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Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Old Mar 12th 2013, 3:03 pm
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Default Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Hi. Moving out to the States in July for 3 years and I can't seem to find a definitive list of electrical items that will work in the US. I would like to know whether it is worth taking any electrical stuff out or not? Can anyone help me?
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 3:08 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Unless items are dual voltage...we generally say leave it behind and buy new. Electronics tend to be cheaper here.
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 3:18 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Many devices like laptops have AC Adapters that are designed to be used around the world - check the label and you may find it says "Input 100-240v 50-60Hz" - then all you need to concern yourself with is a plug adapter. If it's a product you haven't purchased yet check the specification section of the manual - it should state the input voltage. The manual is usually available on the manufacturer's support website in pdf format.
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 4:17 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Large items are generally more trouble than they're worth to bring, and/or have more issues than simply the voltage e.g. motors don't run properly on 60Hz mains, digital tuners/ radios have the wrong channel spacing, DVDs/ TVs are incompatible etc.
Smaller items can be made to work, e.g. toasters, irons, hair curlers, but buying a transformer will likely cost as much or more than buying a replacement.
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 4:39 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

I use a transformer with things like the kitchen aid because I didn't want to replace it. We also use one on the British games systems but we make sure we only turn it on when we need it. We didn't want to buy all the games again in the US format.
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 5:47 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

My hair straighteners wouldnt get hot enough - not sure if this helps you
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Old Mar 12th 2013, 11:25 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

As Matty said, check the plug. A lot of things will work.

Thing is, if you're paying for shipping, you're better off selling and buying new. If someone else is paying for shipping, it's worth a punt.

Stuff like TV's and stereo's still aren't worth bringing over though.
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 1:11 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

If its a laptop, or any other dual voltage item like a PS3 (for instance) and has a removable power lead (normally with a 2 or 3 pin end) then you can just get a new power lead with a US outlet plug on the end of it for a few dollars:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimte...=us+power+lead

http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-PS...=us+power+lead

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Standard-...us+power+cable

Adapters are generally fine on those USB style power supplies used for charging phones, etc, but you might notice they take longer to charge.

Motorised stuff is generally a no-no - I brought some hair clippers over and tried using them with an adapter and they only worked at half speed.

As others have said, for TV's/Hi-fi its just not worth it, and much more fun buying new stuff anyway!
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 5:45 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Matty wrote "check the label", not check the plug. Plugs can be deceptive.

Regards, JEff


Originally Posted by Bob
As Matty said, check the plug.
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 6:15 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Originally Posted by jeffreyhy
Matty wrote "check the label", not check the plug. Plugs can be deceptive. ....
At least moving west across the pond, the worst that can happen if the plug fits but the appliance doesn't like the voltage is "disappointment" when it doesn't get hot enough and/or isn't quick enough, or just plain does not work. Moving the opposite direction with your appliances can be a whole lot more exciting if the plug can be made to fit!
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 7:23 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Depends who is paying for the shipping! I regret not bringing across more stuff. The label on the item gives the voltage. If its just 240V you're out of luck. If it has a range like say 100-240V (sometimes 110V) it will work.
I brought over an iMac and some music equipment.
If you're paying for the shipping yourself unless its an expensive/rare item if consider replacing it here. If your company is paying for shipping I'd bring what I could over.
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 7:23 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Originally Posted by Pulaski
At least moving west across the pond, the worst that can happen if the plug fits but the appliance doesn't like the voltage is "disappointment" when it doesn't get hot enough and/or isn't quick enough, or just plain does not work. Moving the opposite direction with your appliances can be a whole lot more exciting if the plug can be made to fit!
Even US bought travel/dual voltage appliances can fry when plugged into 240V. Happened to me with several hair dryers, hair straighteners etc.
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 9:34 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

I still have vivid memories of plugging a bug zapper into a conveniently located, perfectly normal looking outlet, located next to my swimming pool pump. Sears actually let me return it when I told them it must have been defective.

Regards, JEff


Originally Posted by Pulaski
Moving the opposite direction with your appliances can be a whole lot more exciting if the plug can be made to fit!
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Old Mar 13th 2013, 10:36 pm
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Originally Posted by jeffreyhy
I still have vivid memories of plugging a bug zapper into a conveniently located, perfectly normal looking outlet, located next to my swimming pool pump. Sears actually let me return it when I told them it must have been defective.

Regards, JEff
It could have dealt with any size of insect, briefly.
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Old Mar 14th 2013, 7:49 am
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Default Re: Do any UK electrical items work in the USA?

Also worth noting that some home insurance policies do not cover the use of the transformers necessary to make 220v work in a 110v environment.

How about making a list of all the things you want to bring and we can give you a line-by-line advice of what would be worth it and what you should leave?
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