Understanding Electrical Converters

If it is electric, between 50 and 2000 watts, and will be used for 30 minutes or less, take the 50-2000 watt auto-switching converter. If it is electric, between 1 and 50 watts, and will be used for 30 minutes or less, take the 50 watt converter and the appropriate adapter plug for your destination. Be aware that hair strengtheners are not included in this (for a variety of reasons) and may require 85 watt or higher converters.

If you will use it for longer than 30 minutes, take the smallest continuous-use transformer you need.

If it is a dual voltage appliance, you do not need a converter or transformer, although you may need an adapter plug.

Computers

All computers are long-use electronic devices and should only be used with a transformer. The good news is that most laptop battery rechargers are dual voltage and can be used overseas with just an adapter plug. The computer will be dual voltage if the plate on the back of the recharger reads 100v/250v 50/60 cycles. If the recharger (or the full size computer) is not dual voltage, the plate will read 100 - 125v/50/60 cycles and you will need a transformer. The wattage of the transformer will depend on the wattage of the battery charger or computer. If the charger is 90 watts, then the 1-100 watt transformer should be used.

Should I take a surge protector? If you are traveling to a country with an unreliable power source and some very expensive equipment, it might be a good idea to take along a surge protector. This offers extra insurance against equipment damage in the event of a power surge. Remember that your surge protector is a 110v product and must be plugged directly into the transformer on the 110v side, not directly into the wall. If your equipment is dual voltage, then you will not need the transformer and your equipment can be plugged into the 250v surge protector, but you will probably need an adapter plug for this.

Should I care about the cycle difference between North America and foreign countries? Since computers convert internally from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), the cycle difference between North America at 60 cycles and foreign countries at 50 cycles is irrelevant. Non-laptop computers users however should check with the manufacturer to see if the fan runs on DC. The 50 cycles overseas may not dissipate heat as efficiently as 60 cycles and a periodic shut down may be required as a cooling off period.