Belize's Electricity: 50 Or 60Hz?

Belize uses a power frequency of 60Hz, which is the same as the US, Canada, Brazil, Japan (in Osaka and Kyoto), and many other countries. However, most countries use 50Hz, including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and China. The difference in power frequency dates back to the 1880s, when Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla had conflicting ideas about how to bring electricity into homes in New York. Edison proposed using Direct Current (DC) at a lower voltage of around 110 V, while Tesla proposed Alternating Current (AC) at 60Hz and 240 volts. Ultimately, New York adopted Tesla's AC supply at 110 volts and 60Hz, and the US has stuck with this system ever since.

Belize uses a frequency of 60Hz

The frequency of the electricity supply, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times the current alternates directions per second. The current is cyclical, and in most countries, it is supplied with a frequency of either 50 or 60Hz.

The frequency of the electricity supply is important because it can affect how your devices function. If you use a device in a country with a different frequency, it may not work properly and can even be damaged.

A number of countries and territories use a frequency of 60Hz, including:

• The United States of America
• Canada
• Brazil
• Japan (in Osaka and Kyoto)
• Belize
• Mexico
• The Bahamas
• Saudi Arabia
• The Virgin Islands

Most countries use a frequency of 50Hz, including:

• The United Kingdom
• China
• Australia
• India
• Many countries in Europe and Africa

The standard voltage in Belize is 110V

However, it's important to note that Belize has two voltage levels in use: 110V and 220V. These can vary by region, city, or even hotel, so it's important to check the local voltage before using your devices. If the local voltage is much higher at 220V, you will need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your devices.

Belize uses power outlets and plugs of types A, B, and G. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins and are commonly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China, and Japan. Type B plugs are similar but have an extra pin for grounding and are also used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Japan. Type G plugs have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and are mainly used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, and Singapore.

If you're travelling to Belize from a country that uses a different plug type, you'll need to bring a power plug adapter. Additionally, if your devices can't handle the standard voltage and frequency in Belize, you may need a voltage converter to protect your devices.

Two-pronged plug types A and B are used in Belize

Belize uses two-pronged plug types A and B, as well as type G. Plug types A and B have two flat prongs, but type B also has a third, semi-circular prong for grounding. Type G, on the other hand, has three rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern.

Plug type A is mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, China and Japan. Type B is also mainly used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and Japan, and plugs of type A will also fit into a type B socket.

If you are travelling to Belize from a country that uses type A or B plugs, such as the US, it is recommended that you bring a plug adapter, as type A or B outlets might not be readily available. If your device can run on 110 volts or is dual voltage and your plug fits in a Belizean power outlet, then you will not need anything else. However, if your device doesn't run on 110 volts and isn't dual voltage, you will need a power converter for Belize to convert the voltage.

Three-pronged plug type G is also used in Belize

Belize uses three types of power supply: type G, type A, and type B. Type G power sockets have three rectangular holes in a triangle pattern and are used for devices that have a voltage of 230V. Type G is from British origin and is mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is also used in quite a few other countries. No other plug types fit into an outlet of type G.

If you are travelling to Belize, you will need to bring a Type G power adapter if your plug doesn't fit into a Belizean power outlet. A power adapter for Belize enables a visitor from a different country to use their own electronic appliances and devices by altering the shape of the plug to fit the power outlet.

It is important to note that a power adapter only modifies the shape of the plug to fit a Belizean power outlet and does not alter the voltage. So, if your device doesn't work with 110 volts and isn't dual voltage, you will also need to bring a separate voltage converter.

Some areas in Belize do not have access to electricity and suffer from power blackouts, so it is recommended to pack a portable power bank if you want to recharge your devices during a blackout.

You may need a voltage converter for your devices in Belize

If you're travelling to Belize, you may need a voltage converter for your devices. Belize uses two voltage levels: 110V and 220V. The voltage can vary by region, city, or even hotel, so it's important to check the local voltage before plugging in your devices. If the local voltage is higher than what your devices are designed to handle, you will need a voltage converter to protect your devices.

The standard frequency in Belize is 60Hz. If this differs from the frequency in your home country, you should also use caution when plugging in your devices. Check the small print on your device to see if it can handle the frequency in Belize. If you see "100-240V 50/60Hz" printed, your device can be used worldwide.

It's important to note that power plug adapters only convert plug types and do not convert voltages. If you need to use a different plug type in Belize, you can purchase a power plug adapter, but this will not convert the voltage.

To protect your devices and ensure they function properly in Belize, it's recommended to use a voltage converter in addition to a power plug adapter if necessary. Combined travel adapter/voltage converter options are available. Always check the requirements of your specific devices and the local electricity supply before plugging in.

Frequently asked questions