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European Voltage, Convertors, and Plugs

I have a straightening hair dryer (not the kind found in hotel rooms) that I am packing for Germany/Austria. The packaging says its 120 V and not to use a convertor. Any thoughts/experience using the convertor anyways? Not using it would make life infinitely harder for me when getting ready in the morning. Thanks, all!

Posted by
6227 posts

If it says not to use a converter, then don't use a converter; otherwise you run a risk of not only shorting out the hair dryer but possibly causing damage to the outlet and more. Most modern appliances and electronics do not need converters any more - I haven't carried one in years. Some have a switch that you can to another voltage but most do it automatically.

Having said that, I suppose there are some still out there. Does it say 120V only on the hair dryer (not the box)? It might say something like 120V - 240V or have a similar range. Again, forget the packaging - look at the blow dryer for the voltage. If you can't find it, then I would suggest contacting the manufacturer and find out what they say. I would not just use a converter if it says not to.

Posted by
11027 posts

The packaging says its 120 V and not to use a convertor.

Probably should accept that the manufacturer knows how their product should be used.

Do not under estimate that accident reconstruction experts in Europe will not figure out the where/how the fire started.

Posted by
500 posts

The hair appliances I use have dual voltage written on them. They only require a plug adapter. Single voltage heat appliances can cause damage and be damaged with a converter; I have seen it happen. If you still have some time before your trip see if you can source a dual voltage version.

Posted by
2430 posts

If you feel you must have one, it would probably be best to buy one there. I’ve read that the dual voltage ones are still iffy.

Posted by
9460 posts

I wouldn't "forget the packaging" - I too would assume that the manufacturer knows the specifics of how it designed and constructed the device.

There are plenty of devices that are only single voltage, so it's hardly surprising that this dryer/straightener would be among them (heating elements are among the least likely devices to be dual voltage.)

It's not built to be used on 240v, so don't try it. Doing so could be very dangerous for yourself and others.

You have three options:
- Buy a dual-voltage straightening hairdryer here at home.
- Buy a European spec one when you get to Europe solely for use on your trips to Europe
- Don't do either, and find another way to do your hair.

Posted by
11052 posts

I have a dual voltage hair dryer that works perfectly in US and Europe. Maybe you can one in Germany??When an electric device reacts to the wrong current it’s not a pretty sight!

Posted by
6 posts

I love these helpful responses and am also having a good giggle - thanks! Ideally, I'd prefer to let my hair air dry daily and not be encumbered with the extra tool. However, washing and straightening only once every three days is a serious time saver. Does anyone know the name of an Ulta, Sephora, Target-style store in the Munich area where I can pick up a properly "voltaged" hair tool. Thanks again!

Posted by
6227 posts

I wouldn't "forget the packaging" - I too would assume that the manufacturer knows the specifics of how it designed and constructed the device.

Kim, I probably phrased that badly - I meant to say that packaging does not always contain all the details, and the best way to find the voltage is to look at the actual blow dryer to see if there is a switch or a range of voltages.

Posted by
6227 posts

Melissa, just go to Marienplatz to the Galleria - I know there is a Sephora there (Kaufingerstraße 1-5) and a number of department or cosmetic stores that should have them.

Posted by
198 posts

Yeah, don’t. Even without that warning, I’ve never found converters to work well with anything that needs a fair amount of power. Either get by without it, buy a dual voltage appliance or buy one there.

Posted by
23177 posts

The issue is the amount of watts need for the heating elements in hair dryers etc. And there are small convertors less than 1200 watts and, of course, above that. The big convertor are expensive and heavy in order to handle a hair dryer requiring 1800 watts or more. Even with the proper convertor it is not going to provide the expected performance. However, if you buy locally in Germany it will have the proper plug but you will need a plug adapter if you go to another country with different outlets.

Posted by
14800 posts

Are you staying in a hotel? If yes, ask at the reception desk. The person you speak to will live there and now where to find what you need.

Posted by
363 posts

I suspect what they mean is don’t even think about using this dryer unless you are on a 120 V system. If you attempt to use the dryer with a converter, the dryer will likely be ruined.

Posted by
8091 posts

Thank goodness that smartphones, tablets and laptops are most all 110 & 220 volt capable. They just require a Euro plug adapter. The U.K. uses a different plug adapter, however.

I do have a 110-220 volt converter, and it'll power up to 1500 watts. But most hotels now have hair dryers and we're no longer carrying our own dryer. I also have a light bar with the Euro plug that also handles charging smartphones and other small appliances.

The wife carries a Conair hair curler that's powered by a propane/battery cartridge. She's been traveling with them for over 20 years.

Posted by
19052 posts

What kind of a dinosaur or a device do you have, anyway? I haven't seen a device that operates on only 120V in over twenty years. Back then, converters were only heavy transformers, but they effectively converted 220V - 240V input to 110V to 120V output. I can't imagine why 230V European power converted to 115V with a transformer would not suffice, unless it has something to do with the 50/60 Hz difference.

Some of today's converters, those for higher wattage (above 40W) use a transistor to limit the voltage, and the wave form from those converters can be damaging to electronic devices, but any good electronic device today accepts 100 - 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.

By the way, is it a straightener (which generally use less than 600W) or a dryer (which generally use 1800W)?