Power converters for Uruguay
What does a power converter for a Uruguayan power outlet do?
Power converters enable travellers to use their 100-120 volt electric device with a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet.
Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.
What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?
A heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Uruguayan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt device, however a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your appliance to slot into a power outlet in Uruguay. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Uruguay?
When you are travelling to Uruguay from a different region check that your device will accept a 230 volt power supply.
- A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance or device isn't compatible with 230 volts. Read our WikiConnections list of world power outlets page to find out the voltage is used in your country.
- You don't need a power converter if you already use either a 230 volt single voltage appliance or one that supports dual voltage.
- Typically, electrical devices which are designed for a lower voltage such as 110 volts and then used with 230 volts run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your device unless you use a step down power converter.
- You shouldn't need a power converter if you are attempting to recharge a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone as these are typically support dual voltage and designed for international use, however you should always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
- When powering high wattage appliances or generate heat (such as hair dryers and clothes irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow the appliance to be used with a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet.
- It could be more cost effective to purchase a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance than carrying a much heavier high wattage power converter to Uruguay in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
- For more information read these comprehensive travel guides on using curling wands, clothes irons, flat irons and hair dryers with a Uruguayan power outlet , along with guides on affordable dual voltage alternatives. [3] [4] [AD]
What kind of converter do I need for Uruguay?
You will need to use a step down power converter in order to use any 100-120 volt appliance in Uruguay. [3] [AD]
How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts
- Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt Uruguayan 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 Uruguay before plugging that into a Uruguayan 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 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet. [3] [AD]
What voltage is used in Uruguay?
Uruguay uses 230 volts in their standard power outlets. [2]
What is the difference between a 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 my appliance?
The easiest method to see if a appliance is dual voltage is to look for numbers printed on the power plug or on the unit itself, typically near to where the power cord plugs into. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your appliance and could also state in the instruction manual.
- Single voltage devices could have 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 typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 110/240V.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Uruguay.
- 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..