The DipNotes

Hey Rhonda,

While slow cookers should be ok, I use an American one with a transformer.

The electric toaster oven should not be used with a transformer simply because it uses so many watts. The large transformer that would be needed would perhaps be as large as the toaster oven itself!  

If an appliance generates a lot of heat it is best to purchase a 220 volt one overseas, rather than use a transformer.

Post edited 12:36 pm – March 28, 2010 by Peter

Good questions!

There are two concerns with electronic/electrical devices, the power.  US electrical products run on 110 power, 60 cycle (Hz).  The "Hz" is the frequency of the power, and regulates how fast things turn, and in some electronics can regulate other functions.  

Most of the world however, runs on 220 volts, 50 Hz.  The Embassies provide several transformers that will change the voltage to 110, but it can not change the cycles (hz).  So purely electrical clocks for example, will loose time, about 10 minutes per hour!

The good news is that almost all electronic items today run on DC power, through a AC/DC converter either inside them, or via a small AC/DC converter box attached to the power cable.  DC power is not affected by the cycles (hz).

Also, many high-end electronics may be dual voltage (110/220) either through a manual switch on the back, or automatic.  All Apple Macintosh computers are dual voltage for example, as are iPod and iPhone power adapters.

That said…

We all tend to have a mix of 220 volt, 110 volt, and dual voltage items.  I use a transfer for the 110 stuff.  I do not own anything that is 110V cycle dependent any more, as they are useless overseas.  NOTE:  Most U.S. appliances will state 110V 60 Hz EVEN when the cycles (Hz) makes no difference.  For example, a food processor or a electric fan.   Yes, they will run a tad slower (50 vs 60) but I certainly can't tell!

Warning:  When you use a transfer, make sure the transfer is rated to output the same wattage as the appliance.  Watts can be described as the STRENGTH of the power.  Things that consume more power (like a hair dryer) need a lot of watts.  If you plug in a hair dryer into a small 10 watt transfer, it will blow a fuse in the transformer.   Each electrical device will tell you how many watts it needs.  If you plus three devices into one transformer, you must add up all the watt requirements and make sure your transfer can do the job.  I have several 500, a few 1000, and one 2,000 watt transformers.

TV's have a different problem in addition to the power requirements.  TV signals all over the globe are not the same as the USA.  So your TV must be a MULTI-SYSTEM TV in order to receive foreign broadcasts.  One thing a regular American TV is still good for, is to watch the Armed Forces Network (AFN) that broadcasts current American TV shows from the major U.S. networks, along with U.S. news and Sports.  We are authorized to purchase a special Satellite receiver to pick up and decode AFN signals from anywhere on Earth.

Microwave Ovens are CYCLE (Hz) dependent.  You can NOT use them with a transformer.

Theft is rare.  I have never had anything stolen during my overseas transfers.  But I have had things broken.  You can purchase insurance when its time to move.

One electronic item I can now not live without is my Apple TV.   This device (no computer needed) hooks up to my large LCD TV (HDMI) and lets me download Tv Shows, Movies and free podcasts from Apple's iTunes.  This way I get just about every American TV show, including Showtime and HBO and lots of free news video podcasts, plus hundreds of internet radio stations.  It's the best $230 I have spent for my entertainment overseas.

DVD players will work, however when you purchase a LOCAL (foreign) DVD it may not play.  DVD players are cheap now, Amazon sells a multi-system DVD player for about $40.  I do not buy or watch DVDs anymore, but I still have my DVD player just in case someone hands me one that I "must watch".   I would bring yours.  Most U.S. models can be hacked to play all foreign DVD's with a secret code that you input with your remote. 

Computers do just fine.  You may need a transfer (unless you have a Mac) but they run well on them.  Some countries loose power frequently, so in those cases an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) should be purchased.  In Pakistan, for example, my power went out 3 times a day.  Sometimes more.  This would destroy computer hard drives.  I bought a nice UPS from the states, only to have it not work with 50 cycle power.  Argg!  I had to get one locally (made in Germany).

My computer printer and scanner, as well as my stereo equipment are American specs (110 volts, 60 htz) and they work fine on a transformer.

The Embassy will provide you with a 220 volt Vacuum Cleaner and Microwave Oven to use while you are stationed at Post.  Some will provide toasters and an iron.  If not, I suggest you buy a 220 Volt Toaster and Iron.  These consume a lot of power and its safer not to plug them into a transformer.  You will also get a washer and dryer, and most posts also provide a dishwasher.  Its cheaper for the U.S. Government to have these installed at our government leased homes and maintained there, than to ship your own heavy appliances over the world.

Hope this helps!