Power converters for Panama
What is a power converter for a Panamanian power outlet?
A power converter for Panama will allow you to use a 220-240 volt electric device with a 120 volt Panamanian power outlet.
Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.
What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter for Panama?
An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 120 volt Panamanian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt appliance, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to slot into a power outlet in Panama. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Panama?
When you are visiting Panama from a different country please ensure that the device will accept 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. See the WikiConnections list of world power outlets page to find out which voltage your country uses.
- You don't need a power converter if you are already using either a single voltage device that works with 120 volts or one that is dual voltage.
- Typically, devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts and then used in a 120 volt power outlet sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up. If your device charges slowly or does not power up when visiting Panama from a different country check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet otherwise you will need a step up power converter.
- You won't need a converter if you are attempting to recharge a smaller electrical device such as a tablet as these are typically designed for international use and dual voltage, but always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
- When supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (for example hair dryers and clothes irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
- Purchasing a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance might be more cost effective and practical than investing in a much heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
- Read these comprehensive travel guides on using curling wands, clothes irons, blow dryers and hair straighteners in Panama , along with advice on some affordable dual voltage alternatives. [4] [5] [AD]
What kind of converter do I need for Panama?
If you want to use any 220, 230 or 240 volt appliance in Panama you will need a step up power converter. [4] [AD]
What is the difference between a power converter and a 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 used in Panama?
Panama uses 120 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]
How to convert 120 volts to 220 volts
- Use a step up power converter to allow you to use 220, 230 and 240 volt appliances with a 120 volt Panamanian power outlet.
- 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 Panama before plugging that into a Panamanian power outlet.
- 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.
- Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 220-240 volt appliance can now be used with a 120 volt Panamanian power outlet. [4] [AD]
How can you tell if you have a single voltage or dual voltage device?
The easiest method to tell if your device is dual or single voltage is to check for numbers printed on the charger, or on the device itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord goes. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your device, it should also state on the box.
- Single voltage devices might say a specific number - such as 220V.
- Single voltage devices could also have a small voltage range (around 20 volts) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
- Dual voltage devices will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Panama Wikipedia web page.
- iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
- 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..
- 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..
- 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..