Using UK products in the USA?

Hi, what would happen if you used something like a UK hair dryer/straightener in the USA without a transformer?

USA uses 120 volts / 60 hz frequency, the UK uses 230 volts and 50hz. Am i right in assuming if you don't use a transformer to degrade the current all that will happen is the appliace will run less effective in the USA?

Using UK products in the USA?

Power (watts) = Voltage squared divided by resistance (ohms). At half the voltage, the heat output of a dryer will be reduced to one fourth the normal watts. The dryer would be practically useless. You need to buy one rated for 120 volts, 60 Hz.

Using UK products in the USA?

it wont work!

Using UK products in the USA?

You would have about 40% less watts of heat. So probably be so little heat that it wouldn't qualify as working.

If you're coming over the to the u.s in most cases hotels have a hair dryer. If you need a straighter you can pick up a cheapy on ebay before you come or one at walmart/target/safeway ect for 20 bucks. Or try goodwill.

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If the transfer is rated at 100 watts continually. Using a 50 watt straighter isn閳ユ獩 going to hurt it. But now makes sure you check because some times they will be rated at 閳?00 watts peak閳? In this case make sure you find out the Continuous rating over 50. If it's 100 peak might only be 20 continuous . As for a hair dryer they're rated at over 1000 watts they would never work.