Understanding International Electricity

In China we operate on 220/250V volt Alternating Current (AC). However, some countries operate on 110V/125V AC, like USA and Canada. This means that when appliances made for use in China (220V/250V) are plugged into a foreign outlet, the motor does not work. While appliances made for North America (110/125V) are plugged into a China 220/250 volt outlet, the motor goes twice as fast than it was designed to, which will damage or destroy the appliance. In order to use a North American appliance abroad, it is necessary to convert (or step-down) the 220/250 volts with either a converter or transformer.

First, determine if your appliance is single volt or dual volt. The rating plate on your appliance will help you determine the voltage and wattage of your appliance. Single volt (i.e. 110/120V) appliances operate only on 110/120 volts and require the use of a converter or a transformer when used abroad. Dual voltage/worldwide voltage appliances (i.e. 100/240V, 110/220V or 120/250V) are capable of being used on 110/120V and 220/250V and do not require a converter or transformer-all you may need is the proper adapter plug(s) (International Voltage Guide-link). If you are unsure about your appliance, always check with the appliance manufacturer.

There are two types of products for voltage conversion. The conversion device travelers will need on their international trip will depend on the type and wattage of the appliance being taken overseas to a 220/250 volt country. There are two distinct types of appliances: Electric and Electronic.

CONVERTERS
Converters are for single volt Electric products with simple heating devices and/or universal motor products such as garment steamers, irons, curling irons, etc. These products are generally used for short periods of time. Step-down converters convert 220/250V foreign electricity down to 110/125V domestic electricity by cutting the number of volts flowing into the appliance in half. The wattage of the appliance being used determines which Travel Smart by Franzus converter should be used. Check your appliance's rating label for the wattage. If the wattage is not indicated simply multiply the Voltage by the Amperage to determine the wattage: Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e.: 120V x 6A = 720 Watts). The converters we currently have available can convert appliances with wattage ratings from 0 - 2000 watts.

NOTE: Converters are to be used only for short periods of time.

ALWAYS be sure to check the wattage of your appliances before using any voltage converter or transformer.

Step-Down Converters allow North and South American appliances rated 110/125 volts to be used in 220/250 volt countries. Step-down Converters are designed to accommodate appliances with different wattage. Appliances rated between 0 - 25 watts require a LOW WATTAGE converter and appliances rated over 25 Watts require a HIGH WATTAGE converter.

Examples of Low Wattage electric appliances (0-25 watts): Most Curling Irons, CD Players, Calculators, Electric Shavers, Radios, Contact Lens Disinfects.

Examples of High Wattage Electric appliances (26-2000 watts): Hair Dryers, Irons, Steamers, Heating Pads.

Our latest advanced technology takes the worry out of wondering whether your electric appliance is High or Low Wattage. The dual wattage Auto Adjust? Smart Converter? Model PS-200 automatically senses and selects the correct wattage setting for your appliance. The converter automatically selects high for appliances rated 26-2000 watts or low for appliances rated 0-25 watts. This allows you to easily change between low and high wattage appliances without worrying which wattage setting to select. The built-in circuit breaker with reset button corrects accidental overloads.

CAUTION: Do Not Use Any Converter with Electronically Controlled Items Using Digital Timing or which have Auto Start or Auto Shut-Off. Do not use a converter with any electronic appliance over 25 watts or with any single volt curling iron over 25 watts or hair dryer with an ALCI-ground fault interrupter switch (reset button) on its plug. The ALCI-ground fault interrupter switches found on most hair dryers may contain electronically controlled parts. We would recommend using one of our dual voltage hair dryers when traveling abroad.

CAUTION: BEWARE THE EUROPEAN BATHROOM SHAVER SOCKET .

There are 110/120V wall outlets found in many European bathrooms. These outlets are ONLY for use with low wattage appliances, such as electric shavers, oral hygiene devices, etc. DO NOT use your hair dryer or other high wattage appliance with this outlet, even with a converter or transformer. Most hotels will advise you with a warning message on the outlet.

Converters/transformers can also step-up the voltage. Step-up converters/transformers are used to convert 110/125V domestic current up to 220/250V foreign current by increasing the number of volts flowing into the appliance. Travel Smart by Franzus offers a 0-50 Watt Step-Up Reverse Transformer Model FR-22.

TRANSFORMERS
Transformers are for single volt appliances with Electronic circuitry (computer chips or integrated circuits) such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, T.V.'s, power tools, etc. Like converters, transformers can either step-down the voltage or step-up the voltage. These types of appliances and power tools require extra performance and allow for longer, continuous operation. Like the converters, the wattage of the appliance being used determines which Travel Smart transformer to use. The transformers we currently have available can transform appliances with wattage rated from 0 - 500 watts. NOTE: Transformers are for use with electronic circuitry products i.e., computers, fax machines, typewriters, T.V.'s, stereos, VCRs, power tools, etc. Do not use a converter with these products.

It has never been easier to take your computer or fax machine with you. Since computers and fax machines have electronic circuitry, you should use a transformer with them ONLY when traveling internationally. Again, check the rating plate for the wattage of the electronic product and select a transformer with a wattage capacity that is higher than the wattage rating of the computer, fax, etc.

Always check the wattage of the appliance being used. Just like converters, the wattage of the appliance determines which transformer is required. We strongly recommend using a transformer that is rated at least 10% higher than the wattage of the appliance for additional safety. For example, if the appliance is rated 250 watts, we suggest using the Travel Smart by Franzus 300 Watt Transformer.

GOING AROUND WITH CYCLES
110/125 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz (Cycles) Alternating Current. Foreign 220/250 volt electricity is generated at 50 Hz (cycles) Alternating Current. The difference in cycles may cause the motor in a 60 Hz US appliance to operate slower when used on 50 Hz foreign electricity. It will cause clocks and timing circuits using Alternating Current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. NOTE: Most modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers, printers, VCR's, etc. will not be affected by the difference in cycles as these products internally adjust for cycle differences.

Transformers and converters will operate most products, which run either on 50 or 60 Hz, however, transformers and converters do not convert cycles. Products which are solely dependent on 60 Hz for speed control (clocks, turntables, etc.) will run slower operating at 50 Hz. Please check with the appliance manufacturer for proper use.

(A link for "Adapter Plugs" and "International Voltage & Adapter Guide" should be here)