Power converters for The Grenadines

What is a power converter?

Power converters enable you to use a 100, 110 or 120 volt electric device with a 230 volt Grenadines 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 plug adapter for The Grenadines?

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Grenadines power outlet to work with a non-230 volt appliance, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your device to slot into a power outlet in The Grenadines. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for The Grenadines?

When you are visiting The Grenadines from a different country please ensure that the device will accept a 230 volt power supply.

  • You need a step down power converter if you are visiting The Grenadines from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 230 volts. See the WikiConnections list of world power outlets page to discover which voltage your country uses.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you are already using either a single voltage device that works with 230 volts or one that supports dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices which are designed to work with a lower voltage such as 120 volts and then used in a 230 volt outlet run the risk of damage to your device, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you wish to power a smaller electrical device such as a tablet as these are normally dual voltage and designed for international use, however you should always always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
  • If supplying power to high wattage appliances or generate heat (such as hair dryers or curling irons) then you will need to use a bulkier higher wattage heavy duty power converter which allows it to be used with a 230 volt Grenadines power outlet.
  • It could be more cost effective to purchase a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance than paying for a heavier high wattage power converter to The Grenadines in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read these guides on travelling with clothes irons, curling irons, hair straighteners and blow dryers in The Grenadines , along with recommendations for some affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

What kind of converter do I need for The Grenadines?

If you need to use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance in The Grenadines you will need to buy a step down power converter[3] [AD]

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 Grenadines 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 The Grenadines before plugging that into a Grenadines 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 Grenadines power outlet. [3] [AD]
What is the difference between a power converter and a transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a 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.

What voltage is used in The Grenadines?

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

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
How can you tell if you have a single voltage or dual voltage device?

Single voltage hair straighteners

How can you tell if you have a single voltage or dual voltage device?

The easiest method to tell if your device is dual or single voltage is to check for numbers printed on the charger, or on the device itself, typically on the rear or near to where the power cord goes. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your device, it should also state on the box.

  • Single voltage devices might say a specific number - such as 220V.
  • Single voltage devices could 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 say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - The Grenadines 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. 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..