Ultimate Guide: Can I Use US Devices in Europe
If you rely on a medical device overnight or carry gear you can't afford to fry, foreign outlets can feel like a gamble. Here's the clear, safety‑first guide to decide—fast—whether you need only a plug adapter or also a voltage converter, and when a pure sine wave converter is the right call for sensitive devices like CPAPs, breast pumps, and camera chargers.
Why voltage and plug types matter
Most of Europe and the UK run at about 230 volts, 50 hertz, while the United States runs at 110–120 volts, 60 hertz. Much of Asia is similar to Europe for voltage, and Japan is a special case at 100 volts with mixed 50/60 hertz. These differences matter because many older or single‑voltage US devices are designed only for 120 V at 60 Hz. For a reliable country overview, see the regional voltage and plug breakdown in the REI world electricity guide, which summarizes plug types and mains for common destinations in one place: REI's world electricity guide.
Adapter vs converter vs transformer — the plain‑English difference
- A plug adapter changes the plug shape so your device fits the outlet. It does not change voltage or frequency.
- A voltage converter steps 230 V down to ~120 V for 120‑volt‑only devices. Many travel converters are electronic step‑down units.
- A transformer is typically heavier and used for sustained higher loads. Many travelers don't need a dedicated transformer because lots of electronics today are dual‑voltage.
A concise overview of when you need each is covered in Anker's travel adapter explainer.
Frequency and waveform — when travelers should care
Frequency (50 vs 60 Hz) matters less for modern switch‑mode power supplies (laptops, many CPAPs) because they accept 50/60 Hz. Waveform does matter when you must convert voltage: pure sine wave output closely mimics utility power, while modified sine wave can introduce electrical noise or heat that some sensitive electronics don't like. For an independent overview of pure vs modified sine wave suitability for sensitive devices, see Tripp Lite's explanation of pure vs modified sine wave.
How to check your device in 60 seconds
Flip the brick or device and read the label:
- If it says "Input: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz," your device is dual‑voltage. Abroad, you usually need a plug adapter only.
- If it says "120 V, 60 Hz" (and nothing else), it's single‑voltage. In 230 V regions, you'll need a step‑down converter sized for your device—or you should leave it at home.
Match wattage: ensure the converter's continuous rating exceeds your device's draw with margin. If a label lists amps, multiply volts × amps to estimate watts. Aim for at least 25–30% headroom to avoid running near the limit for hours.
For a practical primer on deciding between an adapter and a converter, see the internal guide Travel converter vs adapter — what's the difference.
Device decision guide
Use this quick map to avoid guesswork. Always confirm your exact model's label and instructions.
| Device type | Typical input label | Typical wattage range | Recommended approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPAP main unit with manufacturer power supply | 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz | 30–90 W | Plug adapter only | Most modern CPAPs are dual‑voltage. Keep the original PSU; verify your model in the manual. See ResMed and Philips links below. |
| Electric breast pump (some models) | 120 V, 60 Hz only | 20–80 W | Pure sine wave converter | Many are 120‑V only. Check label; consider battery-capable models for travel. |
| Camera battery charger | 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz (often) | 10–60 W | Plug adapter only | Older chargers may be 120‑V only; check label. |
| Laptop, tablet, phone chargers | 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz | 5–120 W | Plug adapter only | USB‑C PD chargers are almost always universal input. |
| Game consoles | 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz (varies) | 50–200 W | Usually plug adapter only | Verify the brick; some accessories are single‑voltage. |
| Hair dryer, curling iron, straightener | Often 120 V only or dual‑voltage with a switch | 600–1,600+ W | Prefer destination device | High continuous wattage; if single‑voltage, better to use hotel or local models. |
| Small appliances with heating elements | Often 120 V only | 200–1,000+ W | Avoid or use local version | Converters for high continuous loads are not advised for hours of operation. |
Country planning — can I use US devices in Europe, the UK, and Asia?
Here's the short answer to "can I use US devices in Europe" without frying anything:
- Dual‑voltage electronics with 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz on the label work across Europe and the UK with a plug adapter only. That covers most laptop and phone chargers, many camera chargers, and a large share of modern CPAPs.
- Single‑voltage 120 V devices need a step‑down converter in 230 V regions—or a destination‑specific device instead, especially for high‑wattage heating tools.
- Japan runs at 100 V with 50/60 Hz. Dual‑voltage devices work with a plug adapter; some 120‑V heating devices may underperform or risk damage—skip them or use local gear. Country specifics and plug types vary across Asia, but the dual‑voltage rule of thumb still saves the day.
If you're planning a multi‑country itinerary, this quick internal resource walks through plug types and combinations so you pack once and power safely: How to choose the right international adapter and converter combo.
Hero workflow: a business traveler with a medical device in a 230 V hotel
Disclosure: DOACE is our product.
Scenario: You check into a European hotel with variable power quality and need dependable overnight therapy.
- Confirm the device label. If your CPAP power brick reads "100–240 V, 50/60 Hz," use the manufacturer's power supply plus the correct plug adapter. You do not need a voltage converter.
- If you must power a sensitive 120‑V‑only device (for example, a specific breast pump or camera charger), use a pure sine wave step‑down converter sized above your device's wattage. A compact converter such as the LC‑X80 can be used in a hotel workflow like this: device plugged into the converter's 120‑V outlet, then the converter into the wall via the correct country adapter. Any certified pure‑sine converter with adequate continuous wattage would work for this setup; avoid running near max load for hours.
- Power‑on sequence. With the device connected and the converter idle, plug the converter into the wall and turn it on. After it stabilizes, power the device. If you hear unusual buzzing or feel excess heat, disconnect and reassess load and compatibility.
- Keep it simple. Don't daisy‑chain multiple high‑draw devices. Use one sensitive device at a time overnight. If your hotel has known issues with surges or brownouts, consider asking the front desk for a different room or outlet, or use an approved battery backup for therapy continuity.
- Verify in advance. For CPAP users, manufacturer guidance confirms many models accept global power directly. ResMed's published specs show universal 100–240 V power supplies for current units, and Philips DreamStation documentation shows the same. See these sources: ResMed AirSense 11 power supply specifications and Philips DreamStation user manual references to 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz. When in doubt, consult your device maker or clinician before travel.
Safety, flights, and batteries
If you travel with spare lithium batteries for medical or camera gear, know the airline rules:
- Spare lithium‑ion batteries go in carry‑on only; typical allowance is up to 100 Wh without airline approval, and 100–160 Wh with airline approval. Above 160 Wh is generally not permitted in passenger cabins. See the FAA's traveler guidance in FAA PackSafe on lithium batteries and IATA's traveler page IATA guidance for passengers carrying batteries.
- Bring manufacturer documentation for your medical device, especially if you use a battery. Some security agencies also publish helpful notes; for instance, Canada's CATSA explains how certain medical liquids may be handled at screening. See CATSA's liquids and personal items guidance.
- In flight, follow airline crew instructions about using converters or plugging in devices. If you need therapy during long‑haul flights, consider an airline‑approved battery solution sized to your device.
For a deeper preflight checklist including CPAP considerations, this internal guide covers safe use, airline conversations, and alternatives: How to safely use a travel power converter for CPAP on airplanes or cars.
Troubleshooting on the road
If the device won't power on: Re‑read the label and the converter rating. A 120‑V‑only device plugged into 230 V with only an adapter will likely fail or be damaged. Conversely, a dual‑voltage device won't start if a surge protector or hotel outlet is faulty—try a different outlet without extra chains.
If the converter runs hot or hums loudly: The load may be too close to the converter's continuous rating, or the device may be an inductive/heating load not suitable for long converter use. Reduce the load, run one device at a time, or switch to a local‑voltage appliance.
If hair tools behave erratically: Many US hair dryers and stylers are single‑voltage and very high wattage; they often trip breakers or underperform abroad. Your safest option is a dual‑voltage tool with a voltage switch or simply using hotel or local tools. For a practical overview, see How to safely use your hair dryer in Europe.
If you're worried about Japan's 100 V: Dual‑voltage electronics remain fine with a plug adapter. Some 120‑V only heating devices may run weakly or overheat—skip them and use local gear.
Resources
- Country voltages and plugs: REI world electricity guide.
- Adapter vs converter fundamentals: Anker's travel adapter explainer.
- Pure vs modified sine wave suitability: Tripp Lite's pure vs modified sine wave explainer.
- CPAP global power compatibility examples: ResMed AirSense 11 power supply specs and Philips DreamStation Go user manual.
- Airline battery rules: FAA PackSafe — lithium batteries and IATA battery guidance for travelers.
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If you started this article by asking "can I use US devices in Europe," the short path is simple: check the label for 100–240 V, pack the right plug adapter, and use a pure sine wave converter only when a 120‑V‑only device truly needs it. If you want to go deeper on choosing a pure sine wave travel converter for sensitive electronics, explore the references above and your device manufacturer's guidance before you fly.