Taking a transformer to Italy

Teri I am assuming this machine draws a lot of amps and that is why you need the transformer? We brought one back in August so we could use an American Cuisinart and Waffle Iron, which both draw a lot of power and our smaller transformers couldn't handle. My wife packed it well in several layers of card board, etc. and it got it's own small suitcase and was checked since we had 2 bags each (Intl. flight) and were under the limit on bags.

Most likely your CPAP only takes input in the voltage range of 110V-120V so you'll certainly need a small transformer to convert the Italian 240V current down to American-level current.

There's nothing wrong with carrying a transformer in your carry-on luggage. Pretty much everybody who boards a plane with a laptop also has the transformer that powers/charges it.

I think Anthony is confused about why transformers are needed. It's not really related to whether your device draws a lot of amps or not. If your device, by design, can only accept American 120 volt power, you MUST have a transformer to use it in Europe. Otherwise you'll burn it out the first time you plug it into the European 240V system.

Where wattage comes in is in deciding what type of transformer you use. Some transformers are designed for low-wattage appliances (under 50 watts) like a travel fan or a radio (or probably a CPAP). Other transformers are designed for high wattage appliances that heat up, like curling irons and hair dryers. Regardless of the wattage, you'll need a transformer of some type if your appliance is not designed to take input greater than 120 volts.

Teri,

Could you provide more specific information on the specifications for the CPAP machine? It's most likely designed for 120VAC only, but it would help to know the wattage. What type/model of Transformer did you purchase?

Transformers are inherently heavy, so depending on the size you may have to check it if it exceeds carry-on weight regulations. However, there's a bit of risk with that. If the CPAP machine is essential and the airline "misplaces" your luggage, you might have to do without it for a few days.

Good luck!

I can't imagine a transformer heavy enough to be a problem in carry-on weight restrictions unless it was made before 1960, but if you do check it and it gets lost, you could certainly get a new one at your destination the same day. Just explain at your accommodation. I'm sure they have people arrive every week who discover they should have brought a transformer.

A few thoughts that may be of benefit to you:

I'm sure you already know the voltage of your machine, but do double check just to make sure it is not dual voltage. My husband's CPAP is dual voltage and so only requires a plug adaptor.

I would never check any medical equipment and risk having it be delayed or lost in transit. Most airlines make an exception for medical equipment to the carry-on rules, and if your machine requires the transformer, most likely this would be considered part of the equipment. When we flew American Airlines, just to make sure, we contacted them and they made an electronic note in their records that could be seen by the gate agents (as an addendum to our tickets) authorizing the carry-on of medical equipment in addition to our regular carry-on bags.

They will probably do an additional screening of your machine when going through security, opening the case, etc., so make sure it is easily accessed.

Also remember that many hotel rooms in Europe have very few electrical outlets. You may want to bring along an extension cord. Otherwise, you may end up having to unplug a bedside lamp in order to plug in the CPAP, or worse, have no outlet anywhere near the bed.

Ken IS correct! Most transformers are extremely heavy. We have many US voltage items plugged in here at our apartment and DO NOT use any transformers - just converters and plug adapters. As suggested, I would research you CPAP machine. My friend brought his over a month or so ago and DID NOT need a transformer, just a converter. Of course, that will depend on YOUR unit. For more info on CLICK HERE

Ron in Rome

Ron: "Ken IS correct! Most transformers are extremely heavy."

I just don't understand. My 50-watt Radio Shack 240-to-110 transformer weighs less than a pound. You and Ken must be talking about something completely different. Are you talking about transformers that will run a whole kitchen or something?

I checked my cousin's little CPAP unit this weekend. Hers takes 120V input only and plugging it in overseas with no transformer would no doubt fry it. But it will also runs just fine with my 50-watt transformer.

My CPAP does require a transformer, I checked with my provider who verified it, unfortunately. My husband has already gotten the transformer, and I guess I'll just have to carry it on with me. I do have a note from my doctor, on a prescription sheet, that says that the CPAP is medical equipment, hopefully it will work for the transformer also. It does weigh almost 5 pounds :o! I'm still trying to decide how to pack for this trip! I was hoping to pack the CPAP in my carry on bag, and not have to carry it in it's own case, but I suspect now that I'll end up carrying it in it's own case after all. Such a challenge for a newbie!

Thanks for all the help and tips.

Teri: "...I suspect now that I'll end up carrying it in it's own case after all. Such a challenge for a newbie!"

Teri, if this is the biggest challenge your trip brings, you're going to have a wonderful time in Italy! Just don't try ordering iced tea at the restaurants and you'll do fine :-)

Go with the flow, roll with the punches, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, all the clichés contain wisdom that will serve you well. Enjoy!

Teri....you may want to use the search function to check on recent discussions like this. I seem to remember a very similar case just recently. Click here for instructions on how to best search the past posts. After reading all that, you may want to call your manufacturer back to reconfirm the information that you need to carry around a massive transformer.

I bit of further information to clarify my previous statement, "Transformers are inherently heavy".

Transformers are "inherently heavy" due to the fact these are constructed with an iron core and copper windings. The weight is dependent on the capacity and that's why I requested information on the specifications of the CPAP machine. It would really help to know the wattage.

The reason most common "travel Transformers" are fairly light as Patrick mentioned is that these are only rated for 50 watts, and therefore smaller in size and minimal weight. These are only suitable and designed for powering small electronic devices such as Camera chargers, Cell phone chargers, etc.

This is also the reason that solid state Voltage Converters are used for high wattage appliance such as Hair Dryers, etc. (usual capacity on travel units is 2000 watts). A 2 kW Transformer would weigh approximately 35 pounds (not exactly "travel friendly).

It's not advisable to use electronic devices with solid-state Voltage Converters, as damage to either/both devices can occur! A Transformer should be used as this provides a clean and stable sine wave.

Cheers!

"I think Anthony is confused about why transformers are needed. It's not really related to whether your device draws a lot of amps or not. If your device, by design, can only accept American 120 volt power, you MUST have a transformer to use it in Europe. Otherwise you'll burn it out the first time you plug it into the European 240V system."

Patick I understand that :) but the draw (watts needed) is a difference too. I have small "transformers" - not adapters - for things that only take 100 to 120. But try plugging in a heavy amp 120 device, like a waffle iron or a Cuisinart (don't ask me why my wife finally bought a Cuisinart in Italy and it was a U.S. model!) and a small transformer will literally burn up ( I am telling you - I have witnessed it). Small draw things, electronics, etc. are fine with small transformers (like my Vonage router which for some reason was not 100 - 240) - but you need a serious one (high voltage) for big draw appliances.