Looking to protect things like hair clippers, razors, printers, etc. Small items.
Coming from the US, with 110 V and 60 Hz ,moving to Switzerland with 220V and 50 Hx, is anyone aware of easy ways to use US specific electronics and appliances? I have seen large step down transformers, but have you see or do you use any small "outlet size" units that protect your equipment?
You may not need a step-down transformer for many small appliances. Have a look at the rating plate for the appliance. This will be either on the appliance itself, near where the power cord enters the appliance, or for appliances with an external power supply (mobile phones, laptops, etc.) on the power brick or the plug itself. If the rating plate says something like 100 V - 230 V or something similar, you're good to go (though you will need a plug adapter).
Its a bit of a challenge, looking at adators and transformers online
I found some small plug or outlet sized step down transformers, for small items that are not affected by the frequency change from 60 to 50 hz. These items are only rated 110v and 60hz, but most sites imply this will work with a simple step down. I would like two set ups, with a multi plug extension cord.
Larger items, like my stereo reciever, x-box, etc, are more complicated. They are 60 hz rated, and should really be on a voltage surge protector. I havent solved this yet.
I brought my ps3 from the U.S. and hooked it to a 500w step up / step down transformer bought at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-Continuous...503910&sr=8-11
Using it for more than 2 years now without a problem.
It all depends on the appliance. If it has a power cord with a transformer already on it, like your computer power cord, look on the transformer. If the transformer says "110V-240V and 50Hz-60Hz", you are good to go. All you need is an adapter.
When I first moved here, I used an independent transformer, which was the size of Volkswagon, for my mixer and my sewing machine. I've gotten tired of lugging that thing around and have since replaced those two items with ones that I bought over here.
I will give you one good hint, don't even bother bringing over a blow dryer or any other hair/heat apparatus. You will burn it up, I promise.
Agreed on the blow drier... bald man, so no worries. But, my wife will be looking for a new model.
I find that many of my gadgets only ay 110v and 60 hz. My biggest concern is my stereo receiver, and a cordless razor. I know they make step down transformers that adjust frequency, but cant find one yet.
Voltage can fry an item, frequency will only affect performance. Clocks, for example, will lose time every hour.
You really need to buy these step-down transformers in USA, maybe from Amazon.com ,
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ormer&x=6&y=19
Amazon will not deliver these products to Switzerland, as they have not been tested and approved here. The step-down products you can buy here are very expensive!
In my first move from the US to the UK I found a normal 'travel' converter was OK for hair dryers, curling irons and rechargeable batteries but not for my heavy duty kitchen appliances which were much more expensive to replace in the UK. I got a transformer similiar to the ones linked to above and it is perfect!! I got mine from amazon.co.uk which may ship here.