To be perturbed about using a electrical product designed for the USA in the uk?

[NeedsAsockamnesty]

With an adapter?

Is this fear irrational or sensible because I'm confused about it

Depends what product. If it is a camera, computer, or anything else designed to travel it can probably cope with their voltage or ours BUT CHECK. It wiii say 110/240v or similar.

If it cannot you will need a voltage converter. Dixons do a good one with a British plug and an American socket.

Then it is safe.

Depends what it is but you will need a Step Down converter as their voltage is 110 and ours is 220. (it was 240 but it changed).
If you plug something from the USA into the wall with a simple plug adaptor then it will go bang because there is too much power going through it but if you use a step down converter then it will be fine.
I've done that myself before.

I lie, you need STEP UP, not STEP DOWN.
It has to step up from 110 to 220.

FIBS AGAIN. you do need a step down:
QUOTE:
110 to 220: If you live in a 110V country (America), and are traveling to a 220V country, like England, you will need a Step Down Converter to take the voltage from 220 to 110V and ensure safe operation of your device.

Pipbin like I say many of their things are now dual-voltage. Anything that needs a separate mains adapter will be, it's cheaper for manufacturers than making different models.

I have a DVD player bought in Japan (same electrical system as US) which I have been using constantly (with a step-down converter) for eight years, with absolutely no problems.

I would only be wary of something very power-hungry, in case the converter got overloaded - this happened to me when I used a Japanese vacuum cleaner in Australia.

Up, down, who's counting. If it has a British plug and an American socket it's the right one.

(but I have also had lots of other things like computers which either adjust automatically to different voltages or have a little switch at the back)

Dh has some of his work tools he brought over from US with us and has a step down converter so he can use them, they aren't running constantly and have occasional use with no problems so far.
We bought adapters with a fuse in to plug in the computers. Didn't bother bringing any other US electrical stuff with us.

You can't get proper Hitachis here anymore because the power adapters went on fire and blew them to shreds.

I blew two

if it is dual voltage, no worries.
if it isn't, you won't be perturbed for long.

electronics are generally fine, but you'll probably have a problem with things that heat up or are power hungry. I don't dare use my American straighteners over here for example, but cameras, phone, DVD player, iPod dock etc are all fine.

One thing I don't miss about the US is the slowness of their electric kettles, due I suppose to their lower voltage.

A lot of portable appliances are now made dual voltage.

If not then you need a simple adaptor that converts our volts down from 220 to 110. Without it whatever you plug in is likely to blow.

It's similar when you take things to USA. Their voltage isn't enough to power our appliances, which is why you get older hairdryers and straightners that don't reach full speed and temperature.

But with the converter adaptor it is perfectly safe!

It's for a kitchenaid artisan mixer.

You can't get proper Hitachis here anymore because the power adapters went on fire and blew them to shreds

Christ alive I've been using one of these for years without even thinking about it because my shoulders get aches not directly on my vulva oh no no no I haven't

Been using my kitchenaid here for 10 years with a converter, never had a problem. Just remember to turn the converter off at the wall when you're not using.

Oh my goodness I hadn't thought of buying one in the usa and bringing it back! They cost about £100 less over there. Brilliant!

sneepy did you just go into an appliance shop and ask for a USA - uk converter adapter? Or is it a special one

It's a step down converter, I'm ashamed to say DH sorted it when we moved and I've thought no more about it!! The brand is simran, it says input 220v, output 110v. Step down transformer, max 500 watts. So input from the outlet is 220v, it changes that into 110v to power the mixer without blowing it up. I have never had a problem, couldn't be without my kitchenaid!!

Bought a set of hair clippers in the US four years ago and without researching it properly (or at all, in fact!) blithely just brought them home and started using them.... Second usage (not a long session as want trimming my head, let's say :) ) they started smoking.... Seriously do not advise!!

I use an American Kitchenaid too (DH built me a converter) and I have never had a problem. I unplug it when I am not using it.