Originally Posted by james.mc

Couldn't agree more with rivingtonpike. Bring the lot!
You'll save a mint on replacing everything as soon as you arrive and will have most of it running in short order for little outlay. aka the cost of a few transformers.

We now have a couple of step up/down transformers. One 2000W for the kitchen (food mixers/processors, Nespresso coffee machine etc) and a 3000w for my workshop, drills, jig saw, wood plane, grinder etc.. Some smaller ones will no doubt follow for different areas in the house.

A lot of power supplies (with integrated plug pins) for smaller items.. house phones, shaver/phone/camera chargers etc will run on 100-240VAC 50/60Hz. (should be printed on the power supply as a rule) so bring them too along with a few 4 Gang extension units with UK 3 pin sockets. Cut the UK plug off the lead, stick a North American plug on, plug it into the wall, plug your UK three pin small power supplies (that'll work on 110VAC) in and you are good to go!

As per rivingtonpike... we'll run our stuff until it dies and gradually then replace with North American 110VAC kit as needed. Modern UK digital TV's might not tune into any Canadian terrestrial channels (not missing much there anyway) but will plug in and run (via SCART for example) a Shaw digital Cable TV box the same way you would use a SKY box.

Originally Posted by chiefmissile

James,

Would you even recommend taking Washing Machine, Fridge Freezer, ours are only 18 months old, if we can use them in Canada we will take them?

Originally Posted by JAJ

You can't use them. Unless you want a pile of expensive junk (that will cost money to dispose of in Canada), sell or donate them in your locality.

Originally Posted by dg31

Laptops etc. are fine with adapters. I really don't know how you'd go about with bringing something like one of those 4-way plugs and just plugging it into a wall socket with a North American Adapter though; that might have some voltage issues.

Originally Posted by VicE

In Canada washing machines have a much bigger drum. Also they are all HE washing machines, which require the he washing powder. Be worth selling UK washer for a nice big washing machines that is also engergy efficient.

As for UK electronics we would have been worried bringing ours over if they would produce a fire using a travel plugs. I am sure if you spoke to an electrician out here he might be horrified at people using travel plugs on high output items like TV and DVD players. Not so much laptops or hair straightners.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by siouxie

You wouldn't use a travel plug, you would use a step-down transformer.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Compatability_of_Goods

You don't need a specific type of washing powder to use the washing machines in Canada, they are no different in that respect to the UK - though you may choose to use a powder or liquid or a specific cold water detergent.

Originally Posted by VicE

In Canada washing machines have a much bigger drum. Also they are all HE washing machines, which require the he washing powder. Be worth selling UK washer for a nice big washing machines that is also engergy efficient.

As for UK electronics we would have been worried bringing ours over if they would produce a fire using a travel plugs. I am sure if you spoke to an electrician out here he might be horrified at people using travel plugs on high output items like TV and DVD players. Not so much laptops or hair straightners.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by siouxie

You wouldn't use a travel plug, you would use a step-down transformer.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Compatability_of_Goods

You don't need a specific type of washing powder to use the washing machines in Canada, they are no different in that respect to the UK - though you may choose to use a powder or liquid or a specific cold water detergent.

Originally Posted by rivingtonpike

Our washing machine is just a primative version of the one we left in the UK. No special washing powder/liquid required. No reason to use travel plugs. Unless you're not staying, just do what has already been suggested and cut off the UK plug and replace with a North American one.

Where's the risk in that????

Originally Posted by VicE

Washing machines that state he on them in Canada do have to use the low sudsing liquiard or powder (he) for the for he washing machines.

Originally Posted by JAJ

You can't use them. Unless you want a pile of expensive junk (that will cost money to dispose of in Canada), sell or donate them in your locality.

Originally Posted by Oakvillian

I'd say "you can't use them" is putting it a bit strongly. You could if you really wanted to, with the appropriate step-up transformer. But there'd be little point in bringing them. They'd be more expensive to run (because the transformer is less than 100% efficient) and impossible to resell (due to lack of certification), and the compressor motor in the fridge/freezer would likely wear out quicker due to running 20% over-speed on 60Hz electricity (not such an issue with a washing machine which typically has a variable-speed motor anyway).

As others have said, you'd be better off with a locally-sourced fridge and washer. They're bigger, and designed for 120V/60Hz supplies.

Originally Posted by Oakvillian

As others have said, you'd be better off with a locally-sourced fridge and washer. They're bigger, and designed for 120V/60Hz supplies.