Chile power converters - Do you need a converter for Chile?
What is a power converter for Chile?
A power converter allows travellers to use their 100, 110 or 120 volt electrical device with a 220 volt Chilean 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 220 volts from a Chilean power outlet to work with a non-220 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 Chile. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Chile?
When visiting Chile from another country make sure that the device will accept a 220 volt power supply.
- A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling to Chile from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 220 volts. Read our list of world power outlets page to discover the voltage is used in your country.
- You won't need a power converter if you already use either a 220 volt single voltage device or one that is dual voltage.
- Devices which are designed to use a lower voltage (such as 110 volts) and then used in a 220 volt power outlet run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your device.
- You shouldn't need a power converter if you need to charge a smaller electrical device such as a tablet or mobile phone as these are normally designed for international use and dual voltage, however please always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
- When powering appliances which draw more power or generate heat (such as hair dryers or clothes irons) then you will need to use a bulkier higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
- It will be more cost effective to purchase a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance than paying for a much heavier high wattage power converter just to use your existing domestic appliance.
- For more information read our comprehensive travel guides on travelling with curling irons, clothes irons, hair dryers and hair straighteners in Chile , along with guides for affordable dual voltage alternatives. [3] [4] [AD]
What converter do I need for Chile?
You will need to buy a step down power converter to use any 100-120 volt appliance with a 220 volt Chilean power outlet. [3] [AD]
What voltage is used in Chile?
Chile uses 220 volts in their standard power outlets. [2]
How to convert 220 volts to 110 volts
- Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 220 volt Chilean 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 Chile before plugging that into a Chilean 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 to the 110-120 volt range.
- Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 220 volt Chilean power outlet. [3] [AD]
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?
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.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Chilean country entry on wikipedia.
- 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..
- 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..