Bringing UK Electricals to the USA
Many electrical devices these days are built to accept 220 and 110 volts. It is important to check the voltage rating, power rating and mains frequency rating of each item of equipment
Transformers
Transformers (voltage convertors) to step down to 110 Volts are relatively cheap and available on Amazon. (e.g. 1000Watt for $60 (£40)) One converter can be used for many devices. Most voltage transformers will be capable of both step up (110 to 220V) and step down (220V to 110V), making US bought electrical goods capable of being used in the UK
Voltage converters that include a UK style plug socket which includes a grounded earth connection, should be used with any equipment which has a
metal body (e.g. food mixer, microwave oven). Plastic bodies are inherently insulated.
Laptops and PCs
Laptops, PC’s and PC monitors etc. If fitted with a Europlug connector, just need a Europlug lead with a US mains plug. Some PCs and laptops will
work with either voltage without any adjustment. Generally the transformer on the laptop power lead will indicate the voltages it is suitable for.
With PCs check the back of the processor where the mains plug is connected, normally the voltage setting will need to be changed to 110V.
work with either voltage without any adjustment. Generally the transformer on the laptop power lead will indicate the voltages it is suitable for.
With PCs check the back of the processor where the mains plug is connected, normally the voltage setting will need to be changed to 110V.
Visual Entertainment Systems
Visual entertainment systems. Modern TVs, DVD players, Games systems are HDMI signal compatible. HDMI is a world standard, which negates the UK/USA compatibiltity problems due to the difference between PAL/NTSC/RGB etc.
There remains the problem of 60Hz (US) and 50Hz (UK) screen refresh rates, which cause the screen to flicker uncontrollably, but this can normally be set to 60Hz on the equipment producing the picture (DVD player, Games system etc.).
There remains the problem of 60Hz (US) and 50Hz (UK) screen refresh rates, which cause the screen to flicker uncontrollably, but this can normally be set to 60Hz on the equipment producing the picture (DVD player, Games system etc.).
Wiis
A european Wii can be used in the US, by purchasing a 110V Wii power supply, and Wii HDMI lead. It does however need to be set to 60hz refresh rate. The problem is in setting the refresh rate that when it is not set correctly
the screen will flicker to the point where it is virtually unreadable, at which point setting the refresh can be very difficult (but it can be done). Ideally whilst the set is still in the UK using 50hz and is set at 50hz and you can still read the screen, set it to 60hz as the last thing before it is packed up. Likewise set it back to 50hz before leaving the US. The european Wii is not compatible with Wii games purchased in the US, but use of BFPO makes European Wii games readily available.
