Don't wish to beat a dead horse, but...I see that there are voltage converters made specifically for appliances, such as irons, intended to heat up, and which are different than converters intended for non-heating electrical appliances. Even these converters are dangerous for my intended purpose?


Thanks.

As for the comments about 50Hz vs 60Hz it's really irrelevant to iregeo's question. Charging devices that convert AC to DC (and this includes computer power supplies) and heating devices don't give a flip about the frequency.

Anything that depends on a moving motor can be affected by the frequency difference. When I plug in my old AC powered clock when I travel to Europe it seems to work just fine. The day seems to drag on about 20% longer, but the clock seems ok. Maybe it's just jet lag.

Uh oh. Now I'm really confused. So J62, is it your opinion that since my flat iron has no motor, I'll be ok using it with a converter?

Obviously, I'm looking for the answer I want to hear!

I was looking for one of those gadgets myself because we seem to need one.
I saw this in an advertisement and stripped off the name and posted the specs below:

# International Voltage Converter Adaptor Kit
# Converts 220/240V foreign electricity to 110/120V high wattage travel heating appliance.
# Allows you to use your appliance anywhere in the world.
# This travel kit combines the correct adaptor plug with the converter so that the 110/120V heating appliances can operate overseas.
# 1600 watt converter is designed for travel irons, hair dryers, coffee makers, electric blankets, steamer, etc.

Would this device not work as claimed? Or is it really a light duty transformer?

I COPIED THIS FROM MAGELLAN'S WEBSITE:

Heating appliances such as hairdryers, curling irons, etc. do not need the same sine wave quality that electronic and motorized appliances require to operate (which is fortunate, as they often pull fairly high wattage). It is possible, therefore, to operate these appliances safely overseas with the use of a 0-2000 watt heating converter. Heating converters reduce the voltage with the use of capacitors that literally "squish" the 220 voltage down to 110 voltage. In so doing, the capacitors also flatten the sine wave. This is fine for heating appliances that rely solely on resistance to operate. Like the 0-50 watt transformer, the heating converter is designed for short-term use. It is also equipped with an internal breaker to guard against overheating.

Because heating converters do not use wire wraps to reduce the voltage, they are much lighter (4 oz as opposed to the 20 lb 1500 watt heavy-duty transformer). Heating converters are not capable of grounding, and please remember, heating converters are designed for use with heating appliances ONLY. They must never be used with motorized or electronic appliances as damage may occur.

No, my comments were strictly about the frequency, not the voltage or power.

I'm of the opinion that any device generates heat should be one designed for the local electrical source - and that includes both voltage & power rating as well as the actual plug.

Translated: buy one when you get there, or go curly for a few days.

If you keep asking perhaps you'll get the answer you want, then you can ignore the other 20 answers you've seen.

Ouch.

If you want to take you iron - do so. I'd quit asking hoping the answers will change. It might work - or it might work for 2 days and then melt - or it might not work at all - OR it could work and then blow all the fuses in your apartment or hotel - OR it could work too well and singe your hair.

The power coming out of the wall in Paris is the same as what you have for your washing machine or electric stove back home - not the low voltage you have in the rest of your house. If you want to risk your hair - that is fine.

If it was me - I'd definitely get a European, single voltage iron. But some say I am too cautious. It is up to you . . . . . .

Dual voltage models do make a lot of sense - if you can find one then bring it along. If you don't want too much info then skip the rest of this reply.

Janis' comments about low/high settings for dual voltage appliances sound good in theory, but aren't 100% correct from a physics perspective.

The power consumed/heat produced is proportional to the voltage squared, so the heat output on low setting in Europe is roughly 4x greater than at the same setting in the US. If you could run it on the high setting you'd have insta-char hair. There is no normal wiring that'll supply 6000Watts (1500x4), so the circuit breaker or fuse will blow. Try running 4 hair driers on high at the same time and you'll get the point. That's why you can't switch dual voltage appliances to high setting.

The simplest dual voltage appliances have a simple mechanical switch that you throw for 110 or 220V. The higher setting simply blocks the on/off switch from moving to the high position - it's a simple mechanical blockage with a piece of plastic - typically nothing more. No governor, etc.

In practice, the heat output of the low setting in Europe vs the high setting in US will depend on how low is the low setting. If it is about 1/4 the max power (when used at home) then you should get about the same heat output. If it is less, then you'll notice less heat when you use it in Europe. This may be what janis has experienced. I've not seen this info on any dual voltage appliance so it's hard to tell.

Yeah - I knew it wasn't a "governor" as such - but it is a mechanism that prevents it from working on higher settings . . . . . .

Irego

I would be concerned with "heating converters are not capable of grounding".

You can always give it a try. Hopefully, you won't injure yourself or burn the building down.

If it doesn't work, then go shopping.

I, personally, don't understand purchasing a Euro model which can only be used in Europe, versus a dual voltage which can be used anywhere.

On one trip to Paris, I packed a dual voltage blow dryer, not the one I usually pack. When switched, it would not turn on. And, I tried each of half a dozen or more outlets in the room.

The blow dryer in the bathroom, attached to the wall in an awkward spot, was dreadful in many ways, but also took forever.

It was no easy task to find a simple, lightweight, "inexpensive" model in Paris. I looked in all the obvious places - BHV, etc. And, I finally found a nice one, more favorably priced, when wandering about and passing a hardware store with personal care appliances in stock as well. It's a terrific blow dryer, and I do pack it for Europe now. But, I'd much prefer to just keep a spare packed at all times that will work no matter where I'm going.