On Nov 5, 10:11*am, nr wrote:
I may be going to England soon and have been looking at voltage
converter kits. *I've seen some that say they only work with items
using 500 watts to 1600 watts. *I can understand the maximum wattage
amount, but why would they have a minimum? *These are not expensive
converters.

Thanks for any information.

Depends what you are going to power?

A more elaborate voltage converter may include an SPS (Switching power
supply, somewhat akin to a computer PS) they require a certain
minimum load in order to work properly.

Also as mentioned the mains frequency in many countries in this world
is 50 hertz, not 60 hertz, as in North America.
That can have two effects. 1) Clocks and audio players 'may' run slow!
2) Certain devices don't run as well at 5/6ths the frequency and in
extreme cases may run hotter (partly because there is less magnetic
metal in transformers and motors that run at 60 hertz.)

But it is very much a case of what are the specs. of the devices you
want to power over there. There is a heck of a difference between a
shaver or moustache trimmer taking 3 to 7 watts and a hair dryer using
say 1200 watts! Also whether the devices are recharge-ables or direct
plug in.

Generally there are two requirements:
a) Voltage converter (if needed). For example; your PC power supply/
charger may (or may not) have a switch that changes it from 115 to
230. Or it may be compatible with both without changing anything. Read
the specifications.
b) Plug adapters to fit sockets over there (The UK generally accepts
the UK 13 amp, fused, 3 pin plug) to adapt them to your North American
style plugs. If you also are going to other parts of Europe you may
need to adapt to Schuko two pin plugs with a side ground/earth
contact.