Smart Tips to Use 220 Volt Electronics

There are instances when you cannot help but purchase and use 220v electronics. Perhaps you are moving to another country that uses 220v and you want to save money by buying appliances while you are still in the US. Or perhaps you simply like a certain 220v appliance that comes with certain features which are unavailable in the 110v version. Some customers prefer to use 220v electronics for convenience, like in the case of multisystem TVs and media players. Regardless of your reason for buying 220v appliances, you need to make sure that you use them appropriately and plug them into the right electrical sockets, especially if you are in the US. Here are some smart tips to use 220v electronics:

• Never plug a 220v appliance or device directly into an 110v electrical socket – Doing so may damage the appliance or your electrical system.

• Get an appropriate converter for the 220v appliance
  • Use a step down converter for 220v electronics that will be plugged into an 110v electrical socket. Some converters are dual-purpose, which means that they can work as a step up or as a step down converter. It may be handy if you like to travel frequently to different regions and you own both 220v and 110v electronic devices.

• Some appliances may require a voltage transformer – Take note that some 220v devices may require a voltage transformer instead of just one converter. Determine if you should get both or if you need only one. For electronics like printers, laptops, and VCRs that use circuits and electronic chips, you will need a voltage transformer. Electric 220v devices, like irons and hair dryers—which rely on a high-power mechanical motor heating element—will need either a converter or a transformer. Keep in mind that electric and electronic appliances can run on a transformer, but the electronic ones cannot work with a converter. Hence, when in doubt, go for a transformer.

• You may need a plug adapter instead – At times, you will not need a transformer or a converter for a 220v device, but a plug adapter instead. To check, look at the side or the back of your device. If it says ‘110V-240V’, it can handle major voltages like 220V and 110V, or the latest European standard (230V).

About the Author:

Peter Perira is the managing director of SamStores, which is one the largest distributors for household Electronic Goods, we Guarantee the infrastructure to offer you nothing but the best in quality of products and after sales service.

Peter Perira is the managing director of SamStores, which is one the largest distributors for household Electronic Goods, we Guarantee the infrastructure to offer you nothing but the best in quality of products and after sales service.