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Writing your Prescription for Electrical Safety Feb 2011 |
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| EVERY WATT COUNTS | |
If you save only ONE WATT for one whole year.
1 watt x 24 hrs x 365days = 8,760 watts (8.76 kW)
8.76 kW x $.06/kW(avg) = 53˘ /year SAVINGS
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"News You can Use around Your Home". 
My cell phone and I have a very close relationship. The thoughts of leaving it behind on a trip is unthinkable for me. If I am to see the world, my cell phone needs to adapt in order to come along.
This month we give you a few tips to help your favorite electronics pack for their trip to foreign lands.
Terry Carman RME
"Chief of Staff" at the Shock Doctors |
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World Voltages | | |
Staying plugged-in while travelling is tricky business. Different countries provide their own power in different voltages (volts), different frequencies (50 or 60 Hertz), and different outlet shapes. Appliances designed to run on a 110 volt supply quickly fry when plugged into a 240 volt supply.
Out of 214 countries, Canada is among just 39 other countries that use 100-127 volts. All 175 of the others use 220-240 volts; so chances of you visiting a country using different voltage than us is high. The first step to taking the fuss out of transcontinental plug-ins is to familiarize yourself with the following four terms: Plug adaptors, converters, transformers and dual voltage. |
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| Plug Adaptors | |
 | | Plugging-in "Down Under" |
 | | Plugging-in in Israel |
There are at least 13 different plug and outlet types around the world. A plug adaptor simply allows an appliance, a transformer or a converter from one country to "fit" into the wall outlet of another country. It will not change the incoming voltage for you.
Many of these plug adaptors are called "universal" but do not allow you to travel the globe, plugging in as you go, to every country you visit with one of these devices. Often a universal plug adaptor means that no matter what country you are from, you can buy it for use in a specific country. For example, a person from India, Brazil and Canada can all buy the same "universal" adaptor that can be used when visiting England.
There are a few types of universal adaptors developed that have been made to work in a large number of different countries. Click here to see demonstration.
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| Converters | | |
A converter steps up or down a country's supply voltage to match your electrical equipment. Converters should be used only with electric products, NOT electronic products. Electric products are simple heating devices or have mechanical motors. Examples are hair dryers, steam irons, toothbrushes or small fans. Ones designed for travel often have the converters built right in. Converters are not designed for "continuous duty" and should only be used for short periods of time (1 to 2 hours at most). The advantage of converters is that they are lighter and less expensive than transformers. |
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Transformers | | |
Transformers also step up or down the supply voltage to match your electrical equipment. A transformer uses different technology than a converter and is the required technology for electronic products. Examples of electronic products are radios, CD or DVD players, camcorder battery rechargers, computers, cell phones, computer printers and televisions. |
| Dual voltage - is yours? | | |
Many electronics that we travel with are now factory-made to be dual voltage meaning they will work whether the supply is 110V or 240V, and if yours is, then all you need is a plug adapter. Examine the plug on your electronic device to determine if the device is dual voltage. Look for a notation about INPUT voltage. (On a laptop, the input information is sometimes found on the bottom of the laptop and sometimes on the power cord.)
It will appear similar to this: INPUT (^^^^):100V -240V ~ 1.5A (1.5A) 50-60Hz |
If the input info says 100V to 240V, your device is dual voltage. An adaptor is all you will need to plug in to the host country's power.
If your device says 110V but does not mention 240V your device is not dual voltage and you will need an additional power transformer.
In case you forget to check what the local voltage is in the country you're going to: here's a small trick. Just take a look at the glass of an ordinary light bulb or stop at a supermarket and note what is printed on a light bulb packet ! |
| Do you have a question for the Doctor? | |
 If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or would like to investigate a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor: Click and send your question to ask.us@theshockdoctors.ca.
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A panel surge protector is like an armed guard on your incoming power line, instantly stopping incoming surges before they enter your home devastating TV's, computers, air conditioners, stoves & microwaves, washer & dryer sets.
Book your panel surge protector installation (regular $396) before Feb 28th and take $88 off the invoice.
 Collect AIRMILES® reward miles on your electrical work. Make your home safe and reward yourself at the same time!
® TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc.and Progressive Electrical Services ltd. |
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I hope you are planning a trip this year and that you find this month's article helpful.
Yours for less complicated travel,
Cheri 
The Shock Doctors
..... and Happy Ground Hog Day to all! |
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