Can I Plug In? A Traveller's Guide To Power Adaptors.

While electricity is usually available when travelling internationally, some travellers are surprised to find that they are unable to plug in their electrical appliances because the power outlet is a completely different design to the plug on the appliance.

The way electricity is delivered for use varies from country to country.

In order to use your electrical appliance in a country with a different electrical frequency, voltage and/or plug from your own, you will need to purchase a power adaptor. Then, using your appliance is as simple as plugging the power adaptor into the socket, and then plugging your appliance into the power adaptor.

ElectricalOutlet.org is an excellent source of information about electrical outlets, receptacles and electrical plugs. The site includes information about the electrical systems used in most countries. Here you will be able to find advice on which kind of power system is used in the country or countries you intend to visit, and purchase appropriate power adaptors in advance.

It is also a good idea to speak to your travel agent or someone who has previously travelled to your destination, as they should be able to give you useful information. If someone you know has already been to a particular country, you might be able to borrow the correct power adaptor and save yourself from buying one.

Even if your electrical appliance can be plugged it, you should check that the voltage and frequency matches that which the appliance was designed for, otherwise you risk damaging the appliance, and danger to yourself!

You can purchase power adaptor plugs from travel shops, electrical appliance stores and some hardware stores.

Alternatively, you can usually find the power adaptor you need on eBay.  Here are some examples that will give you an idea of prices.

To help understand exactly what you require, here is a brief explanation of some electrical terms.

• Voltage - the force pushing electrons to create an electrical current. Incorrect voltage through an appliance can cause it not to function, or can burn it out. Electrical appliances are specifically built to work with a particular voltage. Voltage is measured in volts.
• Frequency - how often the cycle of alternating current (AC) occurs. Alternating current is the power that comes from power plants (as opposed to direct current (DC) from batteries, solar cells etc.). With alternating current, the direction of the current reverses in cycles. Frequency measures the number of times it reverses per second. Using an appliance with the incorrect frequency can make it function differently than intended, and consequently damage it. The unit of frequency is the hertz. 
• Prongs - the common name for the metal pieces sticking out of the plug on an electrical appliance.  The prongs are designed to be inserted into the power outlet and connect the electricity to the appliance.  If the prongs do not match the power outlet, you will need a power adaptor.