Power Converter For Belize: What You Need To Know

If you're travelling to Belize, you may need to bring a power converter. This is because electricity supplies worldwide can vary from 100V to 240V, and using an electrical appliance with a voltage different from the supply can be dangerous. Belize operates on a 110/220V supply voltage and 60Hz, and you should check the voltage of your appliances before you embark on your journey.

If you're from the US, you won't need a power converter as Belize has the same voltage system. However, you may need a power plug adapter for sockets type A and G. If you're from the UK, you will need a power adapter as Belize uses the North American two-pin adapter plug.

Plug types in Belize

If you are travelling to Belize, it is important to know what kind of plug types and voltage you will need to use your electrical appliances safely.

Belize uses three types of power plugs and sockets (outlets): Type A, Type B, and Type G.

• Type A has two flat parallel pins.
• Type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
• Type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Voltage in Belize

Belize operates on a 110/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. It is important to check if your electrical appliances are compatible with the voltage in Belize. Some devices can operate with a range of voltages (e.g., 110-240V), in which case you will only need a travel adaptor. If your device is not compatible with the voltage in Belize, you may need a voltage converter or transformer to use it safely.

Travel Adaptors and Voltage Converters

If you are travelling to Belize from a country that uses different plug types, you will need to bring a suitable travel adaptor. Some devices may also require a voltage converter or transformer if they are not compatible with the voltage in Belize.

It is always a good idea to check the requirements of your specific electrical appliances before travelling to Belize to ensure you have the necessary adaptors, converters, or transformers.

Voltage in Belize

Belize has two voltage levels in use: 110V and 220V. The standard frequency is 60Hz. If you are from the US, you will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets of type A and G. If you are from the UK, you will need a plug adapter for sockets of type A and B.

Plug Types in Belize

• Type A: This plug has two flat parallel pins and is commonly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China and Japan.
• Type B: This plug is similar to type A but has an extra pin for grounding. It is mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and Japan. Plugs of type A will also fit into a type B socket.
• Type G: This plug is from British origin and is mainly used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore. No other plug types fit into a type G outlet.

If you are travelling to Belize, you may need a voltage converter, as the voltage levels in the country can vary by region, city or even hotel. If the local voltage is 220V and your device only operates at 120V, you will need a converter to avoid damaging your device.

To determine whether you need a converter, check the appliance rating plate. If the appliance is dual voltage rated, it will display 'INPUT: 110-240V' and will not need a converter. If the appliance is single voltage rated, it will need to be used with a voltage transformer or converter unless it operates at 120V or 240V.

Surge protectors

Auto-shutoff Feature

Look for a surge protector with an auto-shutoff feature, which automatically cuts power when the protection wears out. This ensures that your devices are never left unprotected.

Number of Outlets

Consider the number of outlets you need. Most surge protectors offer 6 to 12 outlets, but some have as few as 3 or as many as 15. Choose a model with enough outlets to accommodate your electronic devices.

Surge-protection Rating and Joule Rating

Look for a surge protector with a low surge-protection rating (less than 400 volts) and a high joule rating, which indicates how much energy the device can absorb before failing.

Auxiliary Ports

Some surge protectors include auxiliary ports such as coaxial connectors, telephone ports, and USB ports. Coaxial and telephone ports are useful for protecting cable boxes and landline phones, while USB ports can be handy for charging devices.

Cord Length

Choose a surge protector with a long power cord for added convenience and safety. A thicker, rubberized cord will also be more durable.

Warranty

Look for a surge protector with a warranty of at least one year. Keep in mind that the warranty typically covers defects and not the normal wear and tear of the surge protection components.

Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector TLP1208SAT

This surge protector offers excellent protection against power surges and has 12 AC outlets, coaxial connectors, and telephone ports. It features an auto-shutoff function and indicator lights to show the status of surge protection. It also has a sturdy build and an 8-foot cord.

Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector SK30USB

This compact model is ideal for bedside or countertop use, offering three AC outlets and two USB ports. It includes an auto-shutoff feature and provides strong surge protection. It also has a modern design and a three-prong plug for a secure connection.

Furman Power Station 8 (PST-8)

The Furman Power Station 8 is a high-end option that offers superior surge protection for expensive electronics. It features eight AC outlets, two telephone ports, and two coaxial connectors. While it is more expensive, it provides exceptional protection and is ideal for those with high-end gear.

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

This Belkin surge protector offers six AC outlets and two USB-A ports. It has a 6-foot cord and a rotating plug for convenience. It is a good option for home, office, or travel use.

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

This affordable option from Amazon Basics provides six outlets and a 2-foot cord. It has a simple design and is available in black or white. It is a good basic option for those who don't need many outlets.

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

The GE 6-outlet power strip includes a 10-foot extension cord and twist-to-close safety covers. It has a flat plug and is UL-listed. It is a reliable option with thousands of positive reviews.

BN-LINK 8 Outlet Surge Protector with Timer

This BN-LINK surge protector offers a unique feature with four timed outlets and four always-on outlets. It is ideal for controlling lighting or other appliances on a schedule. It has a white finish and receives high ratings from users.

CyberPower 15-Watt 3-Outlet Surge Protector

This compact surge protector from CyberPower includes three outlets and a USB-A and USB-C port. It has a braided cord and a 400-joule rating. It is a good choice if you only need to protect a few devices.

Belkin 1-Outlet SurgeCube Portable Wall Tap

For a simple and portable option, the Belkin SurgeCube provides one outlet and indicator lights for protection status. It is small and easy to pack for travel. It is a basic but reliable choice for added protection on the go.

Travel adapters

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, you will need to bring a travel adapter to be able to plug in your electronic devices. The type of power adapter you will need will depend on the voltage and type of device you are bringing.

Voltage

Belize operates on a 110/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from 100V to 240V, so using an electrical appliance with a different voltage rating than the supply can be extremely dangerous.

You can check whether you will need a voltage converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. If your device is dual voltage rated, it will display something like 'INPUT: 110-240V' and you will not need a converter or transformer, just a travel adapter. If your device is single voltage rated and does not operate at 120V or 240V, you will need to use it alongside a voltage transformer or converter.

Plug Type

There are three types of power supply used in Belize: type G, type A, and type B. Type G has three rectangular holes in a triangular pattern. Type A has two flat parallel pins, and type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

If you are travelling to Belize from the US, you will need a power plug adapter for sockets type A and G. Type B sockets are also used in the US, so you will not need an adapter for this plug type, but they may not always be available locally.

Adapters are small and lightweight plastic adapters that allow a Belizean power outlet to accept a different type of power plug from a foreign region. They do not alter the voltage.

Where to Buy Travel Adapters

You can buy travel adapters online at retailers such as Amazon, as well as at high street electrical stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Fry's. If you are travelling from the US, you may also be able to find them at major US international airports, although the range may be limited.

Power converters

If you are travelling to Belize from a country that uses a voltage of 220-240V, you will need to bring a step-up power converter for any electronic devices that are not dual voltage. This is because Belize operates on a 110/220V supply voltage.

Voltage Converters vs Transformers

Converters and transformers both change the voltage from a power outlet, but converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously.

How to Determine if You Need a Power Converter

To determine whether you need a converter or transformer, look at the appliance rating plate. If the input voltage range is 110-240V, your appliance is dual voltage rated, and you will not need a converter or transformer, just a travel adaptor.

If your appliance is single voltage rated, it will need to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to work safely and properly in Belize.

Travel Adapters

Belize uses three types of power plugs and sockets (outlets): type A, type B, and type G. If your plug doesn't fit in a Belizean power outlet, you will need to bring a suitable plug adapter. A plug adapter will only change the shape of the plug to fit into a Belizean power outlet but will not change the voltage.

Frequently asked questions