Job Discussion Forums

[rxk22]

Quick question, as I plan to bring some electronics to Japan. As the Japanese voltage is lower(the Tokyo area) than the US.
Will that mean that my tea kettle and rice cooker will become less efficient when they are plugged in Japan?

Do I need a voltage, and not just a plug converter? Or does it not really matter?

[Big_H]

Voltage in Tokyo Area: 100 V
US Voltage: 110 V
Practically no, your kettle and rice cooker won't be less efficient because they are designed to keep heating until the thermostat goes off, the time difference is barely noticeable.

Just get a plug converter. I can only think of a hairdryer that could feel a little weaker (no thermostat involved).

All in all these electric heating appliances are cheap enough, so buy a "new one" of whatever you find isn't working as good anymore.. not that it's a frequent case.

[kah5217]

Anything with a timer will get messed up, since the change in voltage would affect the device's internal clock. Your rice cooker will probably be okay since it would have a thermostat. Though rice cookers can be found between 2000 and 5000 yen, so it might save some luggage space to buy one here.

You shouldn't need a plug converter unless your appliance is 3 prong. Most houses these days have polarized outlets (though a lot of Japanese plugs remain unpolarized).

[rxk22]

It is 3 prong, so I will need a converter.

It is a nice rice cooker, but we are going to ship it to Japan.

Than you for your replies, it does help.

[PO1]

I actually bought one of the three prong adapters here in Japan, so you don't have to buy them before you come if you don't want. I have a couple of them lying around.