Liechtenstein power converters - Do I need a power converter for Liechtenstein?

What does a power converter for Liechtenstein do?

A power converter for Liechtenstein enables you to use a 100-120 volt electrical device with a 230 volt Liechtenstein 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 lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet in Liechtenstein, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Liechtenstein power outlet to work with a non-230 volt device. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Liechtenstein?

If you are visiting Liechtenstein from another country ensure 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. See our list of world power outlets guide to see which voltage is used in your country.
  • You won't need a power converter if you are already using either a 230 volt appliance or one that is dual voltage.
  • Normally devices which are designed to use a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) and then used with 230 volts run a risk of damage to your device, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse.
  • You don't need a converter if you wish to charge 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 dryers or clothes irons) then you will need to use a more expensive higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow it to be used with a 230 volt Liechtenstein power outlet.
  • Buying a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance could be more cost effective and practical than bringing a heavier high wattage power converter just to use your existing domestic appliance in Liechtenstein.
  • For more information read our comprehensive guides on using clothes irons, curling wands, flat irons and blow dryers in Liechtenstein power outlets which includes advice for affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

What converter do I need for Liechtenstein?

If you wish to use any 100-120 volt appliance in Liechtenstein you need to use a step down power converter[3] [AD]

What voltage does Liechtenstein use?

Liechtenstein uses 230 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein before plugging that into a Liechtenstein 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 to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 230 volt Liechtenstein power outlet. [3] [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 tell the voltage of my device

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How to tell the voltage of my device

The easiest way to see if your appliance is either single or dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the existing charger or on the appliance itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord plugs into. This location will depend on the make or model of your appliance and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box.

  • Single voltage devices might have a specific number - such as 110V.
  • Single voltage devices could also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V.
  • Dual voltage devices will normally say a large range separated with a slash - such as 110/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - Liechtenstein Wikipedia 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. 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..