Saint Kitts power converters - Do you need a power converter in Saint Kitts?

What is a power converter for Saint Kitts?

A power converter for Saint Kitts enables you to use a 100, 110 or 120 volt electric device with a 230 volt St Kitts 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 Saint Kitts?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet found in Saint Kitts, however an expensive and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a St Kitts power outlet to work with a non-230 volt appliance. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Saint Kitts?

If travelling to Saint Kitts from another region check your device can accept a 230 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling to Saint Kitts from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your device or appliance doesn't support 230 volts. Read our world power outlets guide to find out the voltage is used in your country.
  • You don't need a power converter if you already own either a 230 volt device or one that supports dual voltage.
  • Electrical devices designed to use a lower voltage (such as 110 volts) and used in a 230 volt outlet run the potential risk of damage to your device, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse unless a step down power converter is used.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you wish to power a smaller electrical device such as a laptop as these are normally dual voltage and designed for international use, however you should always always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
  • If supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (such as hair dryers and curling 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 heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance in Saint Kitts.
  • Read our comprehensive travel guides on how to use curling wands, clothes irons, hair dryers and hair straighteners with a St Kitts power outlet which includes guides on affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Saint Kitts if I'm travelling from Canada?

The 230 volts found in a electric outlet in Saint Kitts is different to a 110 volt US outlet so bring a if your appliance or charger doesn't support dual voltage.

What converter do I need for Saint Kitts?

If you want to use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance in Saint Kitts you will need a step down power converter[3] [AD]

What is the difference between a transformer and a converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a transformer and a 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.

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 St Kitts 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 Saint Kitts before plugging that into a St Kitts 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 St Kitts power outlet. [3] [AD]

What voltage is used in Saint Kitts?

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

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
How can you tell if you have a single voltage or dual voltage device?

Single voltage hair straighteners

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 a sticker on the existing power plug, or on the appliance itself, normally near to where the power cord sits. This location might depend on the make or model of your unit but should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box.

  • Single voltage devices could have a specific number - such as 110V.
  • 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 normally say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 110/240V.

Legal: This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Kitts entry on wikipedia.org.
  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..