Argentina power converters
What does a power converter for Argentina do?
A power converter enables you to use a 100-120 volt electrical device with a 220 volt Argentinean 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 power adapter?
A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Argentinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt device, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your device to slot into a power outlet found in Argentina. [3] [AD]
Do I need a power converter for Argentina?
When travelling to Argentina from a different country please double check the device can be used with a 220 volt power supply.
- You need a step down power converter if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your device isn't compatible with 220 volts. Read the WikiConnections world power outlets page to discover the voltage your country uses.
- You shouldn't need a power converter if you already own either a single voltage appliance that works with 220 volts or one that supports dual voltage.
- Devices which are designed to work with a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) and then used with 220 volts run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your device or even an electrical fire hazard unless a step down power converter is used.
- You don't need a power converter if you need to recharge a smaller electrical device such as a tablet or mobile phone as these are typically designed for international use and support dual voltage, however you should always check the device for dual voltage support first.
- If powering appliances which draw more power or generate heat (such as hair straighteners and curling irons) then you will need to use a bulkier higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow it to be used with a 220 volt Argentinean power outlet.
- It will be more cost effective to purchase a robust lightweight dual voltage travel appliance than bringing a heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
- Read these travel guides on using curling wands, clothes irons, hair dryers and flat irons with an Argentinean power outlet , along with recommendations on some affordable dual voltage alternatives. [3] [4] [AD]
What converter do I need for Argentina?
If you wish to use any 100-120 volt appliance in Argentina you need to buy a step down power converter. [3] [AD]
What is the difference between a power 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 220 volts to 110 volts
- Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with an 220 volt Argentinean 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 Argentina before plugging that into an Argentinean 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 an 220 volt Argentinean power outlet. [3] [AD]
What voltage does Argentina use?
Argentina uses 220 volts in their power outlets. [2]
How to tell the voltage of my device
The easiest way to see if your appliance is either dual or single voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the power adapter, or on the unit itself, normally near to where the power cord sits. This location will depend on the make or model of your appliance but should also state on the box or in the instruction manual.
- Single voltage devices could 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 say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Argentina.
- 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..