Hi there,

Will our home appliances- washer, drier etc. work in Canada?
More importantly will my plasma work??

Cheers

In theory, your washing machine could work with a transformer that converted the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.

In theory, your dryer could work with only a plug adapter, since Canadian dryers also operate on 220 volts.

In reality it would be extremely unwise to operate your UK washer and dryer in Canada. Your UK appliances undoubtedly lack Canadian Standards Association (CSA) stamps of approval. If there was a fire in your house, you'd probably discover that you'd voided your insurance policy by operating non-CSA appliances.

Don't know about the plasma (a TV set, I assume).

Generally speaking, aside from the fact that they operate on different voltages (an obstacle that can be overcome with a transformer), Canadian television sets conform with the NTSC convention and British TV sets conform with the PAL convention. However, some multi-region TV sets can pick up signals in both countries.

People here have said that it has been worth bringing a British TV set with them, as it has allowed their kids to play their British games here. But bringing a plasma TV in order to play games on it? Hmmm ... that would be quite the gaming screen wouldn't it?

Short answer - no.
At least not without a transformer. Plus you will be better off selling them off in Blighty and buying these big appliances in Canada - especially the plasma as HD standards are higher.

There is a Wiki article called Compatability of Goods. The section on white goods is not very strong, so I'm going to go in there and beef it up right now.

I was just about to say that the point about insurance was very well made. Then I thought, I'll just change the wiki first ...

Beat you to it However, I'm sure you'll make a better job of it than me.

You didn't beat me to it.

When I went to the article a short while ago, there were headings -- but no text -- for stoves, fridges, washers, and dryers.

I added all the text that's in those sections.

I also beefed up the remarks about small appliances and lamps.

However, I like the fact that you've added introductory remarks about CSA approval, etc., at the beginning of the White Goods section. And, no, I won't do a better job of it than you. Your succinct introductory remarks were perfect.

The new details on WIKI are really helpful. Thank you.

I don't know if anyone has the knowledge to update the sections on stereos and digital radios, but if you do it would really be appreciated.

Thanks all. Will do some more research on the tv...

HD standards are higher ?????

When we were over on a recce we popped into one of The Brick stores on PEI to ask this question.

The sales man in there said as long as the TV is dual voltage (or run it on a convertor) it should work with Sat TV as all the signals from satalites are digital and not analogue so the difference between NTSC and PAL is irrelavant.

Also the TV's we have is HD.

Anyway not sure how true the above is but we will be bringing 2 plasmas as one can be used for DVD's etc and one as a monitor if they don't work as they are dual voltage. Figured better to use them than sell here for a pittance and then replace them.

However I have read somewhere that they need special wooden carrying crates for transport which the packers charge extra for so again if that is true then it might be better to bin / sell them and replace in Canada.

Were not bringing any of the old CRT type TV's they ARE going.

I added a blurb about stereos.

I don't know enough to comment on digital radios.

Wow, that was fast! Thanks very much.

Well

I have a standards converter which converts PAL to SECAM to NTSC and back again. I also have a power transformer that converts the electricity from 120v to 240v.

That said, I wouldn't recommend that anyone brings UK 230v /50Hz appliances here, as Judy in Calgary mentioned they won't be CSA approved and as such are illegal to energize in Canada.