Electronics and Travel

A Note of Caution: Lewis N. Clark converters and transformers are designed to operate with small personal appliances for short periods of time. They should never be used continuously, and never used with medical or industrial equipment.

North American electrical appliances are designed to operate using 110 – 125 volts AC (Alternating Current), while appliances in most other countries operate using 220 – 250 volts AC. Additionally, the shape of electrical outlets differs throughout the world. If you are traveling with an electrical appliance, it is likely you will need an adapter, converter, or transformer, depending on the appliances you take. This page has been prepared as a general guide to help explain electrical requirements around the world.

Note to Canadian consumers: Product offerings may be slightly different in your market. Please check with your local retailer for details.

Cycles (50Hz or 60Hz)

Electric current alternates direction (AC) at 60Hz (cycles per second) in North America, but at a slower 50Hz in many other parts of the world. There are even some areas with a direct current (DC), which does not alternate at all. However, converters and transformers are designed to operate in AC areas ONLY.

The difference in cycles may cause your North American appliance to operate slightly slower when used at 50Hz. This cycle difference can also cause analog clocks and timing devices to keep incorrect time. Most modern electronic equipment such as battery chargers, computers and CD players will not be affected by the difference in cycles. However, because converters and transformers will not adjust cycles, it is very important to check each product's specifications and requirements before using them, or to contact the manufacturer if in doubt.

Voltage and Wattage

You must also determine the voltage and wattage ratings of your appliances in order to select the appropriate converter, transformer and/or adapter plug required. This information is usually listed on the appliance manufacturer's label located on the back or bottom of the appliance, or in the product specifications section of the instruction manual. The label or manual will show the following items: voltage, wattage, or amperage. If only the amperage rating is shown, simply multiply the voltage by the amperage to find the appliance's wattage rating. Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e. 120V x .5A = 60W)

NOTE: If your appliance is dual-voltage (120/240V), it will NOT require a converter or transformer for use overseas, although you may need an adapter plug.

Electric vs. Electronic

It is critical to know if the appliances you intend to use are electric or electronic. This will determine if you need a converter, transformer, or in some instances, both. Electric appliances operate with simple heating elements or motors (hot pots, travel irons, hair dryers, heating pads, etc.). These appliances may be used with either a converter or a transformer of the appropriate wattage range for short periods of time, less than 1 hour.

Electronic appliances operate with electronic motors, circuits or chips (computers, clocks, radios, battery chargers, appliances equipped with timers or automatic shut-off devices). These appliances should be used ONLY with a transformer of the appropriate wattage range for short periods of time of less than three hours.

NOTE: Computers are typically dual-voltage and do not usually require a transformer, but always check the manufacturer's specifications first.

European Shaver Sockets

IMPORTANT: The 220-240VAC electrical outlets found in the bathrooms of many foreign countries are designed for use ONLY with low wattage appliances rated 5–10 watts maximum, such as electric shavers, contact lens disinfectors, etc. Using a hair dryer or other high wattage appliance on this outlet can blow the circuit breaker and may damage both the converter and appliance.

Adapter Plugs

Adapter plugs do not convert electricity. They simply allow an appliance plug to fit into an outlet with a different plug configuration. Adapter plugs may be used with converters, transformers or dual-voltage appliances. Please refer to the Voltage Chart below for a detailed list of the most commonly used adapter types throughout the world.

Lewis N. Clark offers three types of adapter plugs:

Standard (E105, E106, E107, E108, EK58): These adapters are the most commonly used configurations throughout the world, and can accept 2-pin round or flat blades.

Universal (EK129, VF6, VR8): These adapters feature a universal receptacle that accepts any appliance's plug configuration. Also available as an all-in-one design (EK129) with four plug configurations for worldwide use.

Grounded (VG3, VG10, VG12): These adapters are country specific, feature a universal receptacle, and are also grounded for use with grounded appliances.

Converters

Converters are for use with single volt Electric appliances ONLY, and should NEVER be used with Electronic or Dual-Voltage appliances. Converters should be used for short periods of time of less than one hour.

Lewis N. Clark offers Dual Wattage converters for use in countries operating on 220V: 

Dual Wattage (E111): Operates as a transformer on the low setting for use with 110V electric or electronic appliances rated 0–50 watts. Operates as a converter on the high setting for use with 110V electric appliances ONLY rated 50–2000 watts. Also sold as a kit (EK121) including four international adapter plugs. 

CONVERTER/ TRANSFORMER TABLE

This table is a general guide to appliances commonly used during travel. It is only a guide.

It is possible that your appliances and other items listed below have different wattage specifications. Always check the wattage of your appliance to ensure it is within the wattage range of the converter or transformer you are using. Electronic appliances should be used with a transformer ONLY.

NOTE: Because of the difference between North American and foreign TV systems, the use of transformers with a TV or VCR will usually not make a North American TV or VCR usable overseas.

● Indicates converter/transformer to be used.

For more information, contact us.