I might be moving there soon, so I'd like to know before I get there :] I mean, I know some stuff that doesn't need to be plugged in would work, until I need to charge it..and when that happens, can I plug stuff in there and have it work? Same question goes for tvs, computers, etc. and if it doesn't work, are there converters I can use? thanks in advance :]Thanks for all your answers. I was aware of the NTSC/PAL thing, but the dvd player we own plays both, so I guess it's more a matter of voltage? since Alex asked, here's more details on items We have a 56 inch t.v.. So, that would be nice to bring if only to not feel as if it were wasted money (it was purchased recently), with the economic situation everywhere. Plus..I like the t.v. (if necessary I could add the model number, but as it's about 2 in the morning, I don't feel like looking right now) a computer. well, a few computers, really. my dad makes them >.< (not laptops, though thanks to everyone for the info on that, I should've specified). a canon printer. a canon camera (powershot 1100 IS) an olympus camera (camedia 400 something, I think) Playstation 2. an mp3 player (charges through a usb cable or a dock, though I don't know if voltage difference would effect it? Its a Sansa e260, if that helps). Samsung flat panel monitors. epiphone amp (thoughIcouldgetanewone)
Other - United Kingdom - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The basic answer is no. The UK uses 240 volts, the US 110 volts. Further, the UK uses different style sockets. Some equipment - for example laptop computers - can use either voltage, so all you need is a plug adaptor. If your equipment needs 110 volts, you will need to buy a transformer taht converts the voltage.
2 :
Basically, no - apart from the basic voltage difference - 110 volts in North America, 230 volts in the UK, the frequency of the electricity is 60 Hz in North America and 50 Hz in the UK, which would affect things like direct-drive motors (record decks, clocks, etc). Things like laptop computers are usually OK as they can handle 50-60 Hz and 110-240 V electricity supplies (check the labels on your laptop), and it's just a matter of getting an appropriate adaptor for the physical power plug (or get a UK connection lead to plug into your power transformer). Telephone standards are different, too, and technically it's illegal to plug anything which isn't specifically approved to the UK telephone network, like foreign modems. It's pointless bringing over TVs and VCRs/DVD players unless you want to be able to replay stuff you recorded/bought in the US. North America is DVD region 1, Europe is region 2, and DVD's bought in one won't play in machines designed for the other region. Actual TV standards are different too, US uses the NTSC colour standard, 525-line picture with 30 frames per second (half the 60 Hz electricity standard); UK uses PAL standard, 625-line picture with 25 frames per second. Digital TV standards are different too. UPDATE after you added your item list: Well, your digital cameras should be OK - batteries are one thing that thankfully are the same worldwide! Your flat-panel monitors may only need a plug adaptor as many can handle different voltages/frequencies - again, check the labels on the back! The mp3 player will be OK if you're recharging through the USB cable from a computer. I think, but I'm not sure, that docks are usually just a matter of getting the right plug. Your TV is still going to be pretty much a dead loss, though - it'll be useless for picking up local broadcasts.
3 :
In many instances you will need to use a transformer to drop the UK 230V to 110V for your equipment, but if your equipment is dual voltage, simple plug adaptors are readily available to match the US plugs to the UK square three pin sockets. The mains frequency in Europe and most of the rest of the world is 50Hz. whilst the US is 60 Hz. This makes electrically driven clocks and synchronous motors run slower than in the US. TV Broadcasting in UK uses PAL system I as against the US NTSC system M, so TV and Video devices are not going to be any use, although that does allow you to use them in conjunction with each other, for playing back your own discs and tapes provided you adapt them for UK mains voltage, but you will not be able to receive or record offair programming. US mobile phones are not compatible with the European mobile phone networks. Videos and TVs are rather large, and heavy. Wouldn't you be better off leaving yours in the US and buying UK models when you are here? Unless you have any particular domestic equipment that you need to use, the same applies: you will find even hairdryers and curling tongs can be bought fairly readily in the UK. If you have a laptop, you should be able to buy a power unit in the UK that will allow it to operate on UK mains voltage safely. It would be easier to answer the question, if you could be specific about which other electrical items you would want to bring with you.
