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Travel with John Bermont

The original do-it-yourself travel guide to Europe ℠


Electric Differences in Europe

220 Volts, 50 Hz, various flat and round hole outlets.
European electricity is a high voltage challenge for American appliances and gizmos.


Carpe diem. Vivere bene! Gratia Deo.

This is chapter 11. The entire book is published free on-line by the DIY traveler, author, photographer, and webmaster —yours truly— with help from my daughter Stephanie and good friend Paula in Haarlem, Nord Holland, Netherlands. Questions, comments, complaints, and contributions are welcome. Please click footnote. Patronage at my euro-shoppe™ keeps this site on line. Updated .


The dangerous differences.

THE UNSEEN BEHIND THE VERY OBVIOUS

Voltage

The biggest difference between European and American electricity is the voltage. Our USA electricity comes in at 110 volts. In Europe it is 220 volts. American appliances will literally blow up if you are able to get them plugged in over there. Yup, I did that.

Frequency

The second unseen difference is the frequency. Europe operates on 50 cycles per second, "50 Hz" for short. American frequency is 60 Hz. Even if you change the voltage from 220 to 110 (easy to do) the frequency difference can have serious effects on many devices, from faulty operation to destruction. Yup, I've thrown out some expensive stuff after this mistake.

Outlets/Plugs

There is one obvious difference in European electrical service. That difference is the design of electrical outlets. There are five types of outlet used throughout Europe. None of these European outlets bear any resemblance to the American version. Therefore, plug adapters are needed. But only use a plug adapter if your appliances pass on the voltage and frequency differences.

GO or NO-GO

How to deal with European electricity all depends on what you want to plug in. There isn't any one-answer-fits-all. The detailed details are described and illustrated in these three parts of my electricity chapter.

11.1 Electric Converters for Europe: Should I use an electric converter in Europe? No.
Electric power converters convert 220 volts to 110 volts but do not convert frequency. Converters can destroy your phones, ipads, cameras, computers, and chargers.
11.2 Electric Plug Adapters: American plugs do not fit in electric outlets in Europe.
Even if your gizmo is rated for 220 volts and 50Hz you can not plug it in. American plugs do not fit in any electric outlet in Europe.
11.3 European Voltage Essentials: 220 Volts of Electric Power at 50Hz Frequency.
This is a somewhat technical explanation with photo illustrations of just about everything you need to know. Send an email if you need clarification on anything.

Additional chapters discussing everything from hairblowers to televisions are at:

6.2 Personal Care Items for Europe: Pack Your Toothbrush and Toilet Paper
Most of what you need is in your bathroom right now. But much is handy in Europe. For example, you don't need to bring your hairblower. It is big volume and dead weight.
22.1 Moving to Europe?: American appliances may work but probably not.
Household items to bring and to bring not when you are relocating to Holland, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Q & A

If you still have questions after you have taken the time to read these three pages of electrical information for travelers please do not hesitate to write and ask. I know quite a bit about this subject as noted in my essay on converters at 11.1.

I answer every email at [email protected]. Vendors, please don't bother.


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