Charging Equipment while on Bonaire and Curacao

[melissabeads]

Is it safe to plug in camera chargers, computers etc... at the hotels on Bonaire and Curacao?

I read that they have 50 cycles (hertz) instead of 60 cycles that we have in the US. Will this lower frequency affect my sensitive electronics?

Thanks so much!

 

[ApexLongimanus]

no problem.

 

[BonaireDan]

I have never had a problem charging laptop camera, phone, etc.

HOWEVER, the best recommendation is to take along a simple surge suppressor and feel safer. Small, cheap. light weight and great peace of mind.

 

[melissabeads]

Thank you both.

Dan.. I think I will invest in one!

 

[SDAnderson]

50hz makes 60hz devices run hot and they tend to burn out - some quickly. High wattage devices like hair dryers and printers are especially vulnerable and should probably be left at home. Check the fine print on your laptop and camera chargers, many of them are engineered to handle a range of inputs and they will tell you what that range is. If the device says it can handle 50 - 60hz, you should be good to go but I still wouldn't leave it plugged in any longer than necessary.

If you need an adapter, check Radio Shack.

http://www.kropla.com/frequency.htm

 

[scubadobadoo]

Yep, what reefraff said has been my exact experience. Basically no issues but expensive items I only plug in when I need to and never for long as I noticed some get hot. Surge suppressor is a good idea.

 

[Just another Cinderella]

Many computers can run at 110 or 220. 220 is safer. Bring the needed plug adapters.
As above don't leave anything [i Pods, cell phones, computers] plugged in longer than necessary as there can also be wide swings in current, esp. if the power goes out and comes back on.

 

[DiveMaven]

We bought 15 minute battery rechargers so we didn't have to leave our rechargeables plugged in for 8 hours. I can say that after only 5 minutes of use, my blow dryer would be quite a bit hotter than normal. Our laptop was fine, but we only had it plugged in while using it, and had a portable surge protector for a bit of extra protection.

Melissa, when will you be on Bonaire?

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Check your adapter for the plug. At the stores here no one will warranty the adapters since some of them are 60 cycles. They sell 50/60 cycle multi adapters everywhere. It's written right on the back. Some, like the ones to our Bose IPod speakers come ready for both, others, like the one for the modem we got with the service was 60 and needed to be changed immediately. Things like our coffee maker etc are not a problem but things that turn like the KitchenAid will run hot. We burnt out a microwave and bought a 50 cycle to replace it. One thing to be aware of is that some hotels only have one outlet for US prongs. You might invest in a small adapter to be able to plug in things where you want to.

 

[melissabeads]

We bought 15 minute battery rechargers so we didn't have to leave our rechargeables plugged in for 8 hours. I can say that after only 5 minutes of use, my blow dryer would be quite a bit hotter than normal. Our laptop was fine, but we only had it plugged in while using it, and had a portable surge protector for a bit of extra protection.

Melissa, when will you be on Bonaire?

Hilary~
We fly into Curacao on the 17th and over to Bonaire on the 22nd.. leaving on the 30th. Will I get to see you... and you new fish?


Thanks for the great advice everyone! My son just mentioned the battery rechargers yesterday.. We will be leaving the laptops.. but the boys can't live with out an itouch.. One nice thing about the battery rechargers is once they are out of fresh batteries.. they are done using them! Maybe they won't feel the need to stay so connected!