Dual voltage devices — complete list & how to check yours

Every device or charger has a small printed label — usually on the bottom, the back, or on the adapter brick itself. It will show an "Input" rating. That number tells you everything:

Where to look: The label is almost always on the charger brick (not the cable), the bottom of the device, or on a sticker inside a battery compartment. If there is no visible label, check the product manual or the manufacturer's website.

For a full explanation of what these numbers mean electrically, see What does 100–240V on your charger actually mean?

These device categories have been built with switching power supplies for over a decade. The overwhelming majority of units made after 2010 will be rated 100–240V. Always confirm the label before you travel — but you are very unlikely to have a problem with these.

These categories frequently come in single-voltage versions — especially models sold in North America. Some travel or "professional" versions are dual voltage, but most standard household versions are not. Do not assume. Read the label.

Some device categories have both dual- and single-voltage models actively sold side by side. There is no shortcut — you have to check the label on your specific unit.

You have four options:

1. Buy a voltage converter (step-down or step-up). A step-down converter converts 220–240V to 110–120V for North American devices abroad. A step-up converter does the reverse. The converter must be rated for at least the device's wattage — hair dryers need 1,500–2,000W converters. Full guide: adapter vs converter →
2. Buy a travel version of the device. Travel hair dryers, travel irons, and travel kettles exist specifically as dual-voltage products. They are often lower-powered but safe anywhere.
3. Leave it at home and borrow or rent at the destination. Most hotels provide hair dryers. Many destinations have the same appliances available to buy cheaply.
4. Check if a voltage-switchable model exists. Some higher-end appliances have a physical switch (often a small red switch on the back or bottom) labelled 115V / 230V. Move it to the correct position before plugging in — never while connected to power.

Note: a voltage converter adds weight and cost, and high-wattage converters are bulky. For most travellers, option 2 or 3 is more practical than carrying a 2,000W converter for a hair dryer.

Most of the world runs at 50Hz (Europe, UK, Asia, Australia) or 60Hz (North America, parts of South America). For almost all modern electronics, frequency makes no difference — switching power supplies handle 50–60Hz without any issue.

The exception is devices with synchronous AC motors whose speed depends on frequency — older clocks, some turntables, some older power tools. If your device's label says "60Hz only" (rather than 50/60Hz), it may run at the wrong speed on a 50Hz supply. This is rare in consumer electronics today but worth checking for precision equipment.

If a device is labelled 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz, it is completely universal — voltage and frequency are both covered.

What does dual voltage mean on a device?

Dual voltage (also called multi-voltage or universal voltage) means the device's internal power supply can accept both 110–127V and 220–240V mains supplies. The label will read "Input: 100–240V". Such devices work in any country with only a plug adapter — no voltage converter needed.

Are all phone chargers dual voltage?

Almost all modern USB phone chargers — any made in the last 10+ years by Apple, Samsung, Google, or any major brand — are rated 100–240V. Older chargers from 2010 or earlier may be single voltage. Check the small print on the charger brick itself, not the USB cable.

Is my MacBook charger dual voltage?

Yes. All Apple MacBook power adapters have been dual voltage (100–240V) for well over a decade. You need only a plug adapter to fit the socket shape — no converter. The same applies to all modern Windows laptop chargers from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and others.

Are hair dryers dual voltage?

Most standard US-market hair dryers are rated 120V only and are not dual voltage. Plugging them into a 220–240V outlet — even with a plug adapter — will destroy the motor and may cause a fire. Travel hair dryers sold specifically as "dual voltage" or "100–240V" are the exception.

What happens if I plug a single-voltage device into the wrong voltage?

A 120V device connected to a 220–240V supply receives roughly double the voltage it was designed for. The result depends on the device: heating elements burn out immediately (and can cause fire), motors overheat and fail, and electronics may smoke or short. In some cases the damage is instant; in others the device runs briefly before failing. Never risk it.

Do I need a voltage converter if my device says 100–240V?

No. A device rated 100–240V handles any country's mains supply on its own. You only need a plug adapter to physically fit the socket shape. A voltage converter would be redundant and unnecessary.