Electronics/ Electrical devices

I think you need to be carefully with transformers. I don't pretend to have any expertise in this area but I remember reading an article once about long term usage of transformers and the potential damage. It had to do with how the current was converted and what came out of the transformer was not exact equal to the 120 in the wall. I just don't remember the exact conclusion but I don't think it was favorable. I think the impact was greater on items with heating elements. My guess is and it is only a guess is that you are OK with equipment designed to run on both 120 and 240 but would have more concern about anything being drive by a transformer. I would hope that someone with a physic/electrical background could respond more accurately.

Isn't it interesting how Steve goes back and edits his postings with ideas from subsequent posters so that it appears that he actually had it as an original idea in his original posting. Why don't we just send Steve our thoughts so he can incorporate them in his original posting and the save the time to edit your posting. You are incredible.

What Frank said has come up before.

You can do a search of the board and find the threads that say the same thing he stated.

You never know the type and severity of power surges and spikes, etc. that you may encounter while there. As a precaution, I would only plug in the device while you are charging the battery or actually using it. The longer you leave it plugged in, the greater the chances of damages long-term. It might be wise to bring a spare adapter for each of your devices just in case you do burn one out.

Thanks for the replies.
I'm pretty sure I read that the situation was possible using just the plug adapter with an item rated for the 100-220 50/60 hz but I can't find that site now.

I think I'll just be cautious with the items I do bring and guess I'll just have to see how it goes.

Thanks again.

Ron

Ron, the simple answer, and I don't know why so many get convoluted, is this:

If the item says it is rated 110-240v then it it good to go by itself. All you need is an adaptor plug, nothing else. It's the 240V that's important in Europe. No transformer needed.

If it doesn't have that "240v" you would need something. I don't know too many of the electronics you mentioned that haven't been manufactured as dual voltage in the last few years.

Ron,

As others have mentioned if the electronic is marked 110-240 then you will be fine. The things that you mention (PC, laptop, camera) will be fine if they are marked accordingly.

In general, the American appliances that you want to leave at home are those that have a motor or a heating element. For example, a kitchen mixer that is 110v or a power saw or a blender or a hair dryer that is not dual voltage. When you use a convertor with these, the motor tends to burn out more quickly.

I lived in Europe for several years and had some dual voltage items (laptop) and some 110v items that I used with a converter (e.g. a boom box for CDs and radio). These types of items are fine.

In summary:

Take the laptop, camera, CD player, etc.

Leave the power saw and the blender at home :)

I can only tell you my own experience. When I moved to Germany I purchased most of my household appliances locally. But I brought a few 110v things with me that were almost new and I thought I'd use a transformer, since I wouldn't be using them every day. My vacuum, which I used no more than about once a week, burned out within the first year using the transformer. Same with a mixer that was used only about every other month. I think it's better to avoid transformers if possible. It may not be possible unless you want to purchase new items in 220v or dual voltage. In my case, I ended having to purchase new items anyway. I would have been better off leaving those items in storage in the US or giving them to family. But other people may have had different experiences.

I have a Seven Star (c) up/down converter with fuse protection, max. 500 watts. It weighs about 3 kilo.

I had that dilemma when I moved back to Israel after 8 wonderful years in California.

I shipped a lot of stuff, so the small appliances I already owned weren't going to make a difference in shipping costs.

I bought a transformer and I am so glad I did. I had about half a dozen like-new gadgets (mixer, blender, juicer, electric toothbrush, food processor) and they all work well here. To buy new ones locally would have cost a lot more than what I paid for them in the States - and I already owned them. Many friends here have also had excellent service from their U.S. appliances, though the ones that get really hot, like toasters, often don't work well or long.

If you don't already have the items you need, then it depends more on economics. If you can buy the items in Italy at reasonable prices, do so.

All my U.S.-purchased electronics, including wireless router and Panasonic multi-unit cordless phone system, work just fine here, with the little plug adapters - no transformers, just plug-and-play.

ron,

In the same situation, I'd check every device you'll be taking with you, to determine which products are designed for 100-240 VAC operation. You'll be able to operate those in Italy just using Plug Adapters.

If there are any items that aren't designed for world operation, you have two choices:

• buy a Transformer or Converter (which type of voltage converter to buy will depend on what you'll be using it with) to reduce the voltage to 115 VAC.

• leave those items at home and purchase something when you get to Rome.

If you do decide to use a Voltage Converter, a few important cautions:

• high wattage heating appliances should only be used with a solid-state Voltage Converter. You could use a Transformer, but a high wattage model would be EXTREMELY heavy.

• use only a transformer Voltage Converter for electronic products (50 Watt models). The somewhat "imperfect" sine wave produced by solid-state models can cause unpleasant things to happen with electronic devices.

• MOST Voltage Converters are NOT designed for "continuous duty operation", so it's a good idea to unplug them when not in use.

You can buy a Surge Suppressor in Italy that will be designed for 220 VAC electrical systems (DON'T take one from here!). Magellans has one Euro Surge Suppressor in their catalogue (which I believe also provides protection for phone lines), so I'd probably pack one of those to use until you can get organized in Rome.

Moving to Italy for several years. How do I get a job like that?

Happy travels!

Thanks again for all the replies...very much appreciated!

And as far as getting a job in Italia for several years......90% luck for me.....right place at the right time.....and management that helped me out by dragging their feet...lol!

Ron