Electricity: Volts VS Devices

Nowadays, we are all somehow connected. Laptops, phones, tablets, handheld devices... And free WiFi follows us practically everywhere. We've become addicted to having the world at our fingertips, even when we're in an environment we know and are comfortable in. So if you move countries, or happen to be travelling, that will be even more true since you'll want to keep in touch with everyone back home.


My desktop computer is home to all my stuff, stuff I am familiar and comfortable with. And admittedly I'm not a huge fan of change, particularly not of the technological variety. Laugh all you want, but I refuse to own a cell phone; currently, my hand-me-down iPhone 4 without service does the job perfectly. In fact, until just this March, I was using an iPhone 3S sans service.

So anyway...

Why am I telling you all this? Because I ended up convincing my husband to let me bring the computer and the screen with us when we moved. Don't judge me. As this was a hefty cost to consider, and knowing that electricity is different in Europe, we needed to know if it was possible first.

As far as technical information goes, electric sockets in Canada (and the USA) supply 110-120 volts of current, whereas in the UK, they supply 220-240 volts.

This being said, you have to first check if your device is compatible with that amount of voltage. You'll find the item's specifications near the make/model on the back of the device (or on the AC adapter/charger). If you're not sure, best contact the company of the product you plan on bringing with you.

Specifications on the back of one of our screens.

If you're bringing a desktop computer like I did, also check the power supply (behind the tower, near the fan) for a switch to alternate the dual voltage. If your power supply is recent enough, it might not have a switch, in which case you can go right ahead and use it in the UK. If it does have a switch, make sure to flip the voltage switch of the power supply at the back of your computer BEFORE plugging it in. If you don't, something will fry, and your P.C. won't work, and you will be sad. Once you're sure it can accept the higher voltage, go ahead and bring your desktop computer with you, pick up a new/corresponding power supply cord at the local electronics store (such as Curry's PC World, or Maplin Electronics) and get connected.

Remember: If you do bring/ship your computer, make sure to have a back-up of your stuff.

As we would be arriving in the UK on the 30th of December (during the holidays when a lot of things would be closed) to an empty rental house, with our two kids and no distractions, we also brought a ZTE smart projector (that hubby got as a going-away present from work), the Bose Soundlink Mini, and all our hand-held devices, knowing we would need the distractions, at least for the boys, while we got things settled. (Sorry for the longest sentence in the world.)

I cannot stress enough how invaluable having a universal travel adapter was, as it allowed us to keep these items charged. (From product leaflet: "designed to work with [..] electronic products that have a power source with dual voltage (input 100 ~ 240V 50/60Hz).") It is not made to convert power, so if your device can't handle more than 120V, you might want to consider a converter or completely changing your power supply. Beware, a converter can potentially harm your electronics.

Nexxtech Universal Travel Adaptor

So. What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter? I'm no specialist, but here's the gist of it:

The power adapter is the middle-man that lets you plug your Canadian-shaped plug into a UK-shaped socket. Usually, items that require only a power adapter are items that can handle dual voltage, such as modern electronic devices.

On the other hand, a power converter changes the high voltage into small voltage, that your item can handle, for short periods of time, without exploding. Small appliances like hair dryers and curling irons will usually need a power converter.

Adapters, converters, transformers, oh my! Here is a detailed resource for demystifying what you should use and how best to use it.

One last thing. As impossible as it may sound to us Canadians, getting internet, telephone, and television hooked up is a long and painful process in the UK. Think between two and four weeks. More on this at a later date. Free WiFi will become your best friend in those first few weeks, and you will probably find yourself hunting it down, teeth bared, like a predator with a kill in sight. Most places offer it, though the connection is iffy at times. Be prepared: Make a list of a few places with free WiFi near where you'll be staying (McDonald's, Costa's, local libraries, to name a few), and make sure your devices are charged before you head out!