How to Identify Dual Voltage Appliances

The United States uses 110 volt 60Hz electricity. Most of the rest of the world uses 220 volts 50Hz electricity. This causes electric problems with some appliances and electronics when used in a different country. There are a lot of dual voltage appliances that are available and designed to be used in different countries.  

• Check the appliance's box and the owner's manual to see if there is anything on the box or in the manual that indicates that the appliance is dual voltage.


• Look at the appliance's plug to see if there are any details about the voltage on the plug. It is usually written on the plug. Sometimes there is an extra plug adapter that is included; it is shaped for a different type of electric outlets. This indicates that the appliance is dual voltage.


• Check to see if there is a switch in the back of the appliance that has to be changed from 110 volts to 220 volts. Some dual voltage appliances are smart appliances that don't have a switch; they change automatically which makes them "smart." If the appliance is dual voltage, all that is needed to use the appliance is a plug adapter. Examine the back of the appliance checking for anything that indicates the range of voltage that can be used.


• Using a voltage transformer or voltage converter if there are no signs that the appliance is dual voltage. Voltage converters are smaller than the voltage transformer; both can be used so that appliances can be used if they are not dual voltage. The appliance is plugged into the transformer or converter, then the transformer or converter is plugged into the wall. Transformers and converters comes in different wattage ratings. Make sure that the right wattage is used for the appliance.