Transformers – 220V to 110V

With the arrival of my stuff from the UK, I needed to purchase some infamous transformers to ensure I could use my 22oV appliances here in 110V Brazil. I had mixed luck!

Firstly, the best article I have found giving advice on selecting a transformer is: http://international-electrical-supplies.com/transformers16.html. Basically, it explains that the size of transformer you require relates directly the wattage (W in English or VA in Portuguese) of the appliance.

So, the appliances that I needed a transformer for and their wattage were:

• DVD Player: 8W
• TV: 129W
• Microwave: 800W
• Coffee Machine: 1700W
• Kettle: 1700W
• Toaster: 1800W
• Vaccum cleaner: 2100W
• Iron: 2200W

I found that Amoedo on Rua Farme de Amoedo in Ipanema had the best range locally (bottom shelf in the lighting store) so I bought all my transformers from there.

The transformers at Amoedo were 100W, 200W, 300W, 500W, 1100W, 1500W, 2000W or 3000W and ranged in price from approx R$45 to R$450 depending on the size.

So, for my DVD Player and TV I went for the safest option as I was very nervous about ruining my TV and bought a 300W transformer. This is working perfectly, the transformer makes no noise and I feel safe having both items plugged in at the same time.

For my microwave and coffee machine, I decided to go with one transformer to cover them both but only plug each appliance is as I was using them. I must have mis-read the wattage of my coffee machine as I only bought a 1500W transformer and within a few days it blew up! Whoops! I now need to go back to the store to get a 2000W version however these are very expensive so I am considering just buying a new microwave and coffee machine.

For the kettle and toaster, I would have needed the 2000W transformer so, due to the price, I decided to just buy a new toaster and boil water on the stove!

For the vacuum cleaner and iron, I would have needed the 3000W transformer which not only is expensive but also a little more complicated to use. For the 2000W transformers and below, you simply plug one end of the transformer into the wall and then plug the appliance into the other end. The 3000W transformer actually requires some knowledge of electrics as you must actually connect to the wires from the transformer into the plug of the appliance… much too complicated for me so I decided to buy a new iron and just to sweep my floors instead!

Bring an adapter!

I have a new number one piece of advice for anyone coming to Rio from the United Kingdom… bring a UK to Brazil power adapter!

I had read that to get one it was as easy as going to your local hardware store and within my first few days of arriving I had managed to do just that.

Since then, however, I have not been able to find a single hardware store in Leblon or Ipanema that stocks adapters that work for United Kingdom plugs and my original hardware store is never open when I trek out to it!

The advice I received today from more than one store was that I would not be able to find such an adapter anywhere in Zonal Sul!

I am determined though and next weekend I plan to extend my search to Copacabana and Botafogo. Wish me luck!

 

Power, adapters and converters

Previously, I blogged about the fact that I wish I’d done more research into the power situation here in Brazil prior to coming over. The voltage is 110V as opposed to 220V that I am used to in the United Kingdom and the power adapters are like those in Europe as opposed to American like I thought.

Anyway, I had a little dilemma on Thursday when my single adapter stopped working. Finding a replacement adapter was not an easy task but eventually, on Saturday morning, I tried a little fixtures seller in Ipanema (one of those pop up stores that sell everything from light bulbs to switches and cable leads) and was in luck. It was a family store and their 15 year old son spoke a little bit of English and was eager to practice with me. I bought a couple but think I may go back for some more as they are universal ones (not just UK to Brazil), were a good price (R$15 as opposed to my broken UK one which cost almost £35) and work great.

As a stop-gap before I could find the adapter, I decided to buy a new hairdryer as my UK one doesn’t really work here anyway due to the reduced voltage. I got one from one of the many local chemists for about R$160 and it works fine except one small issue… the pins on the plug are too big to fit into any of the power points in my apartment. I managed to jam it into one of the plugs in the bedroom but it hangs half way out the wall and I am sure it’s not 100% safe! I think my new universal adapters may come in handy! I asked a colleague at work about it and she didn’t seem surprised. She said she had a similar problem with a hairdryer she bought once… strange!

A final note, whilst looking for the adapters, I did come across what seems to be quite a nifty gadget for converting power. It was in store called Cluster at Shopping Leblon and was on sale for R$60. I didn’t buy it as I am still not completely sure on whether we will need to convert power in our new apartment. We have quite a few electrical products being shipped over but probably need to speak to someone with a bit of knowledge first to see what the best thing to do is. Good to know that these power converters exists though in case it is only one or two items that I have issue with.