Do I need a power converter for San Marino?

What is a power converter for a Sammarinese power outlet?

Power converters for San Marino allow travellers to use their 100, 110 or 120 volt electrical device with a 230 volt Sammarinese power outlet.

Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Sammarinese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt device, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your device to fit into a power outlet found in San Marino. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for San Marino?

When travelling to San Marino from another country check the device can be charged using a 230 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 230 volts. See our WikiConnections world power outlets guide to find out the voltage is used in your country.
  • You won't need a power converter if you already own either a single voltage appliance that works with 230 volts or one that is dual voltage.
  • Typically, electrical devices which are designed to use a lower voltage such as 120 volts and used in a 230 volt outlet run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your device or even an electrical fire hazard unless you use a step down power converter.
  • You won't need a converter if you wish to recharge a smaller electrical device such as a mobile phone as these are normally dual voltage and designed for international use, however please always check the device for dual voltage support prior to your journey.
  • For powering high wattage appliances or generate heat (for example hair straighteners and clothes irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter.
  • Investing a smaller robust dual voltage travel appliance could be more practical and cost effective than investing in a heavier high wattage power converter in order to use your existing domestic appliance in San Marino.
  • Read these comprehensive guides on travelling with clothes irons, curling wands, hairdryers and flat irons with Sammarinese power outlets which includes advice on some affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

Will I need a power converter if I'm visiting San Marino from America?

The voltage from a power outlet in San Marino is different to a US supply so use a step down power converter if your appliance or charger isn't dual voltage. [3] [AD]

What kind of converter do I need for San Marino?

If you need to use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance in San Marino you will need a step down power converter[3] [AD]

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:

  • Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
  • Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
  • Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
  • Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
  • Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
  • Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
  • Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.

How to convert 230 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 230 volt Sammarinese power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for San Marino before plugging that into a Sammarinese power outlet.
  3. Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 230 volt Sammarinese power outlet. [3] [AD]

What voltage does San Marino use?

San Marino uses 230 volts in their power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
Is my device single voltage or dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Is my device single voltage or dual voltage?

The easiest method to tell if your appliance is either single voltage or dual voltage is to look for a sticker on the supplied power adapter or on the device itself, normally near to where the power cord sits. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your device, it could also state on the box.

  • Single voltage devices could have a specific number - such as 120V.
  • Single voltage devices might also say a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 220-240V.
  • Dual voltage devices will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about San Marino.
  2. iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  4. Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..