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haopengyou
Joined: 02 Mar 2009
Posts: 197
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 Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject: Voltage in KSA |
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| I have googled this question and get 110/220 as an answer. Does this mean that parts of it are 110 and parts of it are 220? I will be living in Jeddah. |
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Cleopatra
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 3657
Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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| Does this mean that parts of it are 110 and parts of it are 220? |
If by 'places' you mean individual power points, then yes!
Voltage can be a confusing (not to mention dangerous and expensive) affair in KSA. In my experience (Riyadh) most power outlets are 110v, but some are 220v, especially in kitchens. What this means is that you can have a 220v outlet right next to a 110v outlet, and they look exactly the same. As I've said before, it's a rite of passage in KSA to explode at least one electric item - hopefully not an expensive one!
To make matters even more fun, there is a bewildering range of plug and socket formats (though European style 2 flat prongs is the most common). You'll soon accumulate a drawer full of plug adaptors/convertors/extension leads. Oh, and despite the fact that 110v is the default in most buildings, almost all the electronic equipment on sale is for 220v. I've also heard that 110v is the more common voltage because in the early days of the Kingdom's development, the national grid was not able to handle 220v, and that newer buildings are now being wired for 220v. Hopefully. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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I do believe that the European style is two round prongs. The American is two flat prongs. Fortunately adapters are usually readily available, but an investment in a voltage measurement device (what DO they call them... I even have one...) is worthwhile.
I wonder if the story about the early grid is one of those urban legends. I say that because in the US, all voltage from the wall is 110... BUT... the power in those lines over your head leading up to your house are all 220 and it is stepped down to 110 through the electric box in our houses. Many people don't realize that their clothes dryer is actually running on 220 and it must be wired to a separate fuse. (110 dryers are rare and take FOREVER to dry anything!!)
I suspect that the 110 is around because it was US companies that set up the original grid... and like driving on the right side of the road... they set up the grid they were used to and matched their equipment.
VS |
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Stephen Jones
Joined: 21 Feb 2003
Posts: 4124
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| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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Much is 110 volts because the Americans built the places. Bechtel designed the whole of Yanbu and Jubail Industrial Cities for example.
You need to buy a voltometer. They're only a few riyals.
There is a standard that is followed in new buildings for plugs and sockets that makes them easy to distinguish.
One piece of advice is not to use extension cords or adaptors for heavy wattage items, like kettles, radios or microwaves. Change the actual plug, or you may set the place on fire. |
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Cleopatra
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 3657
Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| You need to buy a voltometer. They're only a few riyals. |
You could also get an extension cord which has a little indicator saying what voltage they've been connected to. Seeing as you are going to have to buy plenty of extension cords!
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| One piece of advice is not to use extension cords or adaptors for heavy wattage items, like kettles, radios or microwaves. Change the actual plug, or you may set the place on fire. |
Indeed - another rite of passage is getting that scary smell of burning rubber, and spotting your extension cord on fire! Happened to me a few months ago, but luckily I was in time to save my computer and humidifer. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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And who hasn't had the joy of the scent of burning electronics... which I managed on two occasions after forgetting to switch dual voltage things over to 220 when I was all jet lagged.
The first time was my very first plugging in of a radio within an hour of arriving from the airport... on my very first night in the Middle East...
sigh...
VS |
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Mia Xanthi
Joined: 13 Mar 2008
Posts: 955
Location: why is my heart still in the Middle East while the rest of me isn't?
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| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:01 pm Post subject: |
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Burned up a couple of eletronic items myself...good times....good times...  |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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| Where I am, there is both 110 and 220. The fittings are different so there bis less likelhood of frying your electronics. |
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I Rub Ruchi
Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:14 am Post subject: |
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In Riyadh it seems to be mostly 110 outlets, but appliances sold are mostly 220.
You might want to ask your school about where you will be living to get the correct information. |
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Van Gogh
Joined: 12 Oct 2008
Posts: 71
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| Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:46 am Post subject: Plugs & Adapter |
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| As I recall, two flat vertical pins and one round one. Yet another useful piece of info that 'Shh... you know who' failed to tell people. Avoid those cheap chinese adapters, they do catch fire, especially in 'you know who's' dingy little classrooms. |
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