Power converters for Gambia

What does a power converter for Gambia do?

Power converters allow travellers to use a 100, 110 or 120 volt electric device with a 230 volt Gambian 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 for Gambia?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet in Gambia, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Gambian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt device. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Gambia?

When travelling to Gambia from a different country please double check the device will accept a 230 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are visiting Gambia from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your device or appliance isn't compatible with 230 volts. See our list of world power outlets guide to find out the voltage your country uses.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you already own either a 230 volt single voltage device or one that is dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices designed for a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) and then used with 230 volts run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your device unless a step down power converter is used.
  • You don't need a converter if you are attempting to power a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone or laptop as these are typically designed for international use and support dual voltage, however always always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
  • When supplying power to high wattage appliances or generate heat (for example clothes irons or hair dryers) then you will need to use a bulkier higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow it to be used with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet.
  • It will be more cost effective to purchase a robust lightweight dual voltage travel appliance than trying to bring a much heavier power converter to Gambia simply to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read our comprehensive guides on how to use clothes irons, curling wands, hairdryers and hair straighteners in Gambian power outlets , along with recommendations on affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

Will I need a power converter for Gambia if I'm from Canada?

The voltage from a wall outlet in Gambia is different to a 110 volt US supply so please use a if your charger or appliance doesn't support dual voltage.

What converter do I need for Gambia?

You need to use a step down power converter to use any 100-120 volt appliance in a 230 volt Gambian power outlet. [3] [AD]

What voltage does Gambia use?

Gambia uses 230 volts in their standard power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt Gambian 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 Gambia before plugging that into a Gambian 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 to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 230 volt Gambian power outlet. [3] [AD]
What is the difference between a converter and a power transformer?

Voltage converter

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

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 best way to see if your appliance is dual voltage is to check for numbers printed on the existing power adapter, or on the unit itself, normally on the rear of the unit or near to where the power cord plugs into. This location will depend on the make or model of your appliance and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box.

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

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  1. Wikipedia - Gambia Wikipedia page.
  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. 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..