An electrical primer for Germany and Europe

Introduction

This is a practical guide for travelers and expats living in German-speaking countries related to sources for, and how to adapt to, European 220-volt/dual-voltage home appliances, multi-system televisions (PAL, SECAM, ATSC/NTSC), DVD players, VCRs, stereos, computers, telephones, fax machines, refrigerators, washers and other electrical appliances, power tools, transformers, adapters and converters for international relocation.

If you know what you’re doing, you can use your personal laptop computer in Germany and the rest of Europe without difficulty. This one is hooked up to a hotel Ethernet connection in Germany. PHOTO © Hyde FlippoAlso see > Internet & Modems

If you want to bring any electrical appliances or devices from North America to German Europe, think twice. While rechargeable electronics (laptop computers, cameras, iPods, etc.) usually present few problems, you need to know a lot more about large appliances, TV sets, and anything else that doesn’t run on batteries.

First, the standard household electrical outlet in most of Europe—including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland—packs a wallop of 220-240 volts, twice the standard household voltage in North America. A normal 110/120-volt electrical appliance designed for use in the US, Canada, or Mexico will provide a nice fireworks display, complete with sparks and smoke, if plugged into a European outlet without a voltage converter.

Voltage Converter / Voltage Transformer Use 110/120-volt products in 220/240-volt countries and vice versa www.220-electronics.com

Second, North American and European electrical plugs are like square pegs in round holes—literally. A German plug (ein Stecker) has two round prongs, and a German electrical outlet (eine Steckdose) has, quite logically, two round holes for a receptacle.

If you absolutely must have those US appliances or devices, it can be done, but you need to be aware of the problems involved, as well as the pros and cons of various solutions.

Plug Adapters versus Voltage Converters

While it is easy to buy plug adapters that convert the North American-style flat pronged plugs to European round Schukoones, this only solves half the problem. It doesn’t help with the voltage disparity. Also, keep in mind that there are at least six different models of European plugs, and — just to keep things interesting — even the more-or-less-standard round pronged plugs come in fat-pronged and skinny-pronged versions!

A plug or other electrical product approved for use in Germany, has a “DVE” marking (“ÖVE” in Austria, “+S” in Switzerland) on the item or on the accompanying literature. This is the Germanic equivalent of the “UL” symbol in the US. (Most adapters sold in the US will not have the European markings, since they are intended for use in more than one European country. This does not mean they are unsafe.) Often in Europe, because of the many electrical variations, appliances are sold without any electrical cord or plug. You sometimes have to buy that separately.

Most modern German electrical outlets (sockets) are recessed into the wall. Avoid those small voltage converters that have European prongs extending directly from the converter, and thus will not work in a recessed outlet without an additional adapter plug tacked on.

If your computer, shaver, video camera, iron, or what-have-you is a multi-voltage model (and most newer ones are), all you’ll need for Europe are plug adapters. If not, you’ll also need to buy a voltage transformer or converter.

Two Different Types of Voltage Converters

There are basically two kinds of voltage converters. One is for low wattage devices, such as shavers or radios that use less than about 50 watts. Bigger items that use more current — TV sets, irons, refrigerators, etc. — require a more heavy-duty (and heavier) voltage converter. Since these transformers can also weigh a lot and are expensive, it may be wiser to simply buy or rent German appliances that are already able to digest the higher voltages, or buy a transformer in Germany. But, believe it or not, you may save money by buying European-design appliances in the US. The savings over purchasing in Germany can be as much as 50 percent. (See sources listed below.) Of course, don’t forget to add in any possible shipping costs or customs duties as part of the total price.

Batteries and Akkus

Anything that runs on battery power will not be a problem (unless it’s a TV set). But if you need to plug it in for recharging, make sure that the charger can be set for 220-240 volts. The chargers that come with or are built into most modern video cameras, shavers, and other electronic devices are designed to sense the voltage automatically. (But read the user’s manual or labels carefully first!) Most standard US batteries are also readily available in Europe, but you may want to bring along a backup if you have an unusual type. A rechargeable battery, such as those used in laptop computers or video cameras, is called anAkkumulator in German, usually shortened to der Akku.

Battery Disposal: In Germany, you are discouraged from simply throwing batteries away in the normal trash. Most German communities have special containers and strict requirements for the disposal of various kinds of waste — glass, metal, chemicals, biodegradables, etc. Europe has also been a leader in mandating lower amounts of dangerous mercury in batteries. In some EU countries, including Germany, laws require that batteries be returned to retail outlets for proper disposal.

Television (Fernsehen) - Video - DVD

Television adds a few complications not present for other devices. Adapting a television set, DVD player, or video recorder requires more than just a voltage converter. A North American (NTSC) TV set or video player will not function in the PAL mode used in most of Europe. For longer stays in German-speaking Europe you may want to purchase a multi-system television set that can display both American NTSC and German PAL standard TV pictures. Multi-system DVD players/VCRs that can play both American and German DVD/video are also available. People with extensive collections of NTSC DVDs or videos can simply use a step-down transformer for their US equipment, but this won’t allow the viewing of German television or videos. For that you’ll still need a German television set and/or a German video player/recorder (or a multi-norm system).