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Old Sep 14th, 2007, 06:49 AM
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Electricity in Europe

Will I need a converter for my hair dryer and shaver while in France and Italy? I have the adapter plugs for the wall outlets, but don't I need something to lower the power -- like a converter?
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Old Sep 14th, 2007, 06:57 AM
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If you do a search here you will find much information on this excat topic.

To summarize, determine if your equipment is 110V or 220/110. If yes, great. The issue with transformers/converters is that they are low ampereage, while a hair dryer is high amperage, so you could burn out the converter. People here have recommended just buying one over there.
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Old Sep 14th, 2007, 07:40 AM
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Check your applinaces to see if they are dual voltage. If so, you won't need a converter. For example, my shaver will atomatically switch between 110 and 220. My wife's hair dryer has a knob which must be turned to change the voltage.
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Old Sep 14th, 2007, 07:44 AM
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Technically you are willing to lower the voltage but not the power.
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Old Sep 14th, 2007, 10:34 AM
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Also look at your hairdryer to see the wattage (how much power it pulls). Some of the super ones- some are 2000 watts - (common in the US) are too strong for european wiring (esp in older buildings) and you can fry both the appliance and the wiring.
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