Oh! Here's a question! ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Sep 24, 2004, 13:20:

not an expert but I believe all your gringo appliances will work fine in Colombia without adaptors.
Cheers,
desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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vicshere says on Sep 24, 2004, 13:25:

spikes
all north American appliances will work fine here in Colombia standard 110-115 plug. here is the problem the electrical spikes are incredible it can range from 110 to 130 volts and this tenders to burn out most electrical appliances rather prematurely but there not much you can do about that live and bear it


listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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caslug says on Sep 24, 2004, 13:26:

YES, US stuff is fine I've brought my electric shaver w/o problems, the plugs are two or three hole like the states.

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Miguel says on Sep 24, 2004, 16:08:

This Question HAS been asked before, Señor You will be okay, but a good idea is to bring a few two to three adapters. I have half a dozen in my luggage for my trip to BAQ in a few days for some electrical regalos I am bringing to la familia de mi novia.

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2retirensa says on Sep 24, 2004, 19:22:

Do surge protectors work for the electrical spikes? Or would transformers keep the elec. at 110-115 when there was a spike?
Maureen

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poco says on Sep 25, 2004, 09:29:

Electrical System The system is the same as the U.S. It is NOT 50 cycles. EVERY kind of applicance is available in Colombia, Oster, Black and Decker, GE, Whirlpool etc. Many Colombian Music, Movie, DVD's will NOT work on a US made player. Not electrical,, codes imbeded for different parts of the world.

The one big difference is ground wires, at least in the smaller cities. I'm sure there are three wire receptacles in the larger cities. Bringing a three wire to two wire adaptor plug might be a good idea.

Not much problem since there are not any grounded pipes in most homes. Most homes in Colombia use PVC piping.

Voltage spikes, power flickers or total loss are MORE common. They sell voltage regulators to reduce damage. Transformers will not work.

Using a wall connected computer with NO ground, regulator and coupled with the voltage spikes will reduce the life but I've done it.

Took a small UPS in my carry on. A cheap UPS (ie: $40-60 USD) could not be found. I also installed a ground rod, ran a separate wire to the computer. It is not important for the UPS to have any more than a few minutes of power. Enough to save and exit.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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2retirensa says on Sep 25, 2004, 10:32:

Poco, I have my terms wrong, sorry. I did not mean transformer, I meant to say surge protectors- would they help with the spike problem? What is an "UPS"? Thanks for your help,
Maueen

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2retirensa says on Sep 25, 2004, 18:41:

Tinto, thanks. I am currently using a lap top, but will add a desk top once there.

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