UK/USA Voltage?

[Samderella]

Hello. How do UK electrical products work in the USA? I know u need an adaptor but I've heard the voltage is different - does anyone from the UK have any advice for things such as hairdryers/straighteners/camera chargers etc?

Thanks

 

[Mary626]

I'm not from the uK, but I've travelled quite a bit in different countries. Adaptors are really cheap, and can be bought almost anywhere with a small electronics department (I bought a bunch at Target's), at the very latest you can also buy them at the airport.

Just buy a bunch of them so you don't have to wait for one thing to charge before plugging in something else. Never had any problems with my laptop, camera chargers, or just about anything really.

Never used a hairdryer though, so not sure about that.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Yup I just use adaptors for the main part. It's easier to use UK goods in America than the other way round because they have the lower voltage so it will take longer for your phone to charge and your hairdryer might be a little sluggish - but they still work no sweat.

With me travelling to the US more frequently I now have a US cell phone, straighteners, hairdryer etc but LOL I tried using my US straighteners here in the UK and because they weren't dual voltage I managed to blow them up and the plug as well - but you won't have that problem when in the US and using UK stuff.

 

[witchety slammer]

I believe with adaptors the appliances should work. Used an adaptor to charge my mobile when I was in New York. Also used them in France without any problems. Hope this helps.

 

[Rascal1003]

Hi,
Just to let you know, anything that has a transformer between the power point and the item should be fine. For example, camera chargers, phone chargers, laptop supplies etc. The transformers convert the voltage into the correct level for that component.
As previously mentioned, the domestic supply is 110v and the UK is 240V so UK equipment should not be affected. US electrical kit will not however work in the UK, you would probably pop the fuses.

Hair driers have a heat element which requires the full 240 volts to work at its best. The lower voltage will mean that the element will take a lot longer to heat up and the fan speed will be reduced.

My girlfriend says that the hair driers in the hotel rooms are as good as when she attempted to use her UK hairdrier.

The adapters are available all over the place, Argos is particularly cheap, but I am sure I only paid £3 at the airport for one. Definitley consider at least 2.