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Post by BigRay on Feb 4, 2003 14:07:38 GMT -5
I know a lot has been said about this subject, but I have a further question. I will soon be in Prague and have a few electrical appliances that I would like to use. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what I need so that my items from the US will work in Prague.
I know that I will need adapter plugs so that I will be able to plug the appliance into the wall, but is there anything else? I remember once using an adapter to plug in a small alarm clock and the clock got fried. Do I need something to change the current from 220 to 100? A transformer?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
bigray
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Post by me on Feb 4, 2003 14:29:07 GMT -5
YES!! you must use a transformer to convert 220 volts to 110 volts. *But,* this doesn't help with the cycles. the places in europe i've been use 220 volt/50 cycles electricity. in US, we use 110 volt/60 cycles. so, even if you convert 220v to 110v, the cycles are still messed up. plug-in clocks just don't work on wrong cycle electricity!
my advice is to get a batery powered, or wind up alarm clock.
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Post by BigRay on Feb 4, 2003 14:45:11 GMT -5
I don't really care about the clock, but I will be going to Prague to live and will not be able to live without my iPod! That's the primary electrical device I need to use. I will also have a computer, but I'm told that my power supply and monitor can handle the current over there.
Thanks,
Ray
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Post by Eagle on Feb 4, 2003 17:10:26 GMT -5
A few more thoughts on your question. The IPod (being a newer device) MAY use a switching power supply rated for use on 100-240VAC. Check the rating on the power supply - it will be listed on the bottom or somewhere? That may be the situation with your computer also. If it's a MAC that will be a hint, as the IPOD and the MAC may use similar power supply design philosophy??? IF THAT'S THE CASE, you should only need a plug adapter to operate your IPOD. There may or may not be a switch to select operating voltage on the power supply - you'll have to check that one. Newer technology doesn't seem to require the switch to select input voltage in most cases.
Of course you may also want to pack along a voltage converter "just in case". You will want to look for a transformer-based device for operating electronic equipment and a solid-state converter for operating heating devices, etc. There are combination units on the market that provide a 50-watt transformer along with a 2000-watt Converter in the same enclosure. Magellans has a good unit available on their web site, which is "auto switching" - in other words, the device itself determines what type of load is connected to it. Not a bad concept! It is compact and not too heavy, which is a bonus for travelling. They also offer the unit in a "kit" with several plug adapters.
Finally, one comment regarding the line frequency. Most heating type loads (hair dryers, etc.) don't "care" too much what the frequency is, and they will operate quite well on 50 Hz (they may sound a bit unusual when they're operating though). However, some electronic devices or timing devices (such as your clock) which reference line frequency for operation WILL have a problem with the lower frequency! Also, electronic devices will "prefer" the cleaner sine wave provided by a Transformer, as opposed to the modified square wave produced by a Converter. One other point I should mention - when you use a converting device (Transformer/Converter, such as the one I mentioned above) you are ONLY reducing the voltage from 220 to 110VAC - you are not changing the frequency at all. I'm sure you were aware of this, but I wanted to mention it so that "we're all on the same page", so to speak. Changing the frequency involves much more expensive options! Hope this helps!! Do some further checking before you go (check with the IPod dealer?) and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck in Prague!!!
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Post by BigRay on Feb 8, 2003 10:41:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses! I just found out that the iPod has a built in transformer and will work fine in Europe, as long as I have the right plug adapters.
I got the iPod as a going away gift from a family member, and it is incredible. I have all the music I own on it, and it's smaller than a cellphone! Ideal for travelling light! Highly recommended for taking on the road, but they are still pretty pricey.
Ray
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