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Reno Residential Electrical Explains Converters and Voltage

Bob Lord — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:36:09 +0000

Many people who travel to or from the United States run into problems when they try to use electronics like a laptop or hair dryer. This is because the American 110 volt power system is different than the European 220 volt electricity. Without a converter, devices can fail or become damaged. Even the electrical system in use can be damaged. Always use caution when operating devices in another country and check the voltage before plugging them in. Voltage Difference between US and Europe The United States is one of the only countries that currently use the 110 volt/60 hertz electrical system. Most countries use a higher voltage system that handles 220 volts at 50 hertz. Appliances and electronics in these countries are designed to only work with the electrical system in that area. Because the voltage in Europe is twice that of the American system, plugging American devices into a European electrical system without a converter can destroy the device and even cause a fire. Devices intended for the 60 hertz cycle may not be able to function on the 50 hertz system as well. Using Products Abroad Using your devices in another country often requires the use of a converter. To see if the device needs a converter, check the information panel. Many manufacturers design electronics to work with range of voltages and these products will list acceptable input levels as 110-240 volts. If a specific voltage is required, the item needs a converter to work outside this range. Always look at the wattage requirement of the product before buying a converter. A Reno residential electrician can recommend a good converter that has a higher wattage rating than the device, which prevents malfunction. Using the American 110 Volt System The main advantage most residential electricians see in the American system is the safety. If a live wire running on an 110v system is accidently touched there is a lower risk of harm. The chance of a fire from a short circuit is also lower on the 110v system. Advantages of the 220 Volt System Although it has more safety risks, the 220v system used throughout Europe can reduce energy use and the electrical load. There is no clear winner between the 110 volt and 220 volt electrical systems. It is important to remember the differences and risks, however, when travelling to a different country. Using electrical devices on a system they were not made for can cause fires or cause the device to malfunction or break. A trained residential electrician can recommend the right converter to use electrical items on any voltage system. Bob Lord Providing quality electrical repair and installation services to Reno, Sparks, Verdi, Sun Valley, Washoe Valley and Virginia City

Reno Electrical Contractor Explains Lighting Pollution with Landscape Lighting

Bob Lord — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:59:37 +0000

Improperly installed outdoor lights can trespass into a neighbor’s yard, create an unsafe glare on the street or fail to light the intended area. Trained Reno electrical contractors have a broad understanding of how to train lights to illuminate only intended areas. This maximizes the lighting, saves power and prevents unsafe lighting hazards. The Basics of Lighting Pollution Lighting pollution falls into a few basic categories. One type is referred to as sky glow, and is simply a light that shines upward without illuminating anything. Sky glow does not add to the security of a home or the safety of a walkway, it simply wastes power and creates an annoyance to neighbors. Light trespass is a different type of pollution that happens when an intended area is lit up, as well as surrounding areas. This can create a problem when the light spills into a neighbor’s property, for example. Another type of pollution is called glare. This happens when the light is too intense and creates an unsafe situation. Lighting glare is a problem for night drivers in particular. Professionally Installed Lighting Landscape lighting can be an excellent addition to any home. When professionally installed by a Reno electrical contractor it can beautifully highlight landscape and architectural features of the home. A professional with experience can install a lighting system that works with the features of the property without creating light pollution. A qualified electrical contractor will map out the entire property before installation to mark areas of focus, such as fountains or trees. Next, the contractor will mark points that should be illuminated, like walkways and decks. Using this detailed plan, an electrical contractor can install lighting that will accent a property perfectly without over-lighting. Common Solutions Reno electrical contractors can solve these problems in a number of ways. With training and experience, they can create outdoor lighting that accents landscape features without adding to the light pollution problem. One solution is a low voltage system that uses bulbs of an appropriate wattage. The light is then aimed carefully to avoid issues. Shielded fixtures are another common option. These lights have specially designed shields that aim the light at its intended source. Electrical contractors can also use cut off optics to determine the height of the light beam and exactly where it will fall. A well-designed lighting plan for a home and lawn is a beautiful addition that adds to safety and security. With the help of a Reno electrical contractor, a homeowner can gain lighting that does not spill into a neighbor’s property or create an unsafe lighting hazard for motorists. Because lighting pollution can be such a big problem, care should be taken to select a qualified electrical contractor to eliminate the issue. Bob Lord Providing quality electrical repair and installation services to Reno, Sparks, Verdi, Sun Valley, Washoe Valley and Virginia City

Whole House Air Conditioning vs. Window Units in Nevada

Bob Lord — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:15:17 +0000

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During the summer, air conditioning becomes essential for many people, especially in the humid Deep South and the scorching deserts of the Southwest. There are two kinds of air conditioners: wall/window units and whole house units, or central A/C systems. Both types of A/C cool and dehumidify, but differ in energy use and scale of their cooling properties. Here is some information about each type. How Air Conditioning Works Air conditioning is complicated. A/C units have complex systems of compressors, heat pumps, fans, fan motors, and coolant circulation. Hot, moist air is taken in from the outside and put through a series of processes that cool it and remove the majority of the moisture. It is then forced through an outlet vent into the inside of the home, lowering the ambient temperature. In the past, carcinogenic and environmentally destructive CFC’s were used as the coolant gas. Now, other substances are used. All air conditioning units will require coolant, external ventilation, and an electrical power source. About Window Units Window units, wall units, or split A/C units are all variations on the same thing, which is a single-room A/C system. They can be permanently installed in the room through a hole in the wall or placed in a window. The ventilation and cooling system are contained within the body structure of the unit, which can be plugged into an outlet or hard-wired. The electrical installation will depend on how many BTUs the unit needs to operate efficiently, but most units consume about 900 watts per kWh. Prior to buying window units, measure the space to be cooled so you can buy an A/C that will cool it without overworking. Pros and Cons of Window Units Window units are portable to a large degree, although moving them around often can be detrimental to its internal components. The unit’s size is very important. If it is too small, it will run constantly, driving up your energy bill. A large unit will cool inefficiently and cause clammy humidity buildup in the room. Wall units are also prone to dripping and leaks, especially in very humid climates. They can be noisier than central A/C. Window units can be less expensive than central A/C if they are only used in small areas and the thermostat is set to a moderate temperature. They also are inexpensive, as little as $300. About Whole House Air Conditioning Whole house A/C is also known as central air. This is a larger air conditioning unit, consisting of a condenser (normally placed outside the house) a blower fan, and a cooling coil system. The warm air from outside is condensed, channeled into the fan and cooled by the coils, and forced through the home’s existing ductwork into the rooms, thus cooling and dehumidifying the air. If the home does not have a forced-air furnace, the fans and the cooling coils will be placed in the attic. The thermostat will regulate the home’s temperature level. Whole house 2.5-ton A/C units consume about 3500 watts of electricity per kWh. Pros and Cons of Whole House A/C If you have a house with several rooms that need to be cooled, installing a whole house unit is the way to go. The installation cost of a central A/C unit will vary on the region, type of unit, and the amount of customization that needs to be done to the home. If the home does not have existing ductwork, the installation will be much more expensive, since that will have to be added. Whole house units dehumidify and condition the air, removing allergens and irritants, making the environment better for everyone. Make sure enough cold-air returns are installed, and only choose a unit with a high seasonal energy efficiency rating. Maximizing Efficiency in Both Types There are many ways to make the most of each kind of A/C unit’s cooling power, while keeping your electric bill reasonable. Set the temperature at 78F, because every degree below this mark increases energy consumption by as much as 4%. When you leave, increase the temperature to 80F or more. Set the blower fan at a lower temperature to help circulate the air better. Insulate your home well, especially on the sunward-facing side, which will keep the home at an even temperature yearlong. Replace filters, clean ducts and/or intakes/outlets frequently to prevent clogs, and check that the coolant level is sufficient. When deciding whether to install window units, whole house A/C, or a combination of both, consider the number of rooms you need to cool and your installation budget. Regardless of which type of air conditioning you choose, set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature and maintain them well to ensure maximum cooling efficiency. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Reno Electrical Contractor Discusses Energy Usage with Air Conditioning Units and Fans

Bob Lord — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:52:51 +0000

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With energy costs rising every day, saving money on the household electric bill is a big priority for most people. During the hot summer months, air conditioning seems like a necessity, but it can drive energy costs up significantly. Using electrical fans to circulate air and cool a home instead of A/C will decrease energy usage, especially if done correctly. Here is some helpful information regarding the usage of air conditioning and fans from a Reno electrical contractor. What is Air Conditioning? Air-conditioning units, whether central (whole house) or window units, cool a space quickly. They work by blowing air across a cold source; years ago, A/C units used Freon and other CFC gases as coolants, but the use of these chemicals has been banned for environmental reasons. A/C units use electricity to power the circulation fans, the compressor, and the other internal moving parts of the unit. This translates into higher energy use and therefore higher electric bills. Electrical fans are different because they do not change the temperature of the air; they simply circulate it, which has a cooling effect. Air Conditioning Costs If you ask a Reno electrical contractor, they will tell you that A/C energy efficiency has improved greatly in the last decade. Despite this, A/C is the single largest factor in energy use in a home. An average American home spends 16% of its total electricity bill on A/C. This figure can jump up to 60-70% during summer months, especially in the Deep South where high humidity lessens the unit’s efficiency. A normal window A/C unit uses around 500 to 1400 watts. A standard 2.5-ton central air system about 3500 watts of power per hour of constant usage. This translates to hundreds of dollars per month. Facts about Electrical Fans In terms of cooling power, an electrical fan loses hands-down to an A/C unit. In terms of its energy use and efficiency, fans win every time. Even though fans don’t change the actual ambient temperature of a room, they do help a room feel cooler. This is done by circulating the air. Moving air passing over a liquid, such as human sweat, causes the sensation of cooling by encouraging evaporation. An electrical contractor knows that a standard electrical fan uses 100 watts per hour in floor models, and ceiling fans a mere 15-30 watts. The savings in energy use is dramatic. Efficient Use of Air Conditioning and Fans It is possible to use A/C units and still have a manageable energy bill. The A/C consumes the most power when its compressor and coolant pump are on, lowering the air temperature. However, A/C units do have fans that operate without using the coolant. Setting the A/C unit’s thermostat at a higher temperature and the A/C fan at a lower temperature will result in the A/C fan kicking in more often than the actual cooling pump. Since it would take 35 floor fans to use as much electricity as central air, installing a few fans and using them as the primary cooling system makes more sense. Only use the A/C when necessary. Air conditioning is a luxury that many Americans don’t want to cut back on, but that is necessary in order to bring down monthly costs. According to a Reno electric contractor, using electrical fans instead of A/C will reduce an electric bill as much as fifty percent. Using both A/C and electrical fans appropriately can provide enough cooling as well as energy efficiency. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Nevada Residential Electrician: Ceiling Fan Or Box Fan, Which Is Better?

Bob Lord — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:49:50 +0000

Fans are an economic and environmentally friendly way to cool a home and circulate air than using air conditioning. There are two main kinds of fans for home use, ceiling fans and box fans. Each type of fan has its own advantages and disadvantages, applications, costs, and installation issues. To decide which kind of fan is right for a given situation it is important to understand these factors. Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans are permanent fixtures that can be installed to circulate air and cool a whole room with rotation from above. Since they are hard-wired into the electrical system they should be installed by a certified Nevada residential electrician. Some ceiling fans have light fixtures, and many have designs that compliment a room’s décor. In hot weather, ceiling fans can be set to turn counter-clockwise to give a cooling draft and disperse hot air. In cool weather, the blades’ rotation can be reversed to bring warmer air down from the ceiling. Box Fans Box fans are portable and can be moved from one area of the home to another to provide focused cooling and airflow as needed. They can be installed in a window to bring in cooler air from outside on lower stories, especially on windward sides of the home. Since heat rises, another tactic to cool a home with box fans is to install them facing-out in windows on top floors. This blows the room’s accumulated hot air outside. Box fans don’t need installation by a residential electrician. They are also cheaper than ceiling fans, and are portable and easily directed at a desired area. Cost Comparison Ceiling fans are generally more expensive, but they are also much longer-lived. There are cheaper models that can be bought from home-improvement stores that don’t have light fixtures or are simpler in design. Though many people install their own ceiling fans, it is recommended that a Nevada residential electrician perform any kind of electrical alterations. This is because of safety concerns as well as issues of potentially voiding home insurance. Box fans are less expensive and are more focused, but it often takes several of these to equal one ceiling fan in whole-room cooling power. Safety and Convenience Ceiling fans can provide safe, long-term cooling and air circulation for years, since they are permanent fixtures. They are highly convenient when the on/off function is wired to a wall switch and need little maintenance other than a wipe-down of the blades and oiling of the bearings every few months. Box fans can tip over easily, accumulate dust and dirt quickly, need frequent cleaning, and have safety issues with trailing cords. It is also inconvenient to have to carry a fan from one room to the other. Installation It is highly recommended that Nevada residential electricians install ceiling fans, especially those with light fixtures and dimmer/fan-speed switches. It is a relatively simple process for the installer. They shut off power to the room; drill a hole in the ceiling to accommodate the anchor post and expose the wiring; then carefully integrate the fan into the room’s circuits. Box fans should only be installed in windows with screens to keep insects and other airborne debris blown into the room to a minimum. Box fans only need to be plugged into a wall outlet. Fans are a major convenience and cost-cutter for home cooling and air movement. Each kind of fan has its own place and application. For long-term cooling and convenience ceiling fans are the clear winners, but for portable, directed airflow at a lesser price box fans come out on top. Both kinds of fans can be used to keep a home cooler and well-ventilated. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Reno Electrical Contractor Discusses Electric Cars: Is Special Wiring Necessary?

Bob Lord — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:26:13 +0000

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Electric and hybrid vehicles are one of the best ways everyday people can do something good for the environment. They help solve the fuel crisis and save money at the same time. However, prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers are often surprised to find that they will probably need to hire a Reno electrical contractor. It is often necessary to upgrade the home’s electrical wiring to charge the car’s electric battery. Electric Cars An electric car uses no fuel of any kind. A battery using lithium-ion or hydrogen fuel-cell technology powers their motors. EVs have no hydrocarbon emissions. Hybrid vehicles do have emissions since they use hydrocarbon fuels but in smaller quantities. Almost every automaker manufactures their own popular hybrids, but true EVs are only beginning to be widely available. One popular EV is the Nissan Leaf. This is the first mass-produced, true EV produced by a major automaker. It can drive about 100 miles before needing to be recharged. Charging Stations vs. Home Charging Someone who drives an EV a lot must charge the batteries often. Several companies have been working on what are called “public charging stations.” Charging stations are public drive-up centers where EV users can charge their batteries. However, these stations are not widely available everywhere yet. Research has shown that about 80% of charging would need to be done at home anyway, since most drivers could not take the time to fill their batteries at a station. Hiring a Reno electrical contractor to check out the home’s wiring is a must. Battery Charging Whether someone has a hybrid or an EV, it will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to re-charge the battery. Current hybrid models can be charged using a standard 110 home outlet. All-electric cars really need a 220 outlet or better to charge their batteries. Although a 110 outlet can be used if necessary, it takes up to 24 hours to charge an EV’s batteries. Since some EVs available now only get around 40 miles per full-battery charge, 110-volt charging is very impractical, time consuming, and can drive up the home’s electric bill. New Wiring Required A 220-240 volt outlet with a dedicated 40-volt circuit is the best choice for making charging an EV’s battery both cost- and time-effective. That arrangement could fully charge a car within 4-6 hours. Most American garages already have at least one 220-volt outlet, usually for the dryer, but the U.S. standard for home wiring is 110 volts. A Reno electrical contractor would need to check the wiring to determine if a new breaker box or a more complicated fix is necessary. Older homes may need a complete wiring upgrade to handle the electrical demand. These changes require an electrical contractor’s skills. Cost Factors The most recent estimates for the required wiring upgrades most American homes will need to accommodate an EV’s charging needs is around $2,000. It could go up to as much as $10,000 in homes with older electrical systems. An electrical contractor can give a personalized estimate for the cost. They may need to replace old wiring, install new breaker boxes, and rewire the home’s electrical grid to accommodate the car. Nissan, the manufacturer of the Leaf, sends out an electrical contractor to the buyer’s home to assess the costs and do the upgrade. Before buying an EV, learn about what would need to be done in order to make a workable scenario for charging the car. A licensed Reno electrical contractor can evaluate a home and give an estimate for how much it would cost to bring a home’s wiring up to the standards required to charge an electric car’s battery. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Sparks Electrician Explains the LED Light: Uses, Energy Savings, and Capabilities

Bob Lord — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:44:37 +0000

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Talk to any Sparks electrician, and you will soon discover that they will strongly recommend LED lights. At first, glace, LED’s may seem like they are too expensive, but when their energy savings, longevity, and capabilities are considered, it is easy to see why they are such a favorite. It is hard to argue against something that converts 80% of its energy to light and that may last up to 22 years. The traditional incandescent light bulb can hardly say that. What is an LED? LED stands for light emitting diode. They are housed in single small plastic bulbs that can be as small as one to two mm. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, they have no filament that can burn out. LED’s are designed so that the photons are released in an outward direction. While LEDs were originally red, they know come in a wide variety of colors that cover the color spectrum. These characteristics make the LED light ideal for a wide variety of jobs and a favorite of most any Sparks electrician. History of LED Britain’s H.J. Round can find the roots of the LED light in the 1907 discovery of electroluminescence. Twenty years later Russia’s Oleg Vladimirovich Losev created the first LED light. However, it was not until 1962 that the first red LED was produced at General Electric by Nick Holonyak Jr. Holonyak was sometimes referred to as the “father of the LED.” Unfortunately, the cost of the LED made use of the technology impractical at the time. It was not until the 1970s that their use became more widespread. Energy Savings Though LEDs do cost more than traditional lighting, an electrician will still advise clients to make the switch due to the energy savings. Not only do they output more light per watt than a traditional bulb, but also they do so at 80% efficiency. That is compared to 20% efficiency of an incandescent. In addition, the LED has a longer lifetime, up to 100,000 hours depending on heat and current. That is an incredible 22 years for one bulb. Capabilities of LED A Sparks electrician might also suggest switching to LEDs because of their superior capabilities. First, unlike traditional bulbs, an LED is more durable and reliable. Their plastic housing makes them more shock resistant. In addition, they are able to produce colors without any of the filters, they can be easily dimmed, and they produce little heat. Interestingly, the output of the bulb actually rises in colder temperatures, and the LED is very fast to switch on and off, making them perfect for cycling. Uses for LED Originally, the LED light was used as an indicator light for devices – that little blinking red light that means the device is on. However, as the energy efficiency and the cost of the LED lights have evolved, so too have the uses. LEDs can now be found in everything from aviation, to automobiles, to traffic lights. Their small size makes them perfect for circuit boards and their lack of heat makes them ideal for heat sensitive products. The LED has come a long way since the first one in 1927. Though the cost is still greater than traditional lighting, the energy savings and the capabilities of the LED light make them a favorite of most any electrician. Just look around and chances are there are LEDs being used for a surprising variety of purposes. They might be found on the remote, the TV, or computer, in the car, or even in a plane. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Reno Electrical Contractor Explains How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan

Bob Lord — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:24:15 +0000

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Finding the right ceiling fan is a bit more complicated than just walking into a showroom and picking out something you like. Such factors as the size of the room and the ceiling height must be taken into consideration. In addition, quality components should be sought as well as various options to meet your needs. That is why a Reno electrical contractor should be consulted to make sure it is the right fan for room. Calculate the Size of the Room The first step a Reno electrical contractor will do is take measurements to determine the size of the room. In general the larger the room, the longer the blade span needs to be. In fact, very large rooms may require two or more fans. Blades can range from 36 inches for a 100 square feet room to 52” for a 375 square feet room. The center of the room should also be determined as that is the best placement. However, for safety reasons never place a ceiling fan over a bed. Consider the Ceiling Height An electrical contractor will also need to determine the ceiling height as this can affect the type of mount required. In general, fans should be no lower than seven feet from the floor. Eight to nine feet is preferred. In fact, some building codes may mandate this. For low ceilings, a flush mount can be installed. For high ceilings or sloped ceilings, a down rod may be used to drop the fan to a more preferred height. Seek Quality Components Quality components are another concern. An electrical contractor will advise clients to avoid cheap materials. Instead, look for heavy, die-cast parts as these will help reduce noise and are less likely to wobble. Mounts that include sealed bearings will last longer has they provide permanent lubrication. In addition, make sure the blades are weighted and balanced, and the fan is backed by a good warranty. Consider Other Options Aside from matching the décor of the room, there are several other options that a Reno electrical contractor can suggest. For example, blade pitches range from 8 to 15 percent–the higher the pitch, the more air that is circulated. The contractor can also install such options as dimmer switches, specialized lighting fixtures, programmable controls to automatically adjust speed to match air temperature, and even wireless remotes. Evaluate Electrical Needs Finally, an electrical contractor will know exactly what kind of ceiling fan can be supported with the electrical circuits in place. Since many fans include lighting fixtures, the current circuit may not be adequate and may need to be upgraded. Fans placed outdoors or in damp places may require special wiring or water resistant housing to avoid electrical shocks. Though it is not recommended, some fans can even be run on a swag that runs from the ceiling to a nearby wall. So if you are in the market for a ceiling fan, make sure to consult an electrical contractor. They can help assess room size, ceiling height, quality components, additional options, and electrical needs. If upgrades are recommended, these can easily be taken care of by the contractor. As a result, the perfect fan can be installed in almost any room. You will have the peace of mind in knowing a Reno electrical contractor did it safely! Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us

Urgent Update | Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels

Bob Lord — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:29:02 +0000

Ongoing home electrical fires throughout the country have prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to update a 1983 news release concerning potential safety hazards associated with Federal Pacific electric panels. Stopping short of re-opening the investigation, the federal government has issued a message of caution about Federal Pacific Stab-Lok electric panels to homeowners, electricians, home inspectors and real estate agents. The panels were installed in thousands of homes in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. “We have a very limited budget and resources,” a CPSC spokesman said. “Reopening the investigation would be a significant decision due to the amount of time and staff that would need to be dedicated to such an effort.” Federal Pacific is no longer in business. Mark Goodson, an engineer who investigated a recent fire linked to a Federal Pacific box said, “We’ve seen people injured, burned, and we’ve seen houses range from a small fire in a closet to almost completely burned down.” In that fire, the blaze started with a popping sound before the lights went out. The homeowner said she saw flames shooting from the panel when she went to the garage to check her circuit breaker box. The fire quickly jumped to the walls and then up into the attic, sending smoke throughout the house. When a circuit breaker gets overloaded and overheats, the breaker is supposed to trip, shutting off to prevent a fire. But some Federal Pacific breakers don’t work properly. Instead of tripping, the breaker never cuts off and, in some cases, stays on, creating a fire risk. New York engineer Jesse Aronstein did a study of nearly 1,500 Federal Pacific breakers and found that about one out of four failed to trip when overloaded. Thousands of Federal Pacific panels are still in use throughout the country. Each of these panels is filled with the potentially hazardous breakers. How you can identify a suspect panel: The Federal Pacific panels often have a red line across the switches, and the name Federal Pacific should appear somewhere on the panel. If you want more information on Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electric Panels, please call us at 775-355-7300.

What Is a Power Converter and When Do You Need One?

Bob Lord — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 07:34:43 +0000

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Power converters are readily available both online and wherever luggage accessories are sold. So what are they and are they really needed? A converter is a device that allows travelers to use their electronics when traveling to other countries. Many countries have different power outputs. To add to the confusion, different devices have different requirements. As a result, travelers need to carefully consider their travel destinations and the requirements of the devices they wish to take. Defining a Power Converter A power converter is a device that is used to convert voltage – either up or down. Like a normal power supply, the device supplies power in the form of alternating burst of sine waves. However, the device contains a circuit inside the unit that cuts the sine wave in half. In light of this, it can then match the output of amps to the power requirements of the device. Occasionally, converters are referred to by other names such as a switch mode power supply. Types of Converters There are various types of power converters that should be used for different purposes. A step down power converter is generally used on American or Canadian devices when traveling overseas. It protects devices that use 110 volts from the 220 amp supplied in European countries. A step up-down converter can be used for traveling to or from the US or Canada. Many frequent travelers prefer a smaller travel converter, but it should only be used on non-electronic heating devices such as hair dryers or coffee makers. Why it’s Needed Unfortunately, countries all over the world have different regulations when it comes to power supplies. In the US and Canada, most circuits run on 120 volt. However, much of the rest of the world including Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South America run on 220/240 volt. Since many appliances are not dual voltage, they are vulnerable to power surges. They will need additional amps to operate. Plug adaptors may be necessary because the size, shape and holes of outlets and plugs can be different as well. Why the Difference? So why the difference between countries when it comes to voltage? It really comes down to a difference in opinion as to what is considered safe and what is not. In the United States and Canada, regulations have been passed to keep circuits to 120 volts. However, in many other countries 220 volts is considered safe and is viewed as more practical, because it doubles the amount of outlets and lights that can be run on a circuit. When You Need One Of course, not every traveler needs a power converter. In general, it’s a good idea to own one if traveling anywhere outside the United States or Canada. Also, consider the types of appliances that you usually take. For electronic equipment such as laptops a power converter is a must, while appliances such as hair dryers need only a simple travel converter. Also, devices with dual voltage do not need converters, but equipment purchased from foreign countries might. If you are considering a trip to a foreign country, a power converter may just be the thing to take. Most countries have different power supplies, and this can play havoc with sensitive equipment like camera equipment. However, a power converter can protect that equipment by altering the output of power to match the requirements of the device. Keep in mind that equipment with dual voltage may not require a converter at all, and some appliances may only need a small travel converter. Bob Lord Keeping homes in Northern Nevada safe for 27 years and counting. Services | About | Why Us