Power converters for Ecuador

What is a power converter for Ecuador?

A power converter allows travellers to use their 220, 230 or 240 volt electric device with a 120 volt Ecuadorian 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 for Ecuador?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your appliance to fit into a power outlet in Ecuador, but a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 120 volt Ecuadorian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt appliance. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Ecuador?

If you are visiting Ecuador from a different region please check that your device will accept a 120 volt power supply.

  • You need a step up power converter if you are visiting Ecuador from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your appliance or device doesn't support 120 volts. Read the WikiConnections list of world power outlets guide to see the voltage your country uses.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you are already using either a single voltage appliance that works with 120 volts or one that supports dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts and used with 120 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up. If your device doesn't power up or recharges slowly when you are visiting Ecuador from another country please check that it can be used with a 120 volt Ecuadorian power outlet or you will need to use a step up power converter.
  • You don't need a converter if you are attempting to charge a smaller electrical device such as a tablet as these are typically dual voltage and designed for international use, but always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • If supplying power to high wattage appliances or generate heat (for example curling irons and hair straighteners) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter which allows it to be used with a 120 volt Ecuadorian power outlet.
  • It might be more cost effective to use a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance than trying to bring a heavier high wattage power converter to Ecuador simply to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read our comprehensive travel guides on travelling with curling irons, clothes irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers in Ecuadorian power outlets , along with recommendations on affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [4] [5] [AD]

Will I need a power converter for Ecuador if I'm visiting from Canada?

A Canadian plug won't require a power converter because the voltage in Ecuador is in the same 100-120V range as Canada.

What converter do I need for Ecuador?

You will need to use a step up power converter to use any 220-240 volt appliance with a 120 volt Ecuadorian power outlet. [4] [AD]

What is the difference between a converter and a power transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a converter and a power 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.

How to convert 120 volts to 220 volts

  1. Use a step up power converter to allow you to use 220, 230 and 240 volt appliances with an 120 volt Ecuadorian 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 Ecuador before plugging that into an Ecuadorian 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 from 220-240v.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 220-240 volt appliance can now be used with an 120 volt Ecuadorian power outlet. [4] [AD]

What voltage does Ecuador use?

Ecuador uses 120 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
What voltage is my device?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

What voltage is my device?

The easiest way to tell if a device is dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the charger or on the device itself, normally on the rear or near to where the power cord plugs into. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your device and could also be written on the box.

  • Single voltage devices could have a specific number - such as 110V.
  • Single voltage devices might 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 normally say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - Ecuadorian Wikipedia web page.
  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. 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..
  5. 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..