[sterofthemasteool]

I have never taken an electrical appliance to Thailand. I have read on other forums where people have written about taking a power converter with them. However, most of these individuals are from Europe or Australia. We in the States need power converters when we go to Europe, so I wonder what the power supply is in Thailand. Is the power supply AC or DC and what is the voltage? If I need to convert from 120 volts AC, what would be a good converter to purchase and where?

[Phywhewashect]

visionchaser45:

If you do not use a converter (or if your appliance does not have a built-in converter) you will instantly burn out your appliance if you plug it into Thai outlets. Better hotels have both systems and/or converters for use in the hotel. Check your appliance; it may say that it operates on 110~240 volts, meaning no converter is needed for either US or Thai use.

You can get converters at any travel store, maybe even Target. To shop online, just Froogle "tourist OR travel electrical power converters". Or...click here .

[sterofthemasteool]

Thanks Brad,

By your reply I can assume that I will be converting 240 volts AC to 120 volts AC, correct? Having a converter is great, but it is also a good idea to know what conversion is being made. I want to take my laptop with me and will be plugging into God knows what. I will be in a small village north of Kalasin. I have been there before, but never brought any electronics of my own.

[Plonnikas]

It is AC. I think you will find a lot of laptops are 110-240. Have you looked? We had a laptop here once from the USA and we didn't need a converter.

[WaydayTew]

Try this site:
World Electric Power Guide
http://kropla.com/electric.htm
They cover what you need to look for on your computer.
and the link to the countries list for Thailand specifics: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Hope it is of help

[Anteneprorid]

Quote[/b] (visionchaser45 @ Jan. 08 2005,21:01)]Thanks Brad,

By your reply I can assume that I will be converting 240 volts AC to 120 volts AC, correct? Having a converter is great, but it is also a good idea to know what conversion is being made. I want to take my laptop with me and will be plugging into God knows what. I will be in a small village north of Kalasin. I have been there before, but never brought any electronics of my own.

Check your charger. If it says 110-240V, you are safe. The plug for USA is the same as Thailand, but the output is 240V. For any electrical equipment that take only 110V, make sure you buy a 240V-to-110V converter (240V in & 110 V out)

[Liskaspexia]

I use an American laptop in Thailand and no transformer is necessary. The laptop's own adapter is made to handle an input range of 100-240VAC, and operates on both 50 and 60 cycles (Hz). Thailand, like most of Europe, works on 220VAC at 50 cycles, while the US has 110VAC at 60Hz.

On the other hand, my American keyboard (which also has an adapter) needs a step-down converter, because it is working only on 110VAC.

A few things to keep in mind when buying one are:
-maximum current the intended appliance can handle (in Amper/milliamper)
-maximum wattage (most limiting)
-length of continuous use.

The last two will dictate what capacity your converter needs to be. For instance, a converter designed to operate an electric razor is a fire- and electric hazard when used with a computer. My heavy-duty keyboard adapter turns pretty hot after about one hour of use.

A couple more things: Switching off the appliance doesn't turn the transformer off! Since current is still flowing through, it still generates heat in the unit. I always plug mine out after use. Also, do not use a socket multiplier with the converter.

These things can be pretty heavy compared to their size, so if you stop over at a major city, you don't even need to carry the trafo with you - just get one over here.

Good luck.

[sterofthemasteool]

Thanks to all for the helpful advise. Looking at my Dell AC adapter, I now see that I can input 100-240 volts AC ranging from 50-60Hz. I guess I'll be okay.

[Anteneprorid]

Quote[/b] (visionchaser45 @ Jan. 09 2005,02:40)]Thanks to all for the helpful advise. Looking at my Dell AC adapter, I now see that I can input 100-240 volts AC ranging from 50-60Hz. I guess I'll be okay.

You will be OK. I have used Dell in Thailand so don't worry.

Seeker, may I know why you need to use another external keyboard that needs an adaptor? I thought plugging it into a PS2/USB port of the laptop should be enough?

[Liskaspexia]

Thanchart, sorry for the misunderstanding; I meant the musical instrument.

[Anteneprorid]

Quote[/b] (Seeker @ Jan. 09 2005,14:58)]Thanchart, sorry for the misunderstanding; I meant the musical instrument.

Haha, silly me. Of course - Keyboard, as in musical keyboard.