| Most laptop computers and a growing
array of other travel oriented devices are now "dual voltage" meaning they are designed to operate safely with either 110/120V or 220/240V
systems. If a device is dual voltage, all that will be needed to operate
it in a foreign country is an electric
adapter plug, to convert the device's electric plug to the style of
foreign electric socket. If a device is not dual voltage, it may
need a converter or transformer to actually change the voltage it uses in
the foreign country.
To
determine whether a device is dual voltage, look for a legend on its power
adapter "box" or on the device itself. The device is dual
voltage if its input rating covers both 110/120 and 220/240V systems. It will say something like:
INPUT: AC 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz
The device is not dual voltage
if it covers only 110/120 or 220/240V systems. It will say something like:
INPUT: AC 120V, 60Hz or INPUT: AC 240V, 50Hz
The easiest way to travel internationally
is to carry dual voltage devices. However, if they are not available
or your time or budget doesn't permit the purchase of new dual voltage devices,
you can use a converter or transformer to operate your single voltage
devices safely in foreign countries. See the Converter
or Transformer? Article for a description of the difference between
the two power conversion options and how to select the correct one.
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