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It’s always a good idea to check the voltage requirements of a new appliance before buying it or plugging it into a socket. If it says that it runs on 220 volts, then that means you can only plug it into a 220-volt electrical outlet. American homes use 110 volts, but some houses have provisions for 220-volt appliances. You might be able to find a 220-volt outlet in your kitchen or laundry area. 

But what if there isn’t any? Then you will need to convert your outlets or use a voltage converter. Before you do any of these, it’s important to understand what ‘220 volts’ means. 

Different countries, different systems

You probably know by now that different countries use varying voltage systems. The US along with Micronesia, American Samoa, and a handful of other countries use 110 volts while most of the world uses 220 volts.

So, what is voltage? 

Voltage is the measure of potential difference between two points in an electrical field. To understand this, just imagine a stream of water coming from a tank. The amount of water coming out is the electrical charge, the flowing water is the electrical current, and the water pressure is the voltage. The higher the voltage, the more current is produced.

How is 120V different from 220V? Joule’s Law explains the major difference between the two in the form of an equation: Power = Voltage x Current.

Power is therefore the one biggest difference between 220 volts and 110 volts. The equation shows that 220-volt appliances need twice the power required by 120-volt appliances. That means that you cannot simply plug a 220V appliance into a 110-volt electrical outlet. It won’t work. It won’t even start, especially if the appliance has heating elements. In fact, if you plug a 220-volt oven in a 120-volt outlet, it will only produce 1/4 of the heat it should produce. 
In the same way, you can’t safely plug in a 110-volt appliance in a 220-volt outlet. The appliance will be fried and get damaged because it receives too much power. 

Do you really need 220-volt appliances? 

Not necessarily. Some everyday appliances will work fine on 120 volts. However, some large home appliances (such as those with large motors) need twice that power to run more efficiently. These include modern washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, electric stoves, and ovens. 

About the Author:    

Samstores.com is one the largest distributors of household Electronic Goods, we guarantee to offer you nothing but the best in quality of products and after sales service. We deal in 110 Volts and 220 Volts household appliances for North America and 220 Volts for Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia and dual voltage goods for all over the world.

A 240-volt AC generator is an efficient solution if your area experiences power outages. It can supply electricity to your essential appliances. However, like any other piece of electrical equipment, AC generators come with some safety hazards. Their engine exhausts can release dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide that may cause dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. This is why it’s important to understand how to use your 240-volt AC generator safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

It’s relatively simple to avoid CO poisoning when you’re using an AC generator. The key is never to use the equipment indoors, as the toxic gas cannot be detected with smell or sight.

Keep your generator outside and away from doors and windows that can allow carbon monoxide to enter your premises. And, if possible, install a CO detector on every level of your home.

If your CO detector alerts you to the presence of the gas, immediately move to a location with fresh air, such as outdoors or by an open window.

Preventing shock and electrocution

In addition to keeping your 240-volt AC generator outside, make sure it’s not exposed to harsh elements or weather conditions. You want the equipment to stay dry as possible, so avoid operating it during the rain. Furthermore, do not touch it with wet hands.

Before turning on your generator, make sure its cords do not have any cuts and tears. It’s also best to avoid “backfeeding” or plugging the equipment into an outlet.

Preventing fires

Finally, always ensure that the generator is turned off before you refill its fuel. Otherwise, spilled gasoline can come in contact with hot engine parts and start a fire.

Additionally, store your fuel in an approved safety can and keep it away from flammable objects.

Another way to ensure your safety at home is by investing in a high-quality 240-volt AC generator sold by trusted suppliers. Don’t forget to check the product’s reviews and features before purchasing and thoroughly inspect it upon delivery

TVs are a must in any home, and buying110-220 volts LCD TVs is a great way to start. Although they’re not as flashy as OLED TVs, LCD TVs are getting better over time, steadily keeping up with their higher-end counterparts. In addition, LCD technology is more energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the risk of pesky screen burn-ins!

Selecting the best-quality 110-220 volts LCD TV

One great thing about LCD TVs is that they offer excellent value for your money. They offer various features and functions, the best of which will be highlighted below to make your search more effortless:

• Screen size and resolution

The key is to balance your screen size and resolution. So first, determine where you’ll be placing the TV in your home. If you want a TV for a regular sized bedroom, a 40-inch screen would be enough.

Next comes the resolution. How much detail do you want to see on your screen? Typically, 1080p TVs are more than enough for casual use, but you may also consider buying a 4K system.

• Refresh rates

Refresh rate (Hz) refers to the number of times a picture is refreshed each second. With that said, the faster it is, the better your viewing experience. For 110-220 volts LCD TVs, 60Hz is the standard, but you can also invest in 120-240Hz screens.

• Color systems

Depending on where you live, your TV may not be compatible with a specific color system. For example, North America primarily uses NTSC while PAL is more common in Europe.

If you want to use your TV regardless of location, go for models with worldwide compatibility.

• Connectivity

Finally, explore the types of connections you want your TV to have. HDMI compatibility is now the standard for most households, allowing you to enjoy high-quality images and better frame rates.

You never know when you’ll need to change the electrical output of your power sources.  This is why a 220 volts converter is handy to have it home, so you can use it whenever necessary to ensure safety.

How to choose the perfect 220 volts converter for your needs?

Finding an appropriate voltage converter can be challenging if you aren’t familiar with electronics. But don’t worry. This guide can help you understand the basics of choosing the best converters:

• Determine your voltage requirements

First things first: What types of appliances do you plan on converting? Each device has its own wattage (W), which you’ll find on the label. For example, most small coffee makers use around 550-900W while larger variants may require up to 1500W.

Make a list of all the appliances you intend to power and add up all their wattages, then multiply this number by 3. The final wattage will be the rating you need for your voltage converter.

Why is it vital to find converters with a significantly larger wattage rating than your needs? Most high-powered appliances will cause a temporary spike in power consumption when turned on, and higher capacity converters can prevent them from getting damaged.

• Understand world voltages

Do you intend to bring the converter with you during your travels? You probably already know that different countries have different voltage requirements. For example, the USA uses 100-127V, while most European and Asian countries require 240 volts. If you plug an 110V device into a 220V power supply, it will operate in an overvoltage condition and result in a dangerous flash.

• Decide between step-up vs. step-down converters

Once you’ve figured out a country’s voltage, it’s time to decide which 220 volts converter you need. If you’re using American appliances in Europe, a step-up converter is necessary. Some voltage converters can step up and down, making the purchase decision much easier.

The incidence of property crimes in the USA is slowly decreasing. But this doesn’t mean the issue has been eradicated. Thousands of home and business owners still suffer from burglary and theft, many of which could’ve been prevented with an 110V security camera and proper safety measures.

The advantages of installing a 110V security camera in your property:

• Deter criminals

The best way to avoid being a victim of crime is to prevent it right from the start. Simply installing a camera outside your property can discourage potential criminals from trespassing, especially at night. What’s great is that high-quality security cameras are built with night vision to capture images in low light. In addition, top-quality systems have motion detection features, allowing you to spot unfamiliar movements within your location.

• Aid the police

What if you were unable to prevent a burglary, even with a few security cameras? Luckily, your surveillance footage can be used and submitted to the police for further investigation, increasing your chances of catching the burglar! Professional 110V security cameras can capture video in high resolution, making it easier for the authorities to point out a criminal’s unique features.

• Stay updated on your family and pets

Even if you live in a relatively safe community, security cameras are still an excellent long-term investment. Aside from providing protection from external threats, these devices can also allow you to check on your kids, your pets, and your home in general. This lets you act right away should there be untoward incidents such as kids falling down the stairs or appliances left running while there is no one in the house.

• Claim insurance

The recorded footage can help make insurance claims more effortless after a burglary. Plus, depending on your security system, home insurers might reduce your insurance by up to 20%!

Make sure to buy the highest quality 110V security cameras to prevent your home, business, or establishment from falling victim to criminals and accidents.

‘Voltage’ is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner. The market generally offers two options: 110-volt and 220-volt air conditioners. Many people believe that the latter is the better choice, and this is true in some cases. Here’s why:

Requires less current 

The formula for power is “power = voltage x current,” which means that 110-volt wiring requires twice the amount of current that 220-volt wiring can provide to generate the same power. For example, if you need 900 watts of power, then a 110-volt wire will require 8.2 amperes, whereas a 220-volt wire will only require half of it, which is 4.1 amperes. 

More efficient

In some ways, a 220-volt air conditioner tends to be more efficient than a 110-volt air conditioner. That’s because a 220V AC loses less energy while heat is generated in its cables. 
More cost-effective

While 220-volt ACs generally cost more, they usually last longer than 110-volt ACs. That’s because they put under less heat load and their components don’t wear out quickly. You are going to spend more on a 220-volt AC at first, but if you are buying from a reliable brand, then you can expect the unit to last several years, thereby saving you money in the long run!

A few tips on using a 220-volt air conditioner:

• Do not plug 220v AC into a 110v power outlet. Your fuse will be blown. 

• Find your 220v plug (if you have one). Few homes have 220v wirings. These 220v plugs are reserved for huge appliances like dishwashers and ovens. Before considering hiring an electrician, locate those plugs first. You might find one near the spot where you want to install your air conditioner. 

• Convert a 110-volt outlet to 220volts. If your home doesn’t have 220-volt outlets, then find a licensed electrician to convert your socket to 220-volt.

Conclusion

When it comes to air conditioning, the key is to find the right size for your space. Any type of AC will not work properly if it is too small or too large for the room you are trying to cool. To ensure maximum efficiency, you have to make sure that the BTU matches the size of the room.

Whether you’re looking for a portable AC, a split AC, or a window-type AC, you will find exactly what you need online. Be sure to buy your 220-volt air conditioner from a trusted retailer!

About the Author:      

Samstores.com is one the largest distributors of household Electronic Goods, we guarantee to offer you nothing but the best in quality of products and after sales service. We deal in 110 Volts and 220 Volts household appliances for North America and 220 Volts for Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia and dual voltage goods for all over the world.

You’ve come across a 240-volt hair straightener and now you are wondering if you should give it a try. And like most people, you probably have questions. Would it be too powerful and cause damage to your hair? The answer is no. While a 240-volt hair straightener has twice the voltage level of a 110-volt hair straightener, it’s not more dangerous nor does it consume more power. 

All kinds of hair straighteners, at least from the reliable brands, are designed with safety features and are energy-efficient. They have temperature control settings so that you can adjust the heat according to your styling requirements. They also have auto shut off features so there is less risk of fire, electrocution, and overheating.

Is a 240-volt hair straightener really better for your hair, though? Not necessarily, but it can offer advantages that make it worth buying: 

First of all, it will heat up faster so you can style your hair right away. This is one of the major differences between a 120-volt and a 240-volt hair straightener. While the 120-volt unit will work just fine, it will take a little longer to heat up. The 240-volt hair straightener gets hotter faster because it has twice the voltage requirements. This is why heating appliances like ovens and microwaves often come in 240-volt variants.

Another good thing about this hair styling tool is that it is travel-friendly. You can bring it to any country that uses 240-volt electrical outlets. You won’t have to worry about compatibility. This is especially true if your hair straightener is dual voltage (meaning, it works on both 120-volt and 240-volt wall outlets). You can bring and use it just about anywhere. 

Looking for a brand-new 240-volt hair straightener? If you are planning on shopping online, be sure to buy only from a reliable store and manufacturer! 

There is a wide range of 220-volt air conditioners for sale and the selection can be confusing. How do you choose the right unit for your requirements? Here are some tips to help you determine the best model, brand, and size of 220-volt air conditioner for your space: 

Match air conditioner size to room size

How much BTU does your air conditioner need to keep the room cool? The answer really depends on the size of the space. The key is to find a unit with just the right BTU rating so that you don’t waste energy and money. 

The general rule is 20 BTU per square foot if the ceiling is 8 feet high (standard). The simplest way to determine the right BTU rating is by using a BTU calculator, which you can find online.

Count the number of people occupying the room

Aside from the size of the room, you should also consider the number of people that usually occupy it. According to manufacturers, if there are more than two people who regularly occupy the room, then you should add 600 BTU per additional person.

Consider the type and location of the room 

If the room has glass windows and receives a lot of sunlight, then it is definitely more difficult to cool down. In that case, you should increase the BTU by 10%. If it’s heavily shaded, then reduce

the capacity by 10%. Lastly, if you are installing a 220-volt air conditioner in places that tend to get hot—like the kitchen, then you should increase capacity by 4000 BTU. 

Look for energy-efficient features

This is an important step when buying a 220-volt air conditioner for sale. You want to make sure that the unit you are getting is rated energy-efficient so it won’t consume too much power especially during the summer season. By choosing an energy-efficient AC, you can lower your utility bills while lowering your carbon footprint.