Do I need a power converter for Micronesia?
What does a power converter for Micronesia do?
Power converters for Micronesia enable you to use a 220, 230 or 240 volt electric device with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet.
Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.
What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?
An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 120 volts from a Micronesian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt device, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet found in Micronesia. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Micronesia?
If travelling to Micronesia from another region double check the device can be charged using a 120 volt power supply.
- You need a step up power converter if you are travelling to Micronesia from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your appliance isn't compatible with 120 volts. See the WikiConnections list of world power outlets guide to discover the voltage is used in your country.
- You don't need a power converter if you already own either a 120 volt appliance or one that is dual voltage.
- Electrical devices which originated from a country which use a higher voltage such as 230 volts and then used in a 120 volt outlet either take longer to charge or simply won't power up. If your device slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting Micronesia from another region then check that it is compatible with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet otherwise you will need to use a step up power converter.
- You don't need a converter if you wish to recharge a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone as these are typically dual voltage and designed for international use, however always always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
- If powering high wattage appliances or generate heat (for example clothes irons or hair straighteners) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
- Investing a robust lightweight dual voltage travel appliance could be more practical and cost effective than trying to carry a heavier power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance in Micronesia.
- Read these comprehensive travel guides on travelling with clothes irons, curling wands, hair dryers and flat irons in Micronesian power outlets which includes guides on some affordable dual voltage alternatives. [4] [5] [AD]
What kind of converter do I need for Micronesia?
You will need to buy a step up power converter to use any 220, 230 or 240 volt appliance in Micronesia. [4] [AD]
What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?
Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:
- Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
- Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
- Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
- Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
- Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
- Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
- Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.
What voltage does Micronesia use?
Micronesia uses 120 volts in their power outlets. [2]
How to convert 120 volts to 220 volts
- Use a step up power converter to allow you to use 220, 230 and 240 volt appliances with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet.
- If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for Micronesia before plugging that into a Micronesian power outlet.
- Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage from 220-240v.
- Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 220-240 volt appliance can now be used with a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet. [4] [AD]
Is my device single voltage or dual voltage?
The easiest method to tell if your appliance is either single voltage or dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the supplied power adapter or on the device itself, normally near to where the power cord sits. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your device, it could also state on the box.
- Single voltage devices could have a specific number - such as 120V.
- Single voltage devices might also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 220-240V.
- Dual voltage devices will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.
External links
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- Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Micronesia.
- iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
- Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
- Step up power converter - Step-up power converters are engineered to convert lower voltage outlets of 100V/120V to higher voltages of 220V/240V, enabling the use of appliances designed for higher-voltage environments in lower voltage countries..
- Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..