When traveling to Europe, it is best to learn about the difference in electrical currents before you go. Having your electric razor short-circuit on your first morning is not a good way to begin a trip. Do some research first, and you might enjoy your trip more when you arrive.
Electricity in the United States operates at 110 volts. Electricity is defined as a flow of electrons and this flow is measured in units called volts. Voltage is the product of two variables, amperage and resistance. Amperage refers to the power of the electrical charge at its source, and resistance describes how much of the electrical charge actually passes through the wire. In the United States, the electrical system runs at 110 volts. For Canada, the voltage is 120, and for much of Europe the voltage is 230.
The movement of an alternating electrical can be best described as pulsating or traveling in waves. This pattern has a wavelength and is measured by the number of electrical pulses that pass in a second. For the United States and Canada, that number is 60 Hertz (abbreviated Hz) or 60 pulses per second. For just about all of Europe, the wavelength is 50 Hz.
While it might seem logical that your U.S.-bought hairdryer will not work in Europe, that assumption is incorrect for it is possible to buy an electrical device that runs on both 110 and 220 volts. Some of these devices have a detection system built into the item, while others have a switch that must be activated first. On either account, it is possible to operate some electrical conveniences in both places.
Many computers are designed to work at either voltage or frequency. However, to find out if your computer is one of these, you will need to look for a small plate located on the transformer unit of the device. All you need to do is find an input tag with a label that reads "100-240V~50/60Hz" and your electronic device is good to go on both sides of the Atlantic. Well almost, because in most countries your plug may not fit into the wall socket.
Most European countries won't accept U.S.-made two- or three-prong plugs and even across the continent there are several different configurations in use. It's a complicated situation, but here's a quick summary.
England and Ireland actually have the same plug, which is different from the rest of Europe. That outlet will need an adapter. Switzerland has a new-shaped outlet that needs a plug adapter. Unfortunately, the new configuration is only found in new buildings.
Western Europe has a two-prong system that, for the most part, has replaced an older three-prong system. In either case, you will need an adapter. Most of Eastern Europe has the same type of plug as the older system in Western Europe. The best place to buy adapters is in a store once you arrive, and even an U.S.-made electrical device that is designed for European current will need a plug adapter.
Converters should be completely avoided, but transformers can be successfully used to adapt the electrical current to your 110-volt U.S. appliance. However, since a transformer weighs a lot, it is best to bring a smaller transformer, which will only work for low-wattage devices like an electric razor.
