Job Discussion Forums

[Rezz]

Hi all,

I'm looking to take 2 or 3 UK electrical appliances to Japan which don't have automatic voltage selection (200 - 240v only). I've bought this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000LB3HL2/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I'm only taking a rechargeable electric hair clippers and a beard trimmer, 2-5W each. I know Japan is 100v and not 110v like USA but I figured it was worth a punt for the price. However when it came today I realised it converts to a USA 3 pin grounded style plug, not the standard 2 pin, which I believe is the one used in Japan.

So basically, I'm wondering how common 3 pin grounded plug sockets are in Japan if there are any at all? Failing that, if anyone has any idea if you can get a 3 pin to 2 pin adapter to remove the grounding pin.

E.G, one of these: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Domestic_AC_Type_B_USA.jpg

Cheers!

[Glenski]

Three-pin outlets are almost never seen in Japan. If you want to ground a plug, get an adapter that has a wire you can screw into the outlet's screw.

Bear in mind that the problem is not really with the voltage, but with the power (Hz). Roughly the eastern and western halves of the country operate on different (50 vs. 60 Hz) power with the same voltage (100V). If your country has a lower one, then your appliances will get more juice. If it's vice versa, they will get less and probably run slower or cooler or less strongly.

I believe this is described in the FAQ stickies.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html
http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

[SoulCal]

I had some clippers from the US that worked fine in Japan, but there is just a slight difference in electrical specs between the US and Japan. Seeing as how your electrical devices are made for more than double the voltage that Japan offers, I think the speed of the clippers/trimmer will be much slower, but it still might be adequate. However, you may want to look into getting a transformer for those units; otherwise, just buy some new, cheap ones at Don Quijote in Japan.

[Rezz]

Thanks both. I did check the FAQ's and wikipedia which mentioned that Japan does have some 3 prong Type B sockets but it seems they aren't that common.

I've found something called a "cheater plug" which lifts the 3rd rounded ground prong and turns it into a standard 2 prong USA style plug now, so I'll get onto ordering one of those I think.

Cheers!

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

Text deleted

[seklarwia]

[Rezz]

Marmite!! How am I supposed to live without that stuff? Cheers for the heads up

The only 2 electricals (apart from games console) I was going to bring are small hair/bead trimmers anyway so they don't really take up that much room. I think I'll bring them along with that voltage converter I bought and take a chance.

[SoulCal]

@Shiori

Your laptop has a power adapter, which will step up or step down the voltage to suit the design of your computer, so you wont have any problems in that department.

This situation only becomes an issue when you dont have a power adapter on an electrical device, which is the case with these hair clippers and beard trimmer.

[Rezz]

Yup, if the device says 100v-240v on the plug then it has an auto voltage-switching power supply that will work in any country with a simple plug adapter (as with most laptops).

Ones that have specific voltage ranges on them need to be adjusted with a transformer or step up/down converter.