With only $1000, you can get a high-quality TV with fairly bright panels and stylish designs in the US. A similar high-end budget TV might cost you £ 1,000. With the current conversion rates, you may want to take advantage and save some money.
Alternatively, you could be moving or getting a present from a family member or friend from the US. You need to find out first whether a US TV can work in the UK.
A lot of American-bought TVs can work in Europe. However, it depends on the technology built into your TV set. Is your TV a dual voltage set, or will you need more protection devices?
Will A US-Made TV Work In Europe?
Electricity ratings across the globe dating back to the greatest electricity geniuses to ever exist: Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. While Nikola Tesla liked working with 240 V, AC supplY, Edison preferred 110 V, DC supply.
When considering whether you should ship your TV from the US to Europe, it is crucial to understand the main difference between appliances in both regions, including a TV set.
· US Ratings
Home appliances come with a power supply rating that can support full functionality. Usually, the rating includes a voltage level, a current, and the frequency of the AC power you get from an outlet.
In the US, the standard voltage rating for home appliances is 120 Volts, and the frequency is 60Hz. Therefore, if you have an outlet rated between 110-127 Volts, you can comfortably use equipment bought in the US.
Electrical current in the US range from 15 to 20 A on a single outlet. As a result, the power outlet ranges from 1650-2400 watts.
Also, instead of fuses that detect overcurrent and break the flow by melting, Americans use circuit breakers that detect overcurrent and trip rather than melting.
· Europe Ratings
The European version of electricity involves a 220-single phase voltage and a 50Hz frequency. With a 10% margin, you can comfortably use European electricity on equipment rated 200-250 volts.
When handling the 220 V, it is important to take care so that you do not come out toast from electrocution.
When buying an American TV set, it could be rated for 110V,60Hz, instead of 220V, 50Hz, available in Europe. While it is feasible to transform the voltage levels with special hardware, it is safer and easier to get television with dual voltage technology.
Are TVs Dual Voltage?
Some TVs have dual voltage ratings, while others do not. However, you can confirm if the one you get is dual voltage by checking the specs on the power supply board.
When your TV has a single rating, say 120V, it can only use the range of 110-127V. However, newer models have a smart feature that allows the TV to use the power of different ratings.
At the power supply board, you will see an input rated 100-240V, 50/60Hz. That means your TV set is dual voltage, and you can use it comfortably in the US or Europe. But the switch button positions will differ depending on your region.
In short, the main difference between US and European TVs are:
| US | European |
| · 110-127 V supply · 60 Hz frequency · Power drawn is lower · No fuse, which means you buy a plug separately · Up means On, and down means Off | · 207-253 V supply · 50 Hz frequency · Draws more power · Have a fuse at the end of the three pronged plugs · Up means off, and down means On |
Here’s a video that explains the right way to check if your TV is dual or worldwide voltage:
How does the dual voltage thing work?
Dual voltage appliances, TVs included, come with electronics that help them regulate the power input to avoid damaging their circuits.
Usually, the devices have a step-down transformer (reduces the voltage levels), a rectifier (converts AC to DC power with a frequency of 0 Hz), and a voltage regulator (maintains voltage levels at a reasonably stable margin).
The design featured on the dual voltage TVs ensures that the sets can automatically switch voltages from one level to another. When you consider a TV set like Samsung, you can enjoy watching your favorite show or match anywhere in the world.
However, if your TV is not dual voltage, you may need to get a converter or a transformer to use with your device. Otherwise, the high voltage levels may burn out your devices.
Some of the common TV brands you can buy in the US and use in Europe include:
| · Samsung · LG · Sony · Panasonic · TCL · Sceptre | · Hisense · Vizio · Philips · Polaroid · Toshiba · Xiaomi |
Will A UK TV Work In Europe?
You may think that since the UK is in Europe, a UK-bought TV will work everywhere. Well, you are right, and here is why:
In January 2003, Europe harmonized her voltage levels. Previously, there were some disparities between the power levels in the UK and the rest of Europe.
Before January 2003, the UK had 240 V outlets, while the rest of Europe had 220V. However, after the harmonization, the former 220 V is now 230 V ( meaning a range between 207.0 V-243.8V.
In the UK, the new voltage levels after harmonizing became 216.6V-253.0V.
To cope with the new changes, modern equipment and home appliances in Europe bear a 207V-253V rating, with a 50Hz frequency.
So, if you buy a TV set in the UK, you can expect it to work anywhere in Europe.
Do USA TVs Have The UK Plug Supplied?
If you do not have a dual-voltage TV, you can bypass the voltage by using a plug. And although it is not a big deal, it is not advisable to use a 110V TV set with a 240V supply.
Most plugs you can buy from a store near you can help switch the power supply from one level to another.
These plugs have a transformer that steps down the 220V to 110 V, which is suitable for your TV set. However, you need to match the transformer’s ratings to your appliance’s ratings. The wattage should be similar or higher. Otherwise, your TV would not turn on.
Also, as you buy your adapter, ask if any overload and ground protection mechanisms are in place. This way, you can protect your TV from short-circuiting or blowing.
What does the plug do?
When you order a US TV in the UK, you get a plug on the power cord. Usually, the plug has a transformer, which steps down the voltage from 240 V to 120V.
Now, most US appliances use 60Hz AC power, whereas European outlets have 50 Hz. This should not worry you so much. This is because motors are adversely affected by a frequency mismatch.
Anything with a rotating machine, such as a fan, spin wheel, hair dryers, record players, and others, will fail when using 50Hz, instead of 60 Hz. However, your TV has no motors or generators. Instead, it is an electronic device.
Therefore, the frequency mismatch with your TV set should not be a big deal.
Final Thoughts
TVs are standard appliances in homes. So, getting the best one at the most affordable rates makes sense. That is why you may want to shop for your TV in the US and ship it to Europe.
Using American-rated televisions in Europe is possible, but you need to match the voltage levels. You can buy a worldwide-compatible Tvsets or get a proper plug from your local electronics store. And if you do, ensure you match the specs. The frequency will not be an issue.
But, with the shipping cost and additional expenses like setting up your receiver box outside for reception, is it worth getting a TV from the US and shipping it to the UK? Share your opinion.
