Using an electrical device bought in France, in Canada

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a camera purchased in France within Canada, specifically addressing concerns about the compatibility of the battery charger with different voltage and frequency standards. Participants explore the implications of plugging a French device into a Canadian electrical supply, including potential damage and the need for transformers or adapters.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the voltage difference (220 V in France vs. 110 V in Canada) and questions what would happen if the charger is plugged directly into a Canadian outlet.
  • Another participant suggests that many modern devices have dual-voltage capabilities and may accept a range of voltages (100-250 V), potentially alleviating the issue.
  • A third participant advises checking the specifications on the battery charger to determine if it is a dual-voltage charger, indicating that if it supports 100-240 V, it can be used safely in Canada.
  • The original poster later confirms that the charger is rated for 100-240 V and questions what would occur if it were designed only for 240 V and plugged into a 120 V supply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that checking the charger's specifications is crucial, but there is uncertainty regarding the implications of using a device designed for a different voltage. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the outcomes of using a charger that is not dual-voltage.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of understanding the frequency differences and the potential need for transformers or adapters, but do not resolve the specifics of how these factors affect device performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals traveling internationally with electronic devices, those interested in electrical compatibility issues, and users of consumer electronics that may have varying voltage requirements.

fluidistic
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I bought a camera in France and I want to use it in Canada. The main problem is the battery. To reload it (I think it's a lithium one but I'm not sure. I can check out if you need this info) I must plug it into the AC current supply at home. In France it works at a different frequency I believe than in Canada and the voltage is 220 V compared to the 110 V in Canada.
What happens if I directly plug the battery reloader into a Canadian home electrical supply? The device is made to work with 220 V and the French frequency.

My guess is that it simply won't work and will not damage anything.

I might think to just take my memory card and borrow a camera in Canada if I can't reload the battery without buying a transformer (110 V to 220 V).
 
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What's the make and model of the camera? Most consumer electronics nowadays have DC supplies that take 100-250 V, and accept different cord ends to plug into the outlets in various countries.

Worse comes to worse, you can buy adapters at Futureshop or The Source (or the likes) that change the voltage.
 
fluidistic said:
To reload it (I think it's a lithium one but I'm not sure. I can check out if you need this info) I must plug it into the AC current supply at home. In France it works at a different frequency I believe than in Canada and the voltage is 220 V compared to the 110 V in Canada.

Check the back of the battery charger (which I think is what you mean by "reloading" it...recharging?). If it says 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz it's a dual-voltage charger and can be used safely. If it doesn't, you'll need some sort of voltage transformer which can be bought at pretty much any electronics store for a reasonable price.

MATLABdude said:
What's the make and model of the camera? Most consumer electronics nowadays have DC supplies that take 100-250 V, and accept different cord ends to plug into the outlets in various countries.

Most cameras don't have dedicated DC power sources and just come with USB cables and a battery charger wall wart.
 
Thanks to both. I just checked out the battery charger and it says "INPUT 100 V-240 V AC 50/60 Hz
0.1 A (100V) 0.06 A (240 V)
OUTPUT: 4.2 V----0.65 A."

So it seems I won't have any problem? Seems like it needs AC.

Out of curiosity, what would have happened if it could only work at 240 V and I plug it in a 120 V supply?
 

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