A Buyer’s Guide for Voltage Converters and Transformers for 220 Volts
Are you visiting another country anytime soon? There’s one thing that you shouldn’t forget to pack: a 220-volts converter. Voltage converters are a must-have tool for anyone traveling overseas, allowing you to use your electronics safely.
But why do you need a converter in the first place? In the United States, the voltage standard for homes is 110V to 120V. However, this can change when you look at other regions. For instance, in South Korea, Vietnam, and many South American countries, 220V is the standard.
Therefore, to prevent damaging your appliances, voltage converters and transformers are necessary. Here’s how you can find the right device for your needs:
- Determine your power requirements
To find the appropriate converter, you must first calculate the power you need. You can do this by checking the wattage of the appliances you intend to use while traveling.
For instance, most hair dryers need at least 1000W, while a standard smartphone requires about 10W to charge. Typically, a converter must have a wattage rating of around two to three times your requirements. So, in this case, for a total of 1010W, find a 220-volts converter with at least 2020W to 3030W.
And don’t worry if you can’t find a converter with the exact wattage rating for your device. It’s much safer to overestimate your needs than to use a converter with not enough watts.
- Decide if you need to step up or step down.
Voltage converters can step up, step down, or possibly do both. Step-down converters are ideal if you are traveling from a 110V region like the US to a 220V country, while step-up converters are best for the opposite situation.
Nevertheless, if you plan on using the converter long-term, consider buying one with both step-up and step-down capabilities.
- Consider additional features
Finally, ensure your voltage converter has the right number of sockets to accommodate your devices. Some converters even have universal outlets, which can accept US, European, and Asian plugs in case you purchase an appliance in the country you visit.
Additionally, find a converter that’s durable and loaded with safety features, such as fuse protection and circuit breaker protection.
Don’t forget to purchase your 220-volts converter from a trusted electronics distributor in your country!
About the Author:
Samstores.com is one the largest distributors of household Electronic Goods. We guarantee to offer nothing but the best quality products and after-sales service. We deal in 110-Volts and 220-Volts household appliances for North America and 220 Volts for Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia, and dual voltage goods for all over the world.
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