Voltage Adapters/Converters For Usa Electronics

[ThaiBound81]

Hi All,

I'm moving from the USA to Bangkok soon and have lots of electronics I'll be bringing with me including a desktop and a laptop computer. I'd like to be able to have all of my electronics plugged in and operating simultaneously, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about this. Looking for advice from others in the same situation or in the know.

I'll probably need a couple of power strips to plug everything into, but how do these work with voltage adapters?

All advice about how to accomplish this and information about the best places to buy anything I'll need is greatly appreciated. If I need to buy adapters, power strips, etc. is it cheaper to do so in the USA or in Thailand?

Thank you.

[JusMe]

Check your equipment before looking for adaptors. Many items now have built in switching between voltages.

My computer and external drives and laptop adapter and other things can go either way.

But - do check, as sometimes they don't Had a printer blow up on me once when I plugged it in, thinking it would adapt. Didn't.

[lopburi3]

You have the Customs duty issue resolved? And all items are rated 50-60Hz? Only 50Hz is available here and it is not changed by a step-down transformer. If rated for 110-240 volts or such no adapters or transfers will be required (there may be a switch that needs to be reset in some items however). But for most people it is best to leave such items in the US and buy new here where a mistake (outlets are the same as US here but at twice the voltage) will not be so easy to make.

Power strips should be three pin ground type and make sure the plug into wall/transformer is also three pin and outlet is grounded. They are easily available anywhere here so not need to ship. They are totally passive. The item that may be an issue is the transformer as often they do not provide a ground pin (at least in the past that was an issue - no current knowledge).

[ThaiBound81]

Thank you very much for your replies so far! I just checked and my laptop charger, external hard drive, and electric shaver are all Input: 100-240 V and 50-60Hz so it looks like I won't need adapters for them, correct?

My alarm clock is only 110/120V and 60Hz though, and my electric toothbrush is similar so I take it I will need adapters for them, correct? These are only a few of the items I'm considering bringing.

Can you also please elaborate on what you mean by "...Customs duty issue resolved?" and where I may be able to find more documentation about this. I'm very curious about this.

[Crossy]

Correct on your 100-240V items

Your desktop may have a switch on the PSU to change over, if not PC power supplies are cheap and easy to install, so that's another converter you won't need.

Your clock may also run slow on 50Hz (many use the mains frequency as the time reference), leave it at home unless you don't mind getting up later each morning

Thai customs is well known as the single most corrupt government department on planet earth Have a search in the technology forum, but you may end up paying more in duty and tax than the kit is worth

[lomatopo]

My alarm clock is only 110/120V and 60Hz though, and my electric toothbrush is similar so I take it I will need adapters for them, correct? These are only a few of the items I'm considering bringing.

Don't bring those; you can buy an alarm clock and toothbrush here. Don't bring anything which requires a converter. If you like to see things smoke, smoulder and burst into flames by all means bring them. (even when using converters)

Only bring items which have built-in support, or the ability to switch (like a PSU on a PC). You could replace the PC PSU here if it is 120/60 only and not switchable (look for a red sliding switch on the PSU).

Just for grins, what other electronics/electrical items were you planning on bringing?

I think retirees get some sort of one-time duty waiver on personal items, but maybe that's out of date?

Edited June 5, 2011 by lomatopo

[ThaiBound81]

Great information. My desktop PC and monitor are basically brand new, hence the reason for wanting to bring them with me. I haven't checked on power supply for the PC yet to see if it's 120 or 120-240V, but I certainly will do that. Thanks for the tips!

I suppose buying a surge protector, or power strip that has a built in surge protector rather would be a wise investment.

I did a quick search in the Technology forum for "customs" and it sounds as if the consensus is that if you hand carry these items in you should not be bothered by customs, whereas if you ship them in then you're subject to paying the duty, tax, and fees. I'm not saying that's correct, but that's what others are saying, so that's the route I plan to take.

Not planning on bringing over any other major electronic items, but smaller things like iPod speakers, digital cordless phone, video camera, digital camera battery charger, etc. If I want to use/charge multiple things all at once I just wanted to know how I could do it without blowing anything up, especially because all I read about is electronics being so expensive in Thailand.

[keeniau96]

Extension cords with power strips are very, very common in Thailand. Regrettably almost all of them are only 2-wire, no ground. Also note that 3-wire electrical outlets are not common in much of Thai construction, and PROPERLY grounded are even less common. Buy one (or several, your friends will want them) of those plug check devices to determine proper ground/polarity; available at just about any hardware shop.

[Crossy]

available at just about any hardware shop.

In Thailand????

Remember US bought ones will be expecting 110V and may either simply not indicate properly or may turn instantly into melted goop

[lopburi3]

Actually grounded outlet strips are easily available; even from Lotus now. But you do need to check the plug and if 99 baht stay away. Most new construction does provide grounded outlets and do not believe any testers from the (120v) US would work here (although have never had any to check the ratings on).

[Tywais]

available at just about any hardware shop.

In Thailand????

Remember US bought ones will be expecting 110V and may either simply not indicate properly or may turn instantly into melted goop

Suspect he is referring to the screwdrivers with a Neon lamp in them. Otherwise, a DMM.

//edit - BTW, a UPS with surge protection is rather important for your PCs and peripherals due to unstable power.

[CaptHaddock]

I did a quick search in the Technology forum for "customs" and it sounds as if the consensus is that if you hand carry these items in you should not be bothered by customs, whereas if you ship them in then you're subject to paying the duty, tax, and fees. I'm not saying that's correct, but that's what others are saying, so that's the route I plan to take.

Not planning on bringing over any other major electronic items, but smaller things like iPod speakers, digital cordless phone, video camera, digital camera battery charger, etc. If I want to use/charge multiple things all at once I just wanted to know how I could do it without blowing anything up, especially because all I read about is electronics being so expensive in Thailand.

We're moving from the US to Thailand this summer also and are facing these questions. Keep in mind that airline recommendations are that you NOT pack electronics in checked luggage, probably because of the risk of theft. That restricts you to your carry-on luggage which is usually one small suitcase and a backpack. We will be checking an iMac which we will pack in its original shipping box surrounded by peanuts inside a large, plain cardboard box, in the hopes that it won't get stolen. We have replaced as much of our electronics as possible with 110-240v versions. That will leave a couple of items for which we will need transformers, which we will buy in Thailand.

[Nisa]

You have the Customs duty issue resolved? And all items are rated 50-60Hz? Only 50Hz is available here and it is not changed by a step-down transformer. If rated for 110-240 volts or such no adapters or transfers will be required (there may be a switch that needs to be reset in some items however). But for most people it is best to leave such items in the US and buy new here where a mistake (outlets are the same as US here but at twice the voltage) will not be so easy to make.

To clarify ... outlets in the US and Thailand are not the same. Often a US plug will fit because many newer outlets in Thailand are designed to accept a number of plugs types. But even then they are not always a good fit and you are better off getting an adapter which are plentiful and cheap. There are about 4 different types of electrical sockets you can run into in Thailand but the newer ones are combos that will allow US plugs to fit.

[ThaiBound81]

Ouch....I definitely did not expect this to get so complicated, and really appreciate all of your help everyone. I did find the red switch on the back of my desktop computer tower, so if I switch that over before plugging it in it looks like I'm good to go there. So when selecting my apartment should I only find one that has 3 pin grounded wall outlets, or outlets that accept multiple types of plugs?

Some of my 100-240V power cords (external hard drive, electric razor, and probably others) only have two pins, not three. Is that ok?

A UPS with surge protection sounds like an excellent idea, but I am trying to watch my budget. How much do these cost in Thailand and where would I be able to get one? Wondering if they might be cheaper in the US.

[kyb789]

Pantip electronics mall. Near Central World. There is a shop near the entrance that has lots of transformers. But I side with the other posters. Leave that stuff at home. Its just not worth bringing here.

[jombom]

Ouch....I definitely did not expect this to get so complicated, and really appreciate all of your help everyone. I did find the red switch on the back of my desktop computer tower, so if I switch that over before plugging it in it looks like I'm good to go there. So when selecting my apartment should I only find one that has 3 pin grounded wall outlets, or outlets that accept multiple types of plugs?

Some of my 100-240V power cords (external hard drive, electric razor, and probably others) only have two pins, not three. Is that ok?

A UPS with surge protection sounds like an excellent idea, but I am trying to watch my budget. How much do these cost in Thailand and where would I be able to get one? Wondering if they might be cheaper in the US.

Just bring your computer, and leave the rest behind.

You are coming to a new country, and maybe a life-changing experience. Most of the other stuff is superfluous.

[WilliaminBKK]

Thaibound81, I asked the same questions as you before my move. When people posted saying don't bring the items I thought I will give it a chance.......................

Everything was blown in a matter of months, I tried to be careful but things happen, and to be honest those surge/voltage things get bloody hot and that was another worry for me. Check out Powerbuy online to see the items you need so you can budget accordingly and leave your items behind.

[TongueThaied]

Actually grounded outlet strips are easily available; even from Lotus now. But you do need to check the plug and if 99 baht stay away. Most new construction does provide grounded outlets and do not believe any testers from the (120v) US would work here (although have never had any to check the ratings on).

I am surprised Crossy did not mention this, as I learned this tidbit from him when I came to Thailand several years ago, and that is this:

CAUTION: Many plug strips/surge suppressors purchased in Thailand are miswired! Even through a plug strip/suppressor has a three prong plug and a fat three lead wire, there is often no continuity between the grounding plug pin and the “grounded” receptacle hole. It simply is not hooked up. In addition, polarity is often reversed. Now, whenever I want to purchase one of these things, I ALWAYS take a tester to the store with me. I tear open the packages and test them until I find one with correct polarity and actual grounding. I’m guessing there is about a 50% error rate! It seems as though they go through an assembly line and the wires are just connected randomly. I have found this situation everywhere – Lotus, Big C, electronics stores.

If you care about polarity (In Thailand, nobody seems to) and actually want your appliance/device grounded – as opposed to simply having a home for that third pin – be sure to test the strip before purchasing.

I might also add that house/apartment wiring VERY OFTEN has the polarity reversed and units that appear to have grounded receptacles often have no grounding. Go around and check all receptacles yourself. It is easy enough to correct the polarity. Grounding can be more problematic if there is no ground wire. Even where there are grounded receptacles, the “ground” is often accomplished by sticking the end of a wire in the ground as opposed to clamping it to a ground rod driven into the ground. You may get a “grounded” reading on your tester, but such a “ground” is insufficient.

[lopburi3]

To clarify ... outlets in the US and Thailand are not the same.

I have yet to see an outlet in Thailand (other than those built to UK specs) that did not accept an American/Japanese plug so correct that most do not just accept just flat pin; but all do accept flat pin so very easy to make a mistake which was my point. The US flat pin plug is also a very common replacement/DIY and the US 3 pin is the only grounded plug I have ever seen for sale (although Thailand officially has its own three pin plug which is starting to appear on production products).

As for service find the two pin round (believe in UK called bathroom plug) a very poor choice for most multi plug outlets; with poor or no firm connection (especially true for strip sockets). The US flat pin is a much better choice for daily use. Unfortunately most cheap production electric items have the round pins. I suspect this is the single biggest fire hazard in Thailand at the present time - I have personally had two such incidents with internal shorting melting plastic housing because of poor round pin connection.

[Nisa]

To clarify ... outlets in the US and Thailand are not the same.

I have yet to see an outlet in Thailand (other than those built to UK specs) that did not accept an American/Japanese plug so correct that most do not just accept just flat pin; but all do accept flat pin so very easy to make a mistake which was my point. The US flat pin plug is also a very common replacement/DIY and the US 3 pin is the only grounded plug I have ever seen for sale (although Thailand officially has its own three pin plug which is starting to appear on production products).

As for service find the two pin round (believe in UK called bathroom plug) a very poor choice for most multi plug outlets; with poor or no firm connection (especially true for strip sockets). The US flat pin is a much better choice for daily use. Unfortunately most cheap production electric items have the round pins. I suspect this is the single biggest fire hazard in Thailand at the present time - I have personally had two such incidents with internal shorting melting plastic housing because of poor round pin connection.

I am in the US right now and a bit hard to visualize right now .. especially considering I have so many different devices with different plugs and adapters to go with them when in Asia. However, I know I use an adapter for my Laptop at my condo in BKK. I am pretty sure that is because it is loose if I don't as opposed to not going in ... it is also a power strip I plug into. But I have run across plugs that are only the circular type in BKK ,, usually in older buildings. But no doubt, the below combo outlet is common in all the remotely newer buildings ...

When I made the original comment I could have sworn that I also ran across the big flat pin connectors, that we use for higher voltage in the USA and I think are standard in much of the UK, but when I looked for the above image it doesn't come up as a standard outlet type in Thailand. So, you are right. Again, I am thinking I got confused because because I have a number of devices with different plugs and a couple with those big flat pins that I use adapter with while in Thailand.

[JusMe]

We will be checking an iMac which we will pack in its original shipping box surrounded by peanuts inside a large, plain cardboard box, in the hopes that it won't get stolen.

That's pretty much the way I brought mine a bit under two years ago - original box wrapped in brilliant tarp and labelled Fragile and Handle with Care. Got through no worries; carried it through customs which asked me what it was and why I wanted a computer? Just said it was my personal files and information. Pass and connected here at my new house - all's well.

[ThaiBound81]

Thanks for all the replies and all the info. I'll admit I'm not familiar with lots of the technical info being posted and unfortunately this is quite confusing at the moment. Why can't this just be easy?!

Apparently even if I flip the red switch on my computer's CPU so that it accepts 220V there is a risk of damaging the computer due to power outages, power fluctuations, and the fact that many of the power strips/surge protectors apparently aren't all that great. So is it less risky to buy a desktop computer in Thailand or is there equal risk at something going wrong? Wouldn't the power issues affect a Thailand purchased desktop the same way? As mentioned I just bought a new system and monitor in the US, so financially it makes sense to bring it if I can find the best way to protect it against these issues. I also have a laptop.

Also, if some of my other electronics are rated 110-240V why would I want to leave them behind and buy new ones in Thailand? Are the electronics I'd buy over there only rated 220V and not 110-240V?

[lopburi3]

Actually the power here in Thailand is not that bad and normally the only time we have an issue in Bangkok is if the local transformer blows one of its three phases - the voltage will drop from 220 to about 170 on unblown phases so some things will work OK; some will work marginally and perhaps be damaged, and others will not work. I do not believe any special items are required but if using desktop would have a UPS for it as often there is a second or two outage when change of source power is being made. Every computer store here sells them.

[CaptHaddock]

Actually the power here in Thailand is not that bad and normally the only time we have an issue in Bangkok is if the local transformer blows one of its three phases - the voltage will drop from 220 to about 170 on unblown phases so some things will work OK; some will work marginally and perhaps be damaged, and others will not work. I do not believe any special items are required but if using desktop would have a UPS for it as often there is a second or two outage when change of source power is being made. Every computer store here sells them.

Lopburi,

What's your opinion of running a 120v, 0.67 amp sewing machine on a step-down transformer in Thailand, such as a 500 watt unit? I see reviews on Amazon of people doing similar things. Some report no problems while others say the transformer smokes. Do such problems come from having too small a transformer?

[lopburi3]

Believe the motor will be 60Hz so will be running about 20% slow but other than that it will work.

Be sure you use a real transformer - not one of the US voltage converter bricks designed for resistance (heat) load only.

[ThaiBound81]

Actually the power here in Thailand is not that bad and normally the only time we have an issue in Bangkok is if the local transformer blows one of its three phases - the voltage will drop from 220 to about 170 on unblown phases so some things will work OK; some will work marginally and perhaps be damaged, and others will not work. I do not believe any special items are required but if using desktop would have a UPS for it as often there is a second or two outage when change of source power is being made. Every computer store here sells them.

Very good to know about the possibility of a 2nd outage when changing power sources. I guess I'll pick up a UPS, and I'll try and be selective about how many things stay plugged into it at once. I'll try and steadily monitor the amount of time my smaller devices are plugged into it so I can unplug them right after their charging cycles are finished to reduce risk of them being affected by an outage. Thank you.

[KhaoTan]

Hi all, I know this is a year old thread, but I'm hoping someone can weigh in about the possibility of using US electronics that are 800-1000 watts here in Thailand with a step downconverter. We brought our entire shipment in from the States recently. It would have been too expensive to fly back to our storage area and pick through and remove the electronics so that is why they ended up here.

I am going to give up hope that the pressure washer can be used and will try to find someone going back to give it to, along with the electric lawn edger.

I bought a 500 watt step down converter at Home Pro, but have realized that most of my electronics, Breville Juicer, Cuisinart Food processor and blender are 800 watts + , is it worth going to Pantip to find a higher wattage step down converter or is the risk vs. benefit too great? The risk to me only being hurting our home electric wiring, if the appliances die it is still better than giving them away and the junk man will probably recycle the parts.

Also, when we left Thailand for the states in 2000, I purchased lamps here that worked in the U.S., does this work vice versa or can I take the two lamps that I bought in the U.S. to a local lamp store and see if they can rewire them, or would that be too expensive?

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer. I have used the 500 watt converter already for smaller items and it has worked fine.