Current Coverter

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Hi

Did anyone bring a current converter into Malaysia before? Most of the appliances in the US use 220 voltage and M;sia is 110. In order to make the appliances work, a step down is necessary. I was told the converter is fire risky.  Anyone out there know anything about the converter?

Please post your experience if you have them.

Thanks,

Gin

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Hi Gin

You got it the otherway round. Malaysia uses 240volts except for Penang which is 230v, USA is 110/120 V.

Check this .. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_with_mains_power_plugs,_voltages_and_frequencies

United States of America    A, B    120 V    60 Hz    Standardized at 120 V. Electricity suppliers aim to keep most customers supplied between 114 and 126 V most of the time. 240 V/60 Hz used for heavy duty applications such as air conditioners, clothes dryers, stoves, ovens, and water heaters. Buildings with more than two branch circuits will have both 120 and 240 V available. Type B outlets are now required by code in new construction and renovation. A T-slot Type B is rated for 20 Amperes for use in kitchens or other areas using large 120 V appliances.

Malaysia    G (but M for air conditioners and clothes dryers)    240 V    50 Hz    The official mains power voltage is AC 230 V with the tolerance of +10%,-6%.[8] However, the supplied voltage remains at 240 V (except Penang at 230 V), as the supplied voltage is within the allowed tolerance. Type C plugs are very common with audio/video equipment. Plugged into Type G outlets using widely-available adapters or forced in by pushing down the shutter. The latter is widely practised, although hazardous.

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Hi Rag

Thanks for your verification. I have no acknowledge about electricity, just know that the appliances in the US are not compatible with Msia. 

I guess, it is not advisabe to bring in the converter.


Gin

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Gin,
Just be careful you don't plug an American voltage appliance into a local (or most of the rest of the world) power outlet. It will instantly 'blow' and become useless.
The other way round and the appliance will not have enough power to operate!

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I wouldn't recommend it. It's not only the voltage but the ampage as well. Many things will run but they will be running at the wrong speed. Also those step down units become very hot after long useage.
Cheers

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When we moved from USA to EU, we brought along some electrical stuff (stereos, small kitchen appliances etc) and we had bought some converters in the US to go from 220 to 110. The converters shorted out in no time, taking whatever was plugged in with them. So be careful. We had the power thingy in the stereo replaced with the ones from the EU model, but the rest of the stuff was reduced to slag.

Most of your computing stuff will work, they have a switchable power block. However check your chargers for batteries of phones etc. you might have to source one here in Malaysia.

What you should do, if you bring in computer equipment, is get a powerstrip in the USA. That way you only have to change one plug.

Stephan