This might have been discussed before, if so appologies.
Can you use electrical goods bought in Britain, in Canada? Just change the plugs? I don't think there is a problem with computers as there are switchs for the 110/240 at the back. But what about other stuff? DVD players? Sewing machine? All my kitchen gadgets? And is it worth taking them or should I start again? I believe TV's are different because of the "lines"? What did others do or what do you recommend?
Thanks.
Kath

You'll find all the answers you're looking for and more by using the 'search' button in between 'today's posts' and 'shortcuts' above and sticking in a keyword like electricals. It'll bring up all the previous posts etc...

We've opted for the 'start-from-scratch' approach with pretty much everything. We've sold electricals second hand and got a decent bit of cash for some more when we arrive.

IMHO UK stuff is of better quality. Some on this forum have brought all electricals and just run them off adaptor plugs and transformers. I brought my sewing machine and a few other bits and pieces - I bought a transformer online for the machine and it works fine.

It has, heres a handy link with the differences, only its based on going from the US to the UK, but the principals are the same Not that easy, for some things maybe, but most need to be fed through a step up transformer, and some wont work quite right cos the frequency (Hz) is different here (AC powered clocks, things with syncronised AC motors (which will run slower) and microwave ovens which might not work at all spring to mind) Correct, but you will need a new power cord or a converter If its multi format & multi region it will be OK(with a transformer), but you can buy a new one for $70 that will play UK and Local region disks and output in either UK or NAmerican TV standards if you get the right model Microwave will probably not work due to power frequency differences, and you would need transformers for other stuff, might be a pain in the long run, but would be OK in the short term. Food mixers/ processors will run at a different to normal speed, but will sort of work. Make sure any transformer you buy has more than enough power output (Watts) to exceed the stated appliance requirements

Fridges, Stoves, Freezers, Washers etc i would sell and replace here due to the motor speed thing or large power requirements needing huge (expensive) transformers Its a format thing, NTSC vs PAL, number of lines is just the beginning, there is tuning too to think about too.(and that goes especially for digital tuning on radios...its different frequency steps and ranges here) Many modern UK TVs will accept an NTSC input from say a satelite box or DVD or game player. On the other hand very few TVs over here will accept a PAL input from say your old DVD player or playstation.

If you have high quality, high end goods, and cant sell them for a good price, I would bring them with you if you are bringing a container and shipping costs will not be an issue, otherwise I would get what you can for them and start fresh over here. Thats half the fun of emmigrating anyway I suspect