International Moving – Electronics and Appliances

Special care is called for in deciding which, if any, household appliances and electronic equipment to take with you. If you are purchasing new appliances, be sure that they carry international warranties, so that they can be serviced anywhere in the world. If you plan to take your existing appliances and electronic equipment, check their warranties for limitations. Find out if the manufacturers of your existing equipment have an international division, and whether servicing and parts are available in your destination country. Take schematic drawings with you, which will facilitate any necessary repair work.

Shipping and customs considerations

Some employers place restrictions on the size of household shipments, either by weight or volume, which may exclude certain larger items. Before deciding whether or not to include appliances and electronic equipment in your household shipment, it is advisable to check with your employer concerning any such restrictions, and whether they will apply in your circumstances.

Understanding electrical terms

It is helpful to be aware of a number of electrical terms in determining whether commonplace devices powered by electricity will function properly in a country other than the one in which they were manufactured and purchased. Voltage, a measurement of the strength of electric current, is the most important factor in the operation of an appliance. A device meant to run at 110-120 would be severely damaged if connected to a 220-240 outlet. Cycle, also referred to as hertz, indicates frequency of a process called oscillation that produces alternating current. It affects the accuracy of appliances such as clocks, record players, and others that have an internal timing mechanism. If wired for 60 cycles, they will run more slowly at 50 cycles. Electric current can be either alternating or direct. Alternating current, which is more efficient and reliable than direct current, is the norm in developed countries. However, in some countries, both types may be in use.

Some appliances can be adapted to work on different currents than they were designed for by using a transformer. The appliance is connected to a transformer that adjusts the voltage and is plugged into an outlet. Transformers work only on alternating current and do not affect the cycle. They are rated according to the amount of watts or wattage, another measure of current strength that they can accommodate. A transformer should never be connected to an appliance requiring a greater wattage than it is rated for and, except for the smallest appliances, should always be grounded. Some examples of adaptable appliances are coffee makers, toasters, blenders, mixers, most stereos and computers, and cordless telephones. Appliances that do not adapt successfully include refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, air conditioners, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and electric clocks. Sometimes wattage is expressed in amps or amperes, which is a larger unit of electrical measurement. The mathematical relationship between watts and amps is simple. Multiply the number of amps by the voltage to get the wattage. Thus, an appliance marked 2 amps that is intended to operate at 110 volts has a wattage of 220.

Light bulbs designed for one voltage system generally do not work well in another. In addition, some countries use bulbs that screw into the socket, while others may use a “push- and-twist” locking mechanism referred to as “bayonets”.

Multi-system appliances and electronics

Electric current varies from country to country. For example, the European standard is 220- 240 volt, 50-cycle, while North America uses a 110-120 volt, 60-cycle system.

Some appliances are made to operate on either 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts and are referred to as “multi-system”. Smaller devices such as hair dryers, VCRs, and clock radios can be constructed with a switch that enables them to be operated on either current. There are also multi-system television sets, but they also must be adaptable to different scanning standards in order to avoid distorted reception. Other more powerful appliances, such as microwave ovens and vacuum cleaners, cannot be made multi-system.

Plug configuration

Another complication of taking your appliances with you is that the configuration of plugs used for appliances may be different in your destination country. You may encounter any of the following: two-flat prongs or pins, with or without an additional round one, two- or three- round prongs, or three-square prongs. In some countries it is common practice to find appliances with plugs already attached, in others you must buy a plug separately and learn how to do the wiring yourself. A discrepancy usually can be overcome with adapter plugs, but if you are unsure whether this will be successful, it may be helpful to have an electrician do the installation to be certain it is done correctly.

Appliance sizes

Appliance size is another important consideration. For example, North American-style refrigerators and stoves often do not fit easily into the smaller kitchens that are common in Europe and other parts of the world. In addition, the transformers required for such heavy- duty equipment can be unusually large. Should repair be required, parts may be difficult to obtain overseas.

What should I do?

For additional information on the various options that are available to you and your family please contact us by clicking the logo at the top of the page, by email, or phone.

Phone: 1-866-220-VOLT (within the U.S. and Canada)

Phone: 212-685-4065 (outside the U.S.)