Electricity

The electrical supply and electrical outlets (sockets, wall plugs) are the same in the United States and Canada. Electricity in Canada is 120 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. You would require a voltage converter if you travel to Canada with a device that does not accept 120 Volts at 60 Hertz.

There are three main types of voltage converters. Resistor-network converters usually support something like 50-1600 Watts. They are light-weight and can support high-wattage electrical appliances like hair dryers and irons. They can however, be used for only short periods of time and are not ideal for digital devices.

Transformers have a much lower maximum Watt rating of 50 or 100. Transformers can often be used continuously and provide better electricity for low wattage appliances like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders. But they are heavy as they contain large iron rods and lots of copper wire.

Some companies sell combination converters which house both a resistor network and a transformer in the same package. This converter usually comes with a switch that switches between the two modes. You should go in for this type of converter, if there is an absolutely need for both types of converter.

Canada Plug Adapters and Outlet Shapes

Outlets in Canada generally accept 1 type of plug:

If your appliances plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.