Guide to Electrical Adapters, Converters and Transformers for International Travel with Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices

When traveling to another country, you want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to adaptive equipment, battery chargers and other electrical devices. People who use a power wheelchair and battery charger and others traveling with adaptive equipment that use electricity may need to bring along two electrical conversion adapters in order to ensure their equipment is compatible with the electrical current in the destination country.

1. Why do I need an adapter/voltage converter?/Transformer?
2. What is an adapter?
3. What is a transformer?
4. What is a converter?
5. How can I make my batteries last longer?
6. How do I choose the right Adapter/Converter?
   

The need for adapters and voltage converters

Most countries use electricity at approximately 220 volts/50hz, while North America uses 110 volts/60hz. Wall outlet (power receptacle) configurations also vary from country to country.

About Voltage Converters, Transformers and Plug Adapters

Travelers will need either a Voltage Converter or Transformer, depending on the type of equipment and a Plug Adapter that is compatible with outlets in the destination country

Voltage Converters

Voltage Converters are only for use with ungrounded (2-pin) electric heating appliances or those that use a 'universal' motor (curling irons, hairdryers, irons, etc.) and then only for brief periods of time. There are two types of voltage converters: A 'Step-Down' converter will take the 220-250 volt current used in most countries around the world and convert it to the 110-volt current used in Canada or the U.S. This is useful for travelers from North America heading overseas. A 'Step-Up' converter does exactly the opposite and is appropriate for travelers from other parts of the world coming to North America. Most converters are not designed for continuous use and should only be used for short periods of time, 45- 60 minutes. They should be unplugged when not in use.

Transformers

Transformers are used with grounded (3-pin) appliances and can be used with both 'electric' and 'electronic' appliances (electronic devices are those that contain some sort of circuitry like radios, TVs and computers.) They can also be used continuously for long periods of time (unlike converters) and at higher wattages. Like converters, transformers can be either 'Step-Up' or 'Step-Down' or both with a switch to control the direction in which the transformer is working.

Transformer/converters

Transformer/converters are a combination of both that can only be used with ungrounded (2-pin) plugs, but like a transformer, can be used continuously for long periods of time with both electric and electronic devices, except computers.

Plug Adapters

Plug Adapters are devices that allow you to plug a flat-pinned (North American) plug into a round-pinned (European/Asian) outlet. However, there are at least 13 different configurations around the world, all needing a different adapter, and some countries have several different configurations within their borders.

Adapters are either grounded (3-pin) or ungrounded (2-pin). Appliances that are ungrounded (2-pin) can be used with either grounded or ungrounded adapters. However, appliances that are grounded (3-pin) can only be used with grounded (3-pin) adapters.

Adapters do not change voltage. You need a converter/transformer to change electrical voltage. Adapters change the shape of the plug.

• Frequency/Cycles or Hertz (hz): Electricity in North America runs at 110/120 volts and 60hz, while in the majority of countries outside of North America it runs at 220/240 volts and 50hz. Converters and transformers only change voltage, not frequency. However, most modern electronic equipment, including battery chargers, computers, printers, stereos, tape and CD players, VCR/DVD players, etc., is not affected by the difference in frequency cycles.
• Wattage refers to the amount of electricity used by a device. Travelers need to know the wattage of the device in order to get the right transformer/converter. Most devices have a label showing the wattage. If the wattage is not listed on the label, the voltage and amperage usually are listed and can be used to figure out the wattage using a simple formula. Multiply the voltage by the amperage (amps or A) to calculate the wattage.
  Example: An appliance labeled with a voltage of 110 and amperage of 1.5 is 165 watts (110 x 1.5 = 165 Watts)

How to Choose the Right Converter/Transformer

It is recommended that travelers use a transformer that is rated at least 50% higher than that of the appliance with which you intend to use it. For example: A 500 Watt appliance should be used with a transformer of at least 750 Watts.

Power Wheelchair battery chargers may need a transformer because chargers commonly use very high power over longer periods of time. Look at the battery charger to determine the wattage required and then purchase a transformer that is at least 50% higher. Many power wheelchair manufacturers offer their own transformers or may be able to recommend other models that will not void the warranty of the power wheelchair. Check with your manufacturer.

For more information on preparing for travel with a battery charger or other electric device, please see the following web sites:

• Family on Board, www.familyonboard.com/voltageconverters.html

• Travel Oasis, http://traveloasis.com/electricity-information.html

• Voltage, Converter, Transformers, www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/
  

Lastly, Take care of your batteries and they will take care of you.

Read tips on battery maintenance for power chairs and scooters.

_{Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.}