A voltage converter is an electric power conversion device which is used to change the electrical output of a power source. The most common use for these converters is to change the voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts, or from 110 volts up to 220 volts. When an electronic device, appliance or power tool was built for a specific voltage which is not available, the only way the device can be used is by converting the power up or down to the correct level. The need for a voltage converter often arises for people who travel abroad or take overseas vacations and bring electronics along with them.
Our step up voltage converter and voltage transformer are designed for using equipment from the UK or Ireland in the USA. They have a 2 or 3 pin US power plug and a 3 pin UK socket or a three pin universal socket.
If your appliance is good for both, all you need is a physical adapter to make the plug fit into the outlet. In Canada, I've seen these at Staples/Business Depot, and at some smaller electronic shops. At a Best Buy, they only had an adapter that changed the voltage, not necessary, and cost almost as much as my camera. I've paid as little as $5 Cdn for a physical adapter. You'll probably find them at the airport, too, but they'll be a little more expensive.
The United States and Canada use 110-volt electricity, while most countries outside North America use 220-volt electricity. Unless your appliance is dual voltage, you need to use a voltage converter or a transformer to change the 220V to 110V in order to use a 110-volt appliance.
Finally, can you please tell me whether there are other outlet/plug configurations that we might come across? We will be staying in Dublin, outside Kilkenny, outside Kenmare, and in a cottage on Slea Head Drive in Dingle. We will need to charge a cell phone, BlackBerry, battery charger (for AA batteries for camera), and mini laptop.
