The Bahamas power converters - Do you need a converter for The Bahamas?

What does a power converter for a Bahamas power outlet do?

A power converter allows travellers to use a 220, 230 or 240 volt electrical device with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet.

Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter?

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 120 volts from a Bahamas power outlet to work with a non-120 volt appliance, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your appliance to fit into a power outlet found in The Bahamas. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for The Bahamas?

If you are travelling to The Bahamas from a different country please make sure your device can be charged using a 120 volt power supply.

  • You need a step up power converter if you are travelling from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your appliance isn't compatible with 120 volts. Read the list of world power outlets guide to discover the voltage is used in your country.
  • You won't need a power converter if you are already using either a 120 volt single voltage device or one that is dual voltage.
  • Normally electrical devices which originated from another country which use a higher voltage (such as 230 volts) and then used in a 120 volt power outlet may take longer to charge or simply won't turn on. If your device does not power up or charges slowly when travelling to The Bahamas from a different country please check that it will work with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet otherwise you will need to bring a step up power converter.
  • You won't need a power converter if you wish to power a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone as these are normally designed for international use and support dual voltage, but you should always always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
  • If powering high wattage appliances or generate heat (for example clothes irons and hair straighteners) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter which allows it to be used with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet.
  • Buying a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance will be more cost effective and practical than bringing a heavier power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read these travel guides on using clothes irons, curling wands, hairdryers and flat irons in The Bahamas which includes advice for some affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [4] [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter if I'm visiting The Bahamas from Canada?

You won't need to bring a power converter as the voltage from a Bahamas power outlet is in the same 100-120 volt range as Canada.

What converter do I need for The Bahamas?

You need to use a step up power converter to use any 220, 230 or 240 volt appliance with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet. [4] [AD]

How to convert 120 volts to 220 volts

  1. Use a step up power converter to allow you to use 220, 230 and 240 volt appliances with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for The Bahamas before plugging that into a Bahamas power outlet.
  3. Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage from 220-240v.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 220-240 volt appliance can now be used with a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet. [4] [AD]

What voltage is used in The Bahamas?

The Bahamas uses 120 volts in their standard power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
What is the difference between a transformer and a power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a transformer and a power converter?

Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:

  • Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
  • Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
  • Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
  • Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
  • Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
  • Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
  • Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.
What voltage is my device?

Dual voltage hair dryer

What voltage is my device?

The easiest way to tell if a device is single voltage or dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the existing charger, or on the unit itself, normally on the rear or near to where the power cord goes. The location will depend on the make or model of your unit, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box.

  • Single voltage devices might say a specific number - such as 240V.
  • Single voltage devices might also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 220-240V.
  • Dual voltage devices will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 110/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - Bahamas country entry on wikipedia.
  2. iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  4. Step up power converter - Step-up power converters are engineered to convert lower voltage outlets of 100V/120V to higher voltages of 220V/240V, enabling the use of appliances designed for higher-voltage environments in lower voltage countries..
  5. Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..