Do I need a power converter for Vanuatu?
What is a power converter for a Vanuatuan power outlet?
A power converter enables travellers to use a 100-120 volt electric device with a 220 volt Vanuatuan 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 power adapter for Vanuatu?
An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 220 volt Vanuatuan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt appliance, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet found in Vanuatu. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Vanuatu?
When you are visiting Vanuatu from a different region please ensure the device can be charged using a 220 volt power supply.
- A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling to Vanuatu from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your device or appliance won't support 220 volts. Read our WikiConnections world power outlets guide to discover which voltage your country uses.
- You shouldn't need a power converter if you are already using either a single voltage device that works with 220 volts or one that is dual voltage.
- Devices designed to use a lower voltage (such as 110 volts) and used in a 220 volt outlet run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your device.
- You won't need a converter if you need to charge a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone or laptop as these are normally designed for international use and dual voltage, however you should always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
- For supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (for example clothes irons and hair dryers) then you will need to use a more expensive higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
- Buying a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance could be more practical and cost effective than bringing a much heavier power converter just to use your existing domestic appliance.
- For more information read these comprehensive travel guides on using curling wands, clothes irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers in Vanuatu , along with guides for some affordable dual voltage alternatives. [3] [4] [AD]
What converter do I need for Vanuatu?
You will need to use a step down power converter in order to use any 100-120 volt appliance in a 220 volt Vanuatuan power outlet. [3] [AD]
What voltage is used in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu uses 220 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]
How to convert 220 volts to 110 volts
- Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 220 volt Vanuatuan 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 Vanuatu before plugging that into a Vanuatuan 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 to the 110-120 volt range.
- Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 220 volt Vanuatuan power outlet. [3] [AD]
What is the difference between a transformer and a converter?
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 is my appliance?
The best method to tell if your device is dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the supplied charger or on the unit itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord goes. This location might depend on the make or model of your unit but could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual.
- Single voltage devices might have a specific number - such as 240V.
- Single voltage devices could also have a small voltage range (around 20 volts) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
- Dual voltage devices will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Vanuatu country Wiki page.
- 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..
- 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..