Should I use a voltage converter or a transformer to operate a small US battery charger for my digital camera?

Question

I would like to bring my US compatible battery charger to Paris. I have read that electronic devices require a transformer instead of the less expensive converter. A converter allegedly does not create a sine wave alternating current, but a chopped up approximation of a sine wave. Electronic devices require the sine wave. Is the battery charger "electronic". Anybody actually try this to know the results? Thanks in advance for any advice anyone offers.

Answer 1

In France, we use 240V, 50Hz, in the US 110V, 60Hz.  All you wanna check on any device you would like to bring along is that is accepts 240V.

If it does, no need to get a converter.

Nevertheless, all you will need to buy is a plug adapter as our plugs are different.

Check this website for more info:  http://kropla.com/electric.htm

In France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, we use C-type plugs.

In Italy, L-type.

UK, G-type.

Enjoy your vacation.

PS  Hair dryers wont work at all.......usualy these devices only accept 110V!!

Answer 2

Check the input voltage of your battery charger. Most of the modern ones will work happily with any voltage between 100 and 250. In which case you will be OK, although you will of course need an adapter for the plug.

Otherwise, by far the cheapest solution would be to simply buy a battery charger in Paris. That will cost you only a few euros -  much lighter and cheaper than a transformer or converter.

Answer 3

If possible, purchase a mutli-converter. I'd even buy it when your there.

I lost a battery charger because I just had the one piece that fit into the wall, not the transistor which converts the watts.

If you want to know more, I'll look at mine at home and tell you where to get one. Plus, it's just one piece and it's lighter to travel with.

Answer 4

Solid-state converters are limited to use with non-electric heating appliances, where transformer-based converters are limited by their voltage and wattage ratings.

Transformer-based converters are usually moderate to low wattage and can be used with a variety of electrical and electronic devices, from desktop calculators to low-wattage audio/video devices. They are particularly used with portable equipment such as camcorders, portable CD players, and electric shavers.

While solid-state converters often have a much higher wattage rating (up to 1600 watts), they are limited to use with non-electronic heating appliances, such as hair dryers, coffee makers, hot plates, electric blankets, heating pads and incandescent lights, so long as the appliance does not have digital timing or temperature controls or have an automatic on/off feature.