| Just because you have packed your handy power | | | | slower and clocks will lose time). When |
| converter don't get too confident that all | | | | purchasing your voltage converters you I |
| your electrical problems are solved. | | | | suggest purchasing a battery operated travel |
| Electronic appliances (CD players, stereos, | | | | clock. |
| VCRs) require a transformer instead of a | | | | |
| voltage converter. Single Volt products with | | | | Some things, even with an AC power converter |
| electronic circuitry need a specific sine | | | | won't work at all. For example, don't bother |
| wave to operate. An AC transformer will | | | | bringing a television with you. Despite being |
| maintain the quality of the sine wave where | | | | able to overcome the differences in |
| as an AC power converter won't, and therefore | | | | electricity with an international voltage |
| damage the electronic circuitry. Fortunately | | | | converter you still will only receive rolling |
| many dual voltage converters include a built | | | | static as the broadcast signals in Europe and |
| in transformer. | | | | North America are different. Another thing |
| | | | you need to worry about is old wiring. Bad |
| Another thing that you will want to factor in | | | | wiring will defeat a transformer or a |
| is the difference in Hertz (50 and 60Hz). | | | | converter every time. Many older European |
| Even with a travel converter, AC motors | | | | hotels have older electric wiring and will |
| brought from North America (60Hz) to Europe | | | | not be able to support your 1000 watt travel |
| (50Hz) will run slower. In some cases, like a | | | | iron. Luckily most hotels have warning signs; |
| hair dryer or electric razor, the difference | | | | however, if the lights start to flicker |
| won't be noticeable and as long as you used | | | | unplug your electrical device immediately. |
| the correct AC voltage converter you should | | | | |
| be ok. However, other devices, like tape and | | | | And finally, be very careful with the |
| CD players or electric clocks, even with the | | | | European bathroom electric shaver socket. |
| use of your travel voltage converter, will | | | | They are designed for low wattage electrical |
| not operate correctly. These devices, | | | | appliances (shavers and toothbrushes) and are |
| operating at 5/6 normal speed will be | | | | not meant for use with a hairdryer or curling |
| noticeably slower (i.e. Music will be played | | | | iron. |