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-   -   European voltage queation (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/european-voltage-queation-499667/)

Giselle Jan 30th, 2005 08:17 AM

European voltage queation
 
A couple years ago I took to Italy a hair iron that was 240 voltage. It worked fine. However, I see that the voltage really should be 220. Did I just get luck that it didn't short? Now I have a new duel voltage straight iron and this is 120/240 again. I'm going to France in three weeks. Is this 240 okay? (I have my plug adaptor.) Thanks.

Giselle Jan 30th, 2005 08:20 AM

Whoops! I meant question not queation. Without edit and spell check I'm sunk as haste is my middle name.

Budman Jan 30th, 2005 08:24 AM

It will work just fine. ((b))

ChevyChasen Jan 30th, 2005 08:50 AM

actually i think continent voltage is about 230. i think (but stand to be corrected) that only uk still use 240v output. heaters are not that sensitive to small variations in voltage. i dont know what gave rise to this lack of standardisation in europe but once i read that in the beggining of the American Electrical industry each power company had its own voltage. they differed even in the way it was supplied a.c vs d.c! the company pushing d.c. claimed it was the safer electricity and demonstrated it by applying electric shocks to restrained dogs in public. d.c.,they claimed was safe as the dog remained alive.

Budman Jan 30th, 2005 09:02 AM

If your flat iron has a switch, make sure you change it from 120 to 240 or else it will "fry."

My battery charger for my camera automatically adapts to either, so I just need the plug adaptor while in Europe. Not sure if your flat iron is configured similarly. ((b))

Giselle Jan 30th, 2005 09:09 AM

Thanks!! One less worry. :)


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