Before coming to Italy I didn't know what a 220 plug looked like let alone the vocab for it all! So, let's start there...
Adaptor: A device that lets you insert a plug into a different socket: these are small, cheap and safe.
*It is IMPORTANT that before you plug something in to look and see what the devices voltage is! If it says something like "100-240V, 50/60 Hz", it will work with the right plugs.- Wikipedia (You can get the little adapter from the BX or Airmans Attic)
By the way: Most computers are adaptable and you just have to use the adapter. But ALWAYS check first!
Transformer: I do not really understand the actual definition so I will say it in my own words..
Pretty much a transformer is what you use to make a 110V device work here in Italy without blowing it up! :)
"If you are using a 110V appliance at 220V-240V, you can also use a transformer" -Wikipedia
Lamps! All you have to do to use your 110 lamps is put a 220v bulb in them and use an ADAPTER to plug it in.
Check out this link to read more on electricity! Wiki Travel: Electrical Systems
Also heads up to newcomers who have never lived in Europe...
I didn't know it was so easy to blow the fuse in my house by baking and washing clothes at the same time! Heaven forbid we multi-task while doing house work! Every house is different and this is something you will get used. It will take trail and error to figure out what you can and can't run at the same time in your home. The first month of living in our house I blew the breaker at least 3-4 times a week. Now it's a rare occasion :)
2 comments:
I didn't know the difference in converter and transformers when we first got here. I blew our dvd player. lol Husband was pissed!
HAVE to remember to check Voltage some but not all American appliance can just be used with a convertor. Needs to be marked with a 110v - 220v
Thanks for adding that in! I didn't know the difference either! I should explain that in detail!
Post a Comment