You can buy transformers here. Or, the power company will set up up with a dual voltage service if you are willing to pay for it.

I just came back from the RP and saw that major electronics like flat screen tvs and washers/dryer systems were 40 to 70 percent more expensive then buying in the usa. For instance I bought a Samsung 46 inch lcd television in the states and priced the exact same model in Manila and its almost double the price in rp.

I would like to learn how to switch some receptors to the 110 volt so I could bring some equipment with me when I move. Can I assume that there are electricians there that can do this?

Is there anyone that would advise against this?

For you and your readers and my connections with the building engineering and architecture disiplines. Feel free to call on me to get any answers needed. I will do my best to get them answered as accurate as possible.

Here is another caution!! When I was moving here I bought a few 220V to 100V converters. I thought I was safe to use my 110V items. WRONG. All they did was bring the 220V, 110V each leg to 60. Since both were hot and no netural I blew a charger for my wirelss drill and my electric toothbrush charger.

Later I bought a few Regulators. They develope a ground and 110V. They also regulate the votage incase it varies.

Using nearly any inductive load ( such as a transformer or motor ) at a frequency other than what it is designed for will often make it run hotter. Transformers designed for 50 Hz use have more laminations in them ( metal plaes ) than those designed for 60 Hz or higher frequencise such as 400 Hz.

A few years ago I brought home to New York a couple of Turntables that were designed for the UK market. I was able to get 60Hz Pulleys so they would play the correct speed here on 60 Hz,

Many people do not realize that most USA homes have both 120 And 240 volts. This is a ” Differential ” 240 V where one side of the line at an instant in time is at -120 V and the other is +120 V, with the difference between the two at 240 V. This is primarily used in the USA for large loads such as electric hot water heaters, large air conditioning units and central air units etc. Also Electric Clothes driers, Electric stoves etc. I like the hot water kettles I have seen in the UK and usually bring a couple home with me. I use the ” Differential 240 V ” in my house to run my UK Kettles and a few other things I have brought back from there. In the UK and as in the Philippines the 240 volts is on one prong of the plug and Neutral on the other so it is a different form of 240 V than found in American Homes.

Another consideration as to where to buy your equipment, appliances etc. if you read the manufacturers fine print in the warranty the warranty is ONLY valid in the country where the item was originally purchased.

Fortunately advancements in voltage conversion in lower power applications such as small battery chargers, electric shavers etc. now we have solid state devices that can instntly recognise most world voltages and frequencies and instantly adapt to them so your cam corder, laptop, shaver etc can be ” smoke Free “. I used to lug a 100 w stepdown with me when I went to the UK. I dont have to do that any more.

When I found out what kind of mains plugs are commonly used in the Philippines I was a bit surprised myself that they were nearly identical to a 2 prong outlet here.

From an electrical theory and technical viewpoint, the Philippines has the best possible combination of voltage and frequency for their mains supply, 240 V @ 60 Hz is a great combination !

I was fascinated in looking at what are to me, ” Foriegn ” electrical goods and appliances when I recently visited Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro. I enjoy the same when I have been in the UK. As I have mentioned many times I do not consider myself the typical tourist.

One piece of advice I would pass along to anyone in the market for buying a stepdown transformer, buy a Larger capacity than what you require at the time you buy it. Need only a 100 watter ? then buy at least one with 150 or more capacity. Know the difference in an ” autotransformer ” and an Isoltion Transformer although they will both do the stepdown job, an isolation transformer may offer more safety from electrical shock.

If I were to move to the Philippines, I would buy all new things there as far as major appliances go and only bring with me things that had a Universal power supply or something that I could not possibly buy there.

Thant’s an easy one for me & Jo. We will not be relocating there, but rather winter in the RP and in late spring, summer & fall here. So we will buy what we need when we are there and not bring things over. The RP does not have changing fall foliage and good hunting is nonexistent. Unless of course you want to go after those raucous roosters, pugnacious piglets and squealing swine!!! However you neighbors might not appreciate that. Oh well they can’t have everything,,,,,,,,,,, and neither can you.