The voltages and plugs in the United States and Grenada are different. This document will explain the differences in the power, and also explain the differences between adapters, converters, and transformers. You need to understand this before you try to hook anything up, because if you don't you will probably fry whatever it is you're trying to use.

Let's start with the electricity: United States voltage 110V, Grenada voltage 220 V. As you can see, the voltage here is twice what it is in the United States. A 110-volt fan, stereo, computer, or what-have-you will be very unhappy if you try to run it on 220 volts. Fan motors melt. Stereos stop working.

Adapters simply have a plug that fits in the wall here at one end, and an American style outlet that you can plug American electronics into at the other. These are dangerous because it makes it easy to plug 110-volt appliances into 220 volts. As a general rule, STAY AWAY FROM ADAPTERS. There are two ways to make 110volt electronics run in Grenada:

1. Converters Converters are electronic devices very~much like a light dirurner. They work by "chopping" the electricity, only allowing current to flow part Of the time. If the box can fit in the palm of our hand and is rated between 1000 and 2000 watts, it's a converter. Converters are OK to use only on what are called "resistive loads," which is a fancy way of saying stuff that gets hot-hot plates,toasters, light bulbs, that sort of thing. Most electronic equipment will run for awhile on a converter but may be damaged when used with a converter. The reasons are complicated and will be explained in further detail later. Heating type appliances work well with the "Foreign Travel Voltage Converter" from Radio Shack.

2. Transformers Transformers actually take 220 volts and step it down to nice, clean 110-volt power. Generally, for all electronic equipment, this is the way to go. EVERYTHING WILL WORK OFF A TRANSFORMER. If you're going to use anything electronic, you need a transformer. Now the question comes down to "what size" and "how many." It is a good idea to check the number of watts on the electronics that you plan to bring. Add up the number of watts and this number will tell you what size transformer to buy. Keep in mind that irons and hair dryers take up a large amount of wattage. Both of these items are available at most stores in the US in a dual voltage, which cuts down on the size of transformer you need. Some peole choose to buy two transformers, while others choose to buy one large transformer and bring several extension cords. Transformers are readily available in Grenada, most students buy them once they arrive.

The size of the transformer is how much electricity, measured in watts the transformer can safely supply. It will be clearly printed on the transformer. As long as the total load is less than what the transformer is rated, the transformer will run okay. If you exceed the transformer's rating, it will overheat? and may burn out.So how do you figure out how much you need? Generally, if a hot plate or other cooking device is going to be used, get a transformer with the same wattage rating or larger than the hot plate. Since this is the largest load, and won't be on all the time, when it is off you'll have plenty of capacity to run everything else in your room. If you are going to run a lot of stuff at the same time-like a stereo, lights, a computer etc., you will have to look at the data plate on each device to figure out how much of a load there is. Most AC adapters for stereos are under 25 watts. AC adapter for most computers are about 100 watts. Figure about 350 watts for the average desktop computer. (Doesn't a desktop computer with a 250-watt supply use 250 watts? NO!

There are conversion losses and power factor losses). Figure 350 watts for a 250 watt computer and you'll be safe.If this sound too complicated, here's a general guideline that will work for most people. If you are not planning to cook, use a desktop computer, or use a hair dryer, then generally a 250-watt transformer is sufficient. If you are not planning to cook, but use a desktop computer, then a 400-500 watt transformer will generally work. If you are planning to cook or use a hair dryer, you need a transformer rated the same or larger than whatever you are going to use to cook or dry your hair with. If you hair dryer is rated 1500 watts, then you will need at least a 1500 watt transformer.

Back to Welcome Guide Main Page