Month: June 2021

Is it possible to use 240-volt appliances in the US? It is. However, you will need to buy a step-up transformer in order to use them. A transformer will double the voltage output of a 120-volt wall outlet. Without it, it will take forever for your appliances to start. It may also cause damage both to the appliances and the power source.

Buying 240-volt appliances in a country that supplies 120 voltage may sound impractical for many people. But for those who understand how power works; it is actually advantageous in certain situations! Let us go through the advantages:

Better performance

When it comes to appliances that produce heat and runs in motor, experts recommend choosing one with a higher voltage rating. This recommendation applies to air conditioning units, refrigerators, washers, power tools, kettles, and ovens. With 240 voltage, these appliances can provide better performance. 

Safe to use

Just because they run on a higher voltage doesn’t mean they are risky. They may require twice the voltage of regular appliances in the US, but they are safe, provided that they are connected to the right power outlet. The truth is that 240-volt appliances have lower current or amps. Thus, they can use thinner wires, less likely to overheat, and cause fire.

There are more of them in the market

Do you know why 240-volt electronics are more common than 120-volt electronics? Because most of the countries use 220-240 voltage. The fact that there are a lot of them in the market means that you will have more options to choose from. Not only that, you are also more likely to get them at cheaper price!

Where can you find these appliances in the US? Many shops actually sell them here. Nevertheless, you must be cautious at all times so as to ensure that you are getting high-quality appliances that pass safety standards. Find a store or a distributor that specializes in 240-volt appliances online. Be sure to check their certifications and registration. Do read customer reviews, too!

Countries and regions around the world are supplied with different levels of voltage and frequencies. Some use 240 or 220 voltage while others, like the US, use 110 volts. That’s why most appliances and electronics made in the USA are rated 120 or 110 voltage.

But if you visit online stores based in the US, you will notice that they are selling various kinds of 220-voltage appliances and electronics. The fact that these appliances are sold in the market means that there are US-based buyers who prefer to use them instead of 110-volt electronics. But why?

Twice the voltage means twice the power

According to the Joule’s Law, power is equivalent to the voltage multiplied by the current. Because 220-voltage appliances have twice the voltage requirements, they have twice the power of their counterparts. That means they can work more and that too quicker!

More efficient

When connected to the right power outlet, 220-volt lights shines brighter and better. A 220-volt kettle boils faster. A 220-volt drill lets you accomplish projects faster due to higher rpm. A 220-volt washer spins at a higher speed and thus, cleans clothes easier. Does it mean that the appliances will also consume more electricity and thus, increase your monthly bill? No. Take note that the power company bills consumers based on the watts you use, not the voltage or amperage. How do you safely use 220-volt appliances in your American home? Some homes have provisions for 220-voltage appliances. All you have to do is to look for those outlets, which are usually situated in the laundry and kitchen areas. If your home doesn’t have them, then you will need to buy a step-up converter. Plug it to your wall outlet to convert 110 voltage output into 220 voltage. Then, connect your appliances to the converter. You can now safely run them in your home!

In the US and other countries where voltage requirement is 110, a 220-volt converter or step-down converter is something that people don’t always find  useful. After all, the appliances and electronic devices here are designed to be plugged in and run on the 120v electric wall outlet without a problem.

However, for travelers, 220 volts converter is a basic necessity, especially when visiting countries in Europe and Asia that use 220 AC. The device converts the electrical output of an outlet from 220 volts to 110 volts and allows people to safely use their 110-volt gadgets. Take note that plugging in 110-volt electronics to a 220-volt outlet may cause overheating and other damage!

In case you are in the lookout for a good 220-volt converter, then this buying guide is for you:

Compute the total watts of the appliances

Voltage converters come in different sizes. To get the right size, you must compute for the total watts of all the 110-volt appliances that you are planning to use simultaneously. Be sure to choose a converter rated above your devices’ total watts requirements.

Consider appliances with a motor

Appliances and power tools that have a motor need more power to start up. Experts recommend buying a 220-volt stepdown converter with a rating that is approximately 25% higher than your motor as a buffer.

Think about the size and weight

If you will be going on a tour around different places and countries, then these factors matter. You want a step-down transformer that is light and compact for ease of storage and mobility.

Buy from a reputed store

Buying cheap converters may put you and your device’s safety at great risk. To make sure that the unit you are buying is high-quality, buy only from a reputable store. Look for a dedicated store that specializes in selling converters and 220-volt appliances. Take the time to read product reviews first prior to the purchase. Also, don’t forget to read their shipping and payment policies.

Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t play DVDs that came from Europe in your US-made television? That’s because the video formats and standards in the US is different from that of Europe. A PAL to NTSC video converter will let you convert video formats and play them in the US and in other NTSC regions.

Understanding PAL and NTSC

Phase Alternating Line (PAL) and National Television System Committee (NTSC) are two types of color encoding systems used by DVD players and broadcast televisions. NTSC is the standard format in the North America, Central America, parts of South America, Japan, and Korea. Meanwhile, most countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa follow the PAL format.

The two have different frame rates and aspect ratios. NTSC supports 30 fps and a 720×480 aspect ratio. PAL supports 25 fps and has a 720×576 aspect ratio. Aside from this, the two vary in terms of electrical power requirements. NTSC needs 60 hertz while PAL needs 50 hertz. These differences are the reasons why it is impossible to play PAL DVD or media in a NTSC supported television. This is why you need PAL to NTSC video converter.

How does a PAL to NTSC video converter works? The converter increases the number of resolution lines and frames of PAL videos so that they can be viewed in NTSC region. Just plug the converter to your television and it will automatically play the PAL videos.

If you want to convert different types of video formats, then buying a multi-system converter is the best way to go. The device can help your playback PAL, NTSC, and even SECAM color systems on your television and other devices. Some multi-system converters can also play DVDs, DVD-R, DVD+R, MP3, Audio CD, VCD and SVCD among others.

When you want a versatile DVD player, you might want to consider a unit that runs on 220 volts. It makes sense especially if you are moving to another country and you want to avoid the guesswork on whether it can be used or not. Moreover, you can usually find a wide range of DVD 220 volts that can be used in most regions or in any country. Here are more facts you should learn about it before you buy one:

They are region-free

Many 220-volt DVD players are region-free, which means that they can play NTSC, PAL, and SECAM discs and used with any TV. So, you do not have to worry about buying DVDs from other regions and you can be sure that you can watch them.

Versatile players

There are models of DVD 220 volts that are capable of connecting to Wi-Fi. They offer USB playback, too, so you can save Xvid versions of videos or shows and MP3 music to play on your DVD player.

Excellent image quality

Despite their versatility, DVD players running on 220 volts offer great picture quality no matter the video format of the disc. This means you do not have to worry about grainy or blurred videos as they play.

There are multi-system DVD players

Some 220-volt DVD players have a built-in VCR that lets you record from your TV. They can pick up an electronic index code at the start of every recording, and you can easily scan recordings to find the exact footage that you need.

Portable

There are DVD 220 volts players that you can take with you on trips, so you never get bored and you can keep enjoying your favorite movies, documentaries, series, and other shows no matter where you go.

From the best brands

Reputable manufacturers of home entertainment appliances are known to make high-quality 220-volt DVD players. So, you are likely to find one from Sony, JVC, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Toshiba.

region-free player is a must:

Play all kinds of DVDs across different formats

Many people are still into collecting DVDs of their favorite films and series despite the popularity of streaming sites. If you are one of them, then having a region-free DVD is a good idea! This will allow you to play both local and foreign DVDs without issues. Whether the DVD follows the PAL or NTSC format, it won’t be a problem.

No conversion and region codes needed

Foreign-made DVDs like those released in Europe won’t play in NTSC DVD player because of region protection, so some what some people do is to buy or use free software to hack and unlock region codes. Others resort to converting formats. Both are cheap options but take a lot of time. With a region-free player, you won’t have to do anything. Just put the DVD in the player and then click play. You can just sit back and relax while enjoying the film.

Compatible with maximum media sources

The best thing about the latest region-free DVD player is that they are compatible with almost every device. Do you have an old film in CDs that you want to watch? You can play it using your region-free DVD player. You can also view content from USB flash drives and memory cards.

Dual voltage

This feature is available in some region-free DVD players. Because of their dual voltage compatibility, you can safely plug them into 110-volt and 220-volt outlets. That means, you can bring them to other countries or while traveling around the world.

Do you love watching movies to unwind after a long day? As good as the new streaming services are, they don’t have all the titles out there. There are some movies that you simply can’t find online because they are only available in DVD format. It’s probably time to look at DVD 220 volts players if you really love watching all kinds of films!

The advantages of DVD 220 volts

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a good film the ‘old school’ way using a DVD 220 volts player. Even in this age of streaming, many people still buy DVD players because of the following reasons:

Reliability

You may think that streaming is more convenient, but what if your internet goes down at an unexpected time? Using your cellular data to load a movie isn’t really the cheapest way to go.

Instead, you can use your trusty old DVD player, something that doesn’t require high-speed internet to work. All you need is a copy of your favorite movies and a quick call to your local pizza place, and you’re set!

Portability

What’s great about DVD players is that they don’t take up too much space. Many models are ultra thin; it’s hard to notice that they’re there!

On top of that, they’re very easy to pack. If you travel frequently, you can bring your DVD player and a couple of discs, and you don’t have to worry about scrolling through boring TV channels in your hotel.

Affordability

DVD 220 volts players don’t take much out of your wallet. They’re an excellent investment, especially if watching movies is something you frequently do. Plus, they come with great features for their price; like high-definition video, premium sound quality, and options to add subtitles or change the film’s language.

Are you tired of maintaining your frizzy hair? Now, you can always change up your style with a brand-new 240 volt hair straightener! This hair care tool is a great investment, especially if you love to try out a new look every now and then!

How to choose the right 240 volt hair straightener online

Buying a 240 volt hair straightener online is the best way to get what you want. Shopping online allows you to browse through hundreds of options. But choosing from so many different straighteners can become quite confusing at times. Not sure where to start? Here are few tips:

• Choose a plate material

The plate is an essential component of your hair straightener. It’s responsible for distributing heat across your hair.

There are three common materials for the plate: ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline. Choosing the wrong material will only result in damaged hair, so be careful.

Ceramic plates are known for heating very evenly and are the most versatile choice for any hair type.

On the other hand, titanium plates transfer heat much faster than ceramic. If you have little time to freshen up before work, this option might work best for you.

Meanwhile, tourmaline straighteners offer consistent heat distribution and are perfect for trapping moisture into your hair.

• Find the right size and shape for your hair

Many people don’t know that 240V straighteners come in different sizes. It’s best to choose the width that suits your hair.

Thicker hair generally requires a broader plate, while thin and delicate hair needs a narrow plate to help you create smaller sections.

• Look for unique features

Besides straightening your hair, flat irons also come with various features to help keep your hair’s shape. For instance, some models can both straighten and curl, while others come with safety functions to prevent accidents and damage.

Buy your 240 volt hair straightener from a trusted online seller and you can finally get rid of the frizz that’s been bothering you for months!

Want to save money by cutting your own hair at home? Many people are doing the same. After all, a trip to the barber shop is not exactly cheap. If you want to become a bit more self-sufficient while saving cash, maybe it’s time you learned to cut your own hair with a pair of 220V clippers!

Choosing the right 220V clippers for your hair

Cutting your hair for the first time without guidance can be a daunting task, but the right pair of clippers can make the activity less stressful. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the perfect clippers for your hair:

Blades

Make sure to find sharp and durable blades made of stainless steel for incredible precision and comfort while you cut.

Cords

Do you prefer a corded or a cordless clipper? A cord may get in the way while you’re trimming your hair; however, it’s more powerful and can last you for hours.

Meanwhile, cordless clippers are easier to use because you never have to worry about cords getting tangled as your cut. They’re also better to travel with, allowing you to maintain a professional hairstyle while on a business trip. The only downside is that cordless clippers run on batteries, and they can run out of power in the middle of a trim.

Motor strength

Have you ever ended up with a terrible haircut? This could be due to a clipper’s motor, or its ‘engine,’ so to speak. If you’re looking for something powerful enough to cut through wet and dry hair, a rotary motor should be at the top of your list.

Accessories

Finally, decide on the accessories you need to achieve the perfect hairstyle. Most premium 220V clippers come with attachment combs of different sizes to cut your hair at a precise length. In addition, you’ll need blade oil, a blade guard, a brush, and a charging stand for cordless clippers.

Power outages are unavoidable. Luckily, even if you can’t get rid of them, you can always take steps to keep yourself and your family comfortable when the power is out. A small 220V generator is the quickest way to solve all of your energy problems!

How to find a perfect small 220V generator

Buying a new generator often requires an expert’s advice, especially if you’ve never used one before. But don’t worry; you don’t have to call your local electrician for the job. This guide has all the basics you need to know when buying a small 220V generator:

• Determine your needs.

Why do you need a generator in the first place? Is it simply for emergency use, or do you need to power up industrial appliances? A portable generator is enough to charge mobile devices and power small appliances.

• Choose your fuel type.

The type of fuel you choose determines how much you’ll be spending in the long run. For example, diesel generators are much more energy-efficient, allowing them to operate for extended periods.

Meanwhile, gasoline generators use cheaper fuel; however, they are more powerful and consume more gas in a shorter time.

• Consider your load type.

There are two common types of generators: inverter and conventional. An inverter generator is the much better option for more sensitive devices since it prevents your electronics from being blown.

On the other hand, conventional generators are much more affordable and easier to transport, allowing you to install them anywhere.

• Calculate your power requirements.

What sorts of appliances do you intend to power with the generator? You can check the individual wattage of each device and add them up to determine your requirements, preventing you from under or overloading your generator.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to buy a generator with at least 20% more wattage than your estimated power requirements!