Do I need a power converter for Madagascar?

What does a power converter for a Malagasy power outlet do?

A power converter for Madagascar will allow travellers to use their 220, 230 or 240 volt electric device with a 127 volt Malagasy 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?

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet to work with a non-127 volt device, but a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet in Madagascar. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Madagascar?

When you are travelling to Madagascar from another country check the device will accept a 127 volt power supply.

  • You need a step up power converter if you are visiting Madagascar from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your appliance isn't compatible with 127 volts. Read our list of world power outlets page to find out which voltage is used in your country.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you already own either a single voltage appliance that works with 127 volts or one that is dual voltage.
  • Typically, devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (such as 230 volts) and then used in a 127 volt power outlet sometimes take longer to charge or simply won't power up. If your device slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are travelling to Madagascar from another country please check that it can be used with a 127 volt power outlet or you will need a step up power converter.
  • You shouldn't need a power converter if you need to power a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone as these are normally dual voltage and designed for international use, but you should always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • When supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (such as hair dryers or curling irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter which allows it to be used with a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet.
  • Buying a robust lightweight dual voltage travel appliance should be more practical and cost effective than trying to carry a heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read these travel guides on how to use clothes irons, curling wands, blow dryers and flat irons in Malagasy power outlets , along with guides for affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [4] [5] [AD]

What converter do I need for Madagascar?

In order to use any 220-240 volt appliance in a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet you will need to buy a step up power converter[4] [AD]

How to convert 127 volts to 220 volts

  1. Use a step up power converter to allow you to use 220, 230 and 240 volt appliances with a 127 volt Malagasy 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 Madagascar before plugging that into a Malagasy 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 a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet. [4] [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 Madagascar?

Madagascar uses 127 volts in their normal power outlets. [2]

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

Dual voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if I have a dual voltage or single voltage appliance?

The best way to tell if a appliance is either dual or single voltage is to look for numbers printed on the supplied power adapter or on the appliance itself, normally on the rear or near to where the power cord sits. The location might depend on the make or model of your unit, it should also state on the box.

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

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Madagascar.
  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..