Can you help me understand voltage differences?
 

I have a curling iron from Conair that says it is dual voltage. I couldn't find anywhere on the iron itself where you "switch" the voltage when I go to Europe (Spain). When I called Conair, the rep did some searching as she didn't seem to know the answer. Then she said that I didn't have to do anything except use an adapter on the plug. She said
the curling iron could be set at any heat and the iron would "sense" the change in voltage and adjust the heat accordingly. Now this doesn't make sense to me but what do I know!? I want to see if someone else has this iron and has used it in the past (specifically I'm going to Spain). It has about 20 different settings and a black handle. Thx.

Actually that could be right. I know my electronics like computer, printer and scanner switched automoatically without flipping a switch on the item itself. However, I know hairdryers and curling irons sometimes have switches, but maybe sometimes they don't. But if your curling iron says it is dual voltage and there is no switch on the iron or on the plug of the iron, then probably it just DOES switch over automatically. I suppose you will find out when you arrive in Spain. I think it will be ok though. Have a good trip!

Don't know specifically about curling irons - but if it says dual voltage it is. My computer is dual voltage - no switch to move - just plug it in.

Have just asked other half (who is techi type) whose explanation was that it probably has a thermostatic switch that switches it off when it get to correct temp. It will jsut get to temperature faster.

Seems to make sense to me - it there wasn't a cut out it wouyld just get hotter and you'd burn your hair even at home.

Hope this helps - have a good trip

That is correct. If somewhere on the body of your curling iron it says something like 110-240v 50~60Mz, it is dual voltage. I have one like it, and I just use and adapter so it fits in the outlet. However, when you first plug it in, don't plug it on the highest setting to be safe. Just put in on a medium setting and work up to what you need. It should work fine...I had no problems with mine.

We'll be taking the battery recharger for our digital camera with us to France. If it says something like 110-240v 50~60Mz on it, does that mean we don't need to buy an adapter?

Depends what you mean by adapter - you'll need an adapter for the plug (so you can get it in the wall) but that is all - no need for a voltage adapter because it is duel voltage

<< If it says something like 110-240v 50~60Mz on it, does that mean we don't need to buy an adapter?>>

You won't need a <b>transformer, also frequently called a <i>convertor</i>.

You almost certainly will need a <b>plug</b> <i>adapter</i> (so that you can physically plug it into the outlet).

Best wishes,

Rex
</b>

Oh shoot - - screwed up the <b>bold</b> and the <i>italics</i>.

My dual voltage hairdryer has a difficult to adjust switch (think screwdriver) which must be moved back and forth between 110 and 220. Unfortunately, I don't recall which setting is for Europe (no, I have not been using it here in the US--its my compact travel appliance)!
Remind me please, so I don't blow out my landlady's circuitry in Germany in a few weeks!?

Thanks for the info about the adapter/converter!

I've never taken an appliance to Europe so I don't know much about these things.

Yup, converter converts the electric voltage/cycles, and adapters adapt to fit the outlet. Simple! :)

Strass, 110 is US. 220 is Europe. 240 (in case anyone cares) is Australia.

110 for North America 220/240 for Europe - I just remember it by thinking that the Europeans have more umpf than North Americans :-)

Crazy UK also 240 I believe

BTW, if my memory servers me correctly, there is a difference in converter vs. transformer. I think a converter is a type of transformer, but does lower &quot;power&quot; items (and it is usually not too big). I have heard of people blowing out converters with their hairdryers even. Transformers are usually pretty big and do the job on more powerful electrical items. If you need a transformer for anything, it's usually cheaper to buy the item in the country...the are very heavy and not cheap at all.

Thanks Wombat, then I stand corrected. :)

to crazymina - -

Yes, these terms are not very precisely defined. A converter IS a transformer, but as you suggest - - just a &quot;wimpy&quot; one.

I remember over ten years ago, traveling with transformers sufficient to power two laser printers (which we took with us also) - - zut alors! like a solid lead brick of 20 or 30 pounds!

Our application required custom-fit &quot;adapters&quot; to (US) letter-size paper trays - - and we were not able to simply make an adjustment at the time to get A4 paper trays to work. And amazingly, the laser printers available in Europe at that time could not accept a US letter (8 1/2 by 11) paper tray.

I'm sure that an easier solution would be found nowadays.

Actually, if you truely understand the physics of &quot;electricity&quot; you could not only change, but &quot;own&quot; most of the planet Earth.
M

No kidding Rex. A salesperson tried to point out that I needed a transformer once. I looked at it and promptly decided to buy what I needed when I got to my destination!

Usually somewhere in the paperwork on appliances that automatically switch voltage it will say to use it on low setting for 220. Most curling irons/hair dryers will not sound normal and you might think they will explode but will be fine.

Hello, can***uphereat home (I think can*** is pejorative so I won't use it):

Do you have the operating instructions which came with the thingy? Stuff I buy these days usually has installation, operating, and maintenance instructions in English, French, and Spanish.

amy zena and wombat7 and crazymina, You have it right.

strass, Yes.

rex (1st post), You are so blnking <b>wrong</b> about &quot;transformers&quot; and &quot;converters&quot; that I shudder. I am an engineer and you are a doctor. I promise not to go cutting on anyone if you promise to just keep verrry quiet on anything technical. I really appreciate most of your other contributions to this Fodors Forum, as I am sure most everyone else does also. We've crossed many of the same paths but not in the same time wrap, or is that worp, or ? Specifically, you say the &quot;transformer may be <b>also frequently called a <i>converter</i></b>.&quot; A transformer is not a &quot;converter.&quot;

rach, All of Europe uses 220 volts. The USA is on 110. Actually, if you want to be technical about it, Europe is officially at 230 volts, -5%+10%. So the electrons coming into your stuff can be at a pressure of 219 to 253 volts. Your stuff will not know the difference, unless it can only accept 120 vols.

strass (2nd post), You are the smartest person on this thread -- &quot;I've never taken an appliance to Europe...&quot; After years of taking all sorts of electrical things to Europe to all parts of Europe I just don't take anything anymore that has to be plugged in, except a laptop for business purposes.

crazymina (post #2), You are more in error than rex! Nothing on the normal travelers gadget supply market converts cycles from 60 Hz to 50 Hz. And there are few devices which would require it, or else you would see them available. And you do need a plug adapter almost everywhere, 99.9% of the time. The plug adapter can adapt the American two flat prongs or two flats plus the round ground to any of several European models.

rex (3rd post), Change &quot;IS&quot; to &quot;IS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE.&quot; I took an HP III laser printer to Germany and used a 20+ pound transformer to power it. Transformers are made of steel and copper, not lead. Lead is used in your car battery.

There was probably never a more confusing and erroneous thread on this forum. I suggest that anyone who wants to bring any electrical appliance of any nature to Europe, do a google.com search for <i>europe electricity</i>. There is plenty of sound electrical intelligence out there.