American Power Plugs, Converters, Transformers and Adaptors

There are several different electrical voltage systems in use around the world, and there are also more than 20 different power plug types. When you are travelling to a new country it is essential that you know what plug type is required, and what voltage is used so that you can safely use your electronic devices there. This article takes a look at some of the power cables which are used in different countries around the world.

America

There are two main types of plugs commonly used in the United States. These plugs feature two vertical pins, and one of the plugs features a small round grounding pin. America has its own voltage system which is different from Europe, Russia, most of Asia and Australia. It uses a 100 - 127 volt system with a 60 hertz frequency. This can cause problems with some electrical devices which are not designed to be used within this voltage range. In order to fix this problem you may need to purchase a transformer or a converter. Failure to use these could result in damaging and 'blowing' your electrical appliance, or even the possibility of causing a fire.

Transformers

If you are travelling from Europe, or from any other country that uses a 220 - 240 volt electric system, to America then you will need to use a transformer to be able to safely use your electronic items there. You will also need to use a transformer if you want to plug in any electronic items that use an electronic chip, such as computers and printers.

There are two different types of transformers: step-up transformers and step-down transformers. Step-up transformers are designed for when you need to plug a higher voltage device into lower voltage electric system, such as when you are trying to place a European device into an American plug socket. Step-down transformers work by allowing you to plug a lower voltage device into a higher voltage system, such as if you were plugging in an American device into a European plug socket.

Converters

Converters are small and inexpensive devices which are designed to be used when the voltage of a country's power source differs from the voltage that your electronic device is designed to be used with. Converters are made for electronic devices that use the 100 - 127 volt range so that they can be safely used in the 220 - 240 range. Converters can only be used for short periods of time, and they cannot be used with any items of equipment that have chips in them, such as computers, VCRs and printers.

Adaptors

If you are travelling to another country, then the chances are you will need an adapter plug to be able to use your electronic items. An adapter plug will convert your country's power plug so that it can be used in the country that you will be in. There are adapter plugs that can be converted into several different power plugs types at the click of a switch. This is useful if you travel a lot. Adapters can be purchased from electronic stores, some large supermarkets and often from airport shops.

Need help to convert your power cord plug to a CEE 7/7 Schuko European plug adapter? Visit this website for more information on seven Europe plug adapter styles you can choose from.