U.S. Vs NZ Electronics - What to Bring

richsadams · Last edited by richsadams on Sun Aug 01, 2004 8:15 pm; edited 5 times in total

Hi All,

Since there have been some more questions regarding the use of U.S. electronics in New Zealand, I thought I'd start this new thread to put everything in one place. It includes most of the info I previously published plus some new items that are important. I've highlighted the new info in RED. I’ve also added headers so you can go to the part you’re most interested in.

The good news is many U.S. electronics will work in New Zealand (with some help). Nice One

US Vs NZ Electricity

In the U.S. we utilize 110/120 volt 60 Hz (cycle) alternating current (A.C.) electricity (and in some cases 220V 60Hz dual phase A.C.). In New Zealand they utilize 220/230 volt 50 Hz A.C. electricity. (FYI: usually UK and Euro appliances will work in NZ.)

Note that there is a difference in electrical cycles per second or hertz (US=60Hz, NZ=50Hz) but that generally won’t be noticeable unless there is a motor involved. U.S. 110/120V motors designed to run at 60Hz will run slightly slower (about a 20% drop) on 110V/50Hz. The exceptions are U.S. washing machines, cookers, record players and tape recorders including VCR’s as these items require 60 Hz and will not work in NZ. Also remember that anything designed to run at 60Hz will run hotter at 50Hz so make sure there is sufficient clearance for cooling.

Also remember that NZ 220 volt is NOT the same as U.S. 220 volt electricity! The U.S. uses two phase electricity to supply 220V appliances. NZ uses single phase 220V electricity so appliances are not interchangeable. US 220V is two 110V waves out of phase (voltage swings from -110V to +110V), not a single phase as overseas (voltage swings from 0V to +240V). So unfortunately your U.S. electrical clothes dryer won’t work in NZ.

Finally anything that keeps time when plugged in will not work as clocks depend on U.S. alternating current to keep proper time. If you try to use your alarm clock in NZ you WILL be late for work! (My wife’s bread maker won’t work in NZ either as it needs to time its various duties. Microwaves have the same problem so you’ll have to buy a new one.)

Rule of thumb: if it heats up, has a motor or keeps time…sell it!

Also note that if you bring something electrical from the U.S. (and intend to use a transformer to make it work) and it has a light bulb, bring plenty of replacements as you won’t find the same kind of light bulbs in NZ!

So you have two choices…get rid of all of your U.S. electrical appliances and electronic equipment and buy all new things when you get there…easy but expensive. OR keep some of the more expensive items and buy step-down converters or transformers to operate them in NZ.

CONVERTERS AND TRANSFORMERS

First note that converters and transformers do NOT change cycles/Hz.

You can buy inexpensive ($10 USD or so) travel converters for small things at stores like Radio Shack or larger variety stores like Target. Some of the websites listed below also sell small low-voltage converters for things like cordless phones calculators, etc. Equipment that requires more juice like stereos can be used with the aid of a voltage converter or better yet, a voltage transformer/stabilizer. Note that generally all small, high wattage electrical appliances such as toasters, heaters and irons need large transformers, likely to cost more than just replacing them. (See "Rule of Thumb.) Some items sold in the U.S., hair dryers for example, are interchangeable from 110V to 220V…so you’ve saved at least $15 USD right there! (Just make sure to switch them before you plug them in!) Eek

Transformers regulate or stabilize voltage output...better protection for your equipment! Both converters and transformers "step down" 220/230 volt New Zealand power to 110/120 volts and they often have more than one U.S. style socket.

Transformers are rated in watts. There are low-power ones starting at about 50 watts, then they go up to some big bruisers that can handle 5000 watts and higher. To know which transformer to buy for each piece of equipment you have to know how many watts your little precious uses. This can usually be found on a sticker near where the power cord comes out. If it only lists voltage and amps you can figure out the wattage by multiplying the two. For example a 110 volt, 5 amp item would require at least 550 watts.

This is important…according to the manufacturers of the transformers, it is important to at least double the wattage needed. For example, if your equipment requires 100 watts, you will need to buy a transformer rated at 200 watts or more. This will extend the life of the transformer appreciably. A transformer running at or near peak output will not last as long. This will also allow some "head room" for equipment that "spikes" when turned on such as TV's. (That's why the lights dim momentarily in your house when you switch them on.)

You can plug more than one piece of equipment into a transformer…just make sure it’s output is rated at least twice as much as the TOTAL of the wattage required by all of the things you’re plugging into it.

Now you'll need to weigh the cost of shipping your equipment against its replacement value and the transformers you'll need to buy to run everything.

Here are some sites that sell voltage converters, transformers and the like:

http://www.world-import.com

http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/

http://www.starkelectronic.com/franzus.htm

Many of these companies will offer small discounts if you buy several products at the same time, just ask. I cannot vouch for how good these companies are because I haven't purchased anything yet...but they have a wide variety and you can get an idea about pricing.

COMPUTERS

Good news! Almost all computers (U.S., U.K., etc.) run on both 110V 60Hz as well as 220V 50Hz. Laptop power modules switch automatically and would only need a U.S. to NZ style plug adaptor. Most desktop computers have a switch inside the CPU (box). Check with the manufacturer about your particular model, flip the switch from 110V to 220V and you're in business. (If it's too scary to open up your PC, take it to a repair shop and they'll be happy to charge you for it...oh what the heck...be brave! Wink

) Most computer monitors and many printers also switch automatically (check the label on or near the power cord). Overall, this saves computer manufacturers money by not having to build multiple power systems

TELEVISONS

TV signals broadcast in the U.S. comply with NTSC (National Television System Committee). In NZ they are PAL B. You cannot use your U.S. TV in NZ unless you buy a signal converter.

This company sells some signal (NTSC to PAL/PAL to NTSC) converters as well as multi-system TV’s, etc.

http://www.world-import.com

You may want to consider buying a television when you arrive. The NZ $ is going up against the Japanese Yen (not to mention the U.S. $

) so the price of electronic equipment is coming down. (Another plus is that PAL pictures are better than NTSC. Some would say the minus is NZ TV programming. Laughing

) If you think you’ll be moving back to the U.S. or anywhere else, you might want to consider buying a multi-system T.V. and shipping it there. A multi-system TV will accept and play PAL/ NTSC signals and can use 120V/220V power. You can get a nice 29 inch flat-screen multi-system TV for about $550 USD now.

Kiwis often use a combination of signal reception including antennas, cable and/or satellite. SKY offers both cable and satellite service:

http://www.skytv.co.nz/ (The link works on and off...hopefully not a sign of their service! Rolling Eyes

)

VCR's

Due to the difference in cycles, a U.S. VCR clock would be wrong all of the time (but then it always flashed 12:00 anyway right? Laughing

). If you want to watch your U.S. VHS tapes (as well as NZ VHS tapes), you’ll need to buy a new VCR. Most of the VCR's sold in NZ can play both NTSC and PAL tapes and are reasonably priced.

DVD’s
DVD’s are generally coded to play in the country where they are sold. This allows film makers to control distribution throughout the world. whip

There are six region codes 1 through 6. U.S. DVD’s are coded “Region 1”. NZ DVD’s are coded “Region 4”. Again, you can take your U.S. DVD player and play your U.S. DVD’s on your U.S. television.

The easiest answer to the DVD problem is to buy a multi-region DVD player. Almost all DVD players sold in NZ are multi-region and are fairly inexpensive.

If really want to dig into some deep DVD information, here's a terrific site called "DVD Demystified"...

http://www.dvddemystified.com/

TiVo

TiVo is not offered in NZ. However, With regard to TiVo, I’ve been "talking" with a fellow in Wellington that has managed, with the help of a local, to hack a Series 1 unit to work in NZ…PAL signals and all. The guide is still an issue, but it’s better than no TiVo at all. Apparently the pioneers are the Aussies. (They don’t have TiVo in Oz either). They’ve done a pretty good job of hacking TiVo there and the technology is identical in NZ. Here’s a quote from the guy in Wellington…

SoCal Gal · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 10:10 am Post subject: NZ versus US electronics

Wow, Rich, what great info! They should let you in on your 'technical merit' alone! Many, many thanks, this will keep us busy for sure! cool

MichelleW · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:07 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much Rich!! I really appreciate you taking your time to explain all of that.It was so helpful for us!! How are things going for you?

Clink

Michelle

Robert · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:50 pm Post subject: Impressed

Fantastic info - could this sort of posting be archived to make it available easily to future members?

On DVD players - multi-region players cost from ZN$110 or so here without having to shop around so not pricey here either.

JCM · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 7:23 am Post subject:

Thanks Rich, excellent stuff. Clapping

On the VCR front, I think most shops here sell at least one or two models of VCR's that can play both NTSC and PAL tapes. Of course, there's a good chance you'll find that sort of thing cheaper in the USA.

Robert, excellent idea. Clapping

We could have a third mini-forum on the main page called 'archived goodies' or 'the best of the bunch' or some other (better) name if someone could come up with it. I'll leave it for the moment because I think Rich's post will hang around for a while.

richsadams · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:10 am Post subject: Electronics

Hi All,

No problem...this is the fun stuff.

We're hanging in there Michelle. Sitting on needles and pins waiting for the NZIS to pull our EOI from the pool is the stressful part! Rolling Eyes

How about you?

Good to know multi-region DVD players and VCR's are available at a decent price locally (thanks Robert and JCM). When we were there a few months ago they were pretty high compared to the U.S., but it looks like things are getting much better. However, now that the Kiwi dollar is so strong against the Yen, all electronics (at least Japanese) should be cheaper. Yes

(Now if the U.S. Vs Kiwi dollar would level out all would be right with the world! cool

)

Mini forums would be very cool...that way all of us could zero in on what interests us most. And I'm always looking for that particular post about something-or-other and it takes a long time to sift through other postings (although I do find a few interesting tidbits I missed previously! Wink

)

Thanks to all of YOU for taking time to post your thoughts, feelings and findings...they are all a big help! Keep up the good work! Nice One

somerset449 · Testing The Water Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 5

Rich,

Thanks for the great information on taking electronic goods from the US! Do you have any advice on taking a treadmill to NZ from the US? I have a fairly heavy duty Cybex treadmill that I love, and would prefer to take with me if at all possible. The manual says the voltage requirements are 115 VAC, 60Hz and 20 amps, and that I should "not attempt to use this unit with a voltage adaptor." Does that mean I need to leave it behind? Uhoh

Thanks for any advice.

Sandy

richsadams · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 3:19 am Post subject: U.S. Treadmills

Hi Sandy,

What a weird coincidence! We're working through the very same question at this very moment! My wife and I really love our treadmill and are planning on moving it, even if it means doing some re-wiring, etc.

We have a fairly expensive Precor treadmill with some of the same specs. It's motor is a 92V DC made to operate on 50Hz or 60Hz at around 15 to 20 amps.

I've spoken with a Precor rep here and he says a transformer shouldn't be a problem...just that we need to ensure that the amperage on the circuit we use is rated high enough as they tend to really draw some juice starting up, etc.

I've also located and written to the Precor rep in NZ...awaiting an answer to the same question. As soon as I hear back I'll post the reply. Yes

somerset449 · Testing The Water Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 5

Wow, that is a coincidence -- I guess treadmill users tend to get very fond of their machines (although not the exercise, at least for me)! That sounds very positive, and I'd be very interested to hear what more you learn. Meanwhile, I will follow your lead and contact Cybex to see if they have any information as well, and will post anything useful I find out.

Thanks!

Sandy

somerset449 · Testing The Water Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 5

Well, as follow up to my last post, for what it's worth, one Cybex representative said the treadmill would not work in New Zealand and another said it would work fine with a step-down transformer.

Not very reassuring, but I guess I'll just take my chances and ship the treadmill.

Sandy

richsadams · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject: Treadmills

Hi Sandy,

We're still waiting to hear from the Precor company...but whatever happens, our treadmill was packed and shipped last week...along with a BIG step-down transformer. So we'll see what happens when it gets plugged in!

somerset449 · Testing The Water Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 5

Thanks Rich, that makes me feel better about my decision. By the way, may I ask what transformer you ultimately purchased and from where? I know you recommended a bunch of websites for electronic gear, but it sounds like our treadmills are pretty similar in size etc.

Also (and I apologize if this is the wrong thread to ask this), would you mind sharing the name of the moving company you're using, or otherwise recommending any from the US? (I'm just getting started down this long road...)

Many thanks for any advice, and best of luck!

Sandy

richsadams · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 7:05 am Post subject: Treadmill

Hi Sandy!

I purchased a 5000 watt transformer for the treadmill. That ought to give it plenty of "head room" to work with. The company we used was:

www.world-import.com

In fact, we bought a whole series of transformers, converters and adapters from them for various and assorted things we're taking with us...to the tune of about $600 USD...but worth it I think/hope. Yes

They also sell lots of other things from multi-system TV's and DVD players to cell phones and such. A gentleman there named Peter was very, very helpful and even gave us a 15% discount for buying everything from them. They shipped immediately and we received everything in a few days. Great people to deal with. But be prepared, the larger transformers are HEAVY...which could add to the cost of moving. It didn't change much for us as we have our own container though.

The moving company we used is Allied Pickfords in Auckland. They are affiliated with Allied Van Lines in the U.S. They did a great job of packing everything into a container last week. Took a lot of time making sure everything was secure, safe and sound. We'll see how it looks when we get there! fingers crossed

We fly out Sunday and will keep everyone posted on our progress! Nice One

somerset449 · Testing The Water Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 5

Rich,

Thanks so much for this information, and for all your advice on this site; it's been a tremendous help.

Have a safe trip, and good luck! fingers crossed

Sandy

PS Hope you'll let us all know how you're doing once you settle in.

sesame · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 8:11 am Post subject:

hi, Rich,

LOVED your post - recognized a few numbers - that was it. wow. i'm putting you right up there with planes and astronauts - too big for me to understand! Yes

so - here's my 101 question after reading motor-heat-sell ... Uhoh

my commercial juicer, my commercial vita mix (super blender), my deydrator (need i mention commercial) -

??????? my yogurtmaker???? talk to me please!?

sesame~