse. You'll need an adapter to use US-style plugs in HK.
For stuff that draws a lot of power - like hair dryer or curling iron, better to buy local, unless yours is specifically designed for dual voltage. Do not use a stepdown converter for such "appliances".
Most newer Chinese hotels have wall plates that can accept US plugs, so no need to bring even an adapter.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, use the UK-type plug with 3 large square pegs and a fuse. You'll need an adapter to use US-style plugs in HK.
Feb 14th, 2007, 08:11 AM
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Check the voltage on the shaver and cellphone chargers. Chances are you don't need to buy anything.
Check your hair dryer. If it doesn't say it can be used at 220V, then don't bring it. Just buy one when you're in China.
And yes, the link that KimJapan gives you is the best. That picture show the type of wall plate you'll see in most newer hotels in China.
Check your hair dryer. If it doesn't say it can be used at 220V, then don't bring it. Just buy one when you're in China.
And yes, the link that KimJapan gives you is the best. That picture show the type of wall plate you'll see in most newer hotels in China.
Feb 16th, 2007, 11:58 PM
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You can buy a travel power converter/adapter set at Walmart or Target travel section for US$20. It will usually come with plug adapters so you plug your US item into the converter then into the plug adapter (so the prongs will go into the wall outlet) and then into the outlet. For the small sum of $20 I personally wouldn't waste time on vacation trying to find new shavers, etc. I agree that many things already handle dual voltage, but you may end up needing the adapter. Note that my dual voltage curling iron doesn't work in many bathroom's 110V outlet that says "for shavers only", but my old US 110V cell phone charger did. Why take the chance? Spend the $20 and be sure.
Feb 17th, 2007, 12:23 AM
#15
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Don't be confused by converters and adaptors. They are two different things, and a mistake could be costly.
An adapter will allow you to plug in your electrical goods in and outlet that is of a different configuration. The adaptor is the thing that makes the incompatible compatible...in shape only.
A converter will actually change the voltage going into your electrical goods to the correct one. For example, if you have a hair dryer that is only for use with 110 V (like US), a converter will be of use if you want to use it with higher voltage.
Many small electrical goods have built in voltage converters...they say right on them the range of V they can be used with. It is with these types of goods that you need an adaptor...to make it possible to plug the thing in.
If you use an adaptor for something that isn't usable with the V you are plugging into (US hair dryer in China) you will find that it burns out/burns up. If you plug in your rechargable batteries with a 110 V charger, it too will burn out.
Most important, check your goods, and if they have removable cords, check the rating of the cords too.
An adapter will allow you to plug in your electrical goods in and outlet that is of a different configuration. The adaptor is the thing that makes the incompatible compatible...in shape only.
A converter will actually change the voltage going into your electrical goods to the correct one. For example, if you have a hair dryer that is only for use with 110 V (like US), a converter will be of use if you want to use it with higher voltage.
Many small electrical goods have built in voltage converters...they say right on them the range of V they can be used with. It is with these types of goods that you need an adaptor...to make it possible to plug the thing in.
If you use an adaptor for something that isn't usable with the V you are plugging into (US hair dryer in China) you will find that it burns out/burns up. If you plug in your rechargable batteries with a 110 V charger, it too will burn out.
Most important, check your goods, and if they have removable cords, check the rating of the cords too.
