Hey Coming From The Us (Question About Electrical Outlets)

[Trapflex]

any good places to get a cheap converter? share your experience please thanks!

[lopburi3]

What do you need? Transformers? The outlets are mostly the same as used in the USA so no problem inserting plug into them so if your electrics work on 220-240v 50Hz no problem.

[Trapflex]

Thanks!

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Most electronics equip. computers etc. are built to run on 110 volts or 220-40 volts and 50 or 60 hertz. They convert it to a DC voltage so the hertz don't matter. Things like small appliances are a different story and usually require a transformer to step it down from 220 to 110. Things like clocks sync on the 50 or 60 hertz so if it is different than designed for the time will be off.

If it smokes and smells bad it didn't like the 220 Volts

[JSixpack]

Amazon.com sells transformers. I needed a small one for sometimes charging an electric toothbrush, and it only cost me about $6. Got free shipping 'cause I had Amazon Prime.

[Litlos]

I saw some in Amorn electronics the other day in Fortune town. Amorn sort of sell a bit of everything and is a handy place to know about and has stores all over Thailand. They have a usable english website as well.

Cheers

Litlos

[barryw52]

Most of the stuff that not going run here on 240V is cheap to purchase here. Laptops and PCs can normally accomidate 110 or 240 it on the power supply or power pack.

[astral]

The comments above are valid for laptops, which are usually 110-240V.

Desktop computers may have a switch to change the voltage setting,

usually on the back next to the plug.

Other equipment needs more care.

If your equipment is 110V only then you need a transformer,

BUT and it is big but, make sure the transformer is rated for the current/power of the device.

Otherwise you run the risk of the transformer overheating and even catching fire.

Local electrical shops should be able to help you with the transformer.

The 50/60Hz issue is generally not a big deal, unless you are bringing a

record deck.

[dinger]

Did you read the question?

If his electrics alerady ran on 220-240V why would he be asking about a converter

What do you need? Transformers? The outlets are mostly the same as used in the USA so no problem inserting plug into them so if your electrics work on 220-240v 50Hz no problem.

[gk10002000]

Radio shack, Brookstone in the bigger malls, Fry's Electronics if in California. All have decent stuff. I think WalMart even has one.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The above advice is pretty good.... Once in Thailand, the Amorn shops in FortuneTown IT mall do carry a pretty good range of transformers at reasonable prices.... but I bought mine online in the U.S. before I moved....

As stated, you have to look at the watts rating of any particular transformers, and make sure what you're plugging into it is well under that rating... You want to leave some headroom in capacity....

As stated, laptops typically have adapter cords and plugs that will accept either variety of electricity... Desktop PCs often have a switch on the back to choose between 110 and 240 volts...

Many other common electrical devices from the U.S. such as stereo equipment and kitchen appliances, unless they come with a laptop type power cord/adapter, typically won't run on Thailand's 240 volts AC.... Plug them in without a transformer or converter, and they're fried toast....

One other issue to consider is the actual electrical plugs... Depending on where you go and where you stay, some places in Thailand will have AC outlets that have the older style 2 round pins style, which won't work at all with U.S. flat plugs, or will have dual two prong round and flat pin capacity, but won't accept the third pin common on a lot of kitchen and other larger U.S. electrical devices... So you may need plug converters in addition to transformers...

[lopburi3]

Did you read the question?

If his electrics alerady ran on 220-240V why would he be asking about a converter

What do you need? Transformers? The outlets are mostly the same as used in the USA so no problem inserting plug into them so if your electrics work on 220-240v 50Hz no problem.

I did read the question and answered as I did because his original question was

Hey Coming From The Us (Question About Electrical Outlets)

If I just said no problem the plugs will fit he could have had real heartburn if unaware of the voltage difference. He said nothing about his electronics already running on 220-240 so tried to point out it was something to think about.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

BTW, the OP asked about "cheap" converters... A lot of our comments above have been about larger, more powerful things like PCs and such... But he didn't say what kind of devices he intends to use or how...

So in the cheap category, places like the electronics section at the Emporium department store and elsewhere sell a little small 70 watt converter with a single plug for about 300 baht... That's good for just small low power items or occasional use. It's about the size of two packs of playing cards combined.

[Doc50]

The best place to buy something like that is not in Thailand.

You will be ripped off price wise.

Buy it at Wal Mart before you come here for best price.