European appliances - best option making them work in Panama?

Post new topic

Member since 02 July 2018

dhavalnakerNew member05 August 2018 16:05:09

Hi all,

I have just moved from the Netherlands to Panama. I have quite a few appliances from Europe (for e.g. coffee machine, stand mixer, iron etc) that are 220-240V with a rating of 2400W.

In order to get them working in Panama, I have read about two options:

1. Buying a step up 110 to 22V voltage transformer with a rating of 3000W or 4000W

2. Converting the plug where these appliances will be used from single phase (120V) to three phase (240V)

I was wondering if any of you have any experience with either of the two options? Or may be there is a third option that I have not figured out yet.

Would be great to hear from you!

Cheers,
Dhaval

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert05 August 2018 20:28:47

28304

The usual advice to not bother and but new but you seem to have already taken the wrong road.
Talk to an electrician about a second circuit in the house but that's likely to be expensive and messy.
Look at high power transformers but that means big, ugly boxes (if you can find them)
The frequency is also different, something that could be a problem for some units. Some 50hrz equipment can suffer badly is used on 60hrz.

The cheapest and best option is likely to be a trash can and a trip to the shops.

triffic Contributor

Member since 27 April 2016

trifficContributor06 August 2018 11:33:20

162

@ dhavalnaker
everything works fine - no transformers needed
don't worry
unless you have big machinery with 3-phase 380volt motors
then you would need static or rotary phase converters

dhavalnaker New member

Member since 02 July 2018

dhavalnakerNew member06 August 2018 13:26:42

Hi Triffic,

That's great news!

I have things like coffee machine, stand mixer, bread maker etc. All 220V and 2400W.

Based on your response, I am really hoping that they will work without any modifications.

Cheers,
Dhaval

triffic Contributor

Member since 27 April 2016

trifficContributor06 August 2018 14:41:28

162

@Dhaval
go to any hardware store like Cochez - DoIt etc.
buy a 220volt 15amp outlet for every device
or
if your machines are close together
you can bring a 220volt 6-Outlet Power Strip from Europe
then you only need one 220volt 15amp outlet

it also depends if you live in a house or apartment

Articles to help you in your expat project in Panama

Childcare in Panama
Education in Panama is compulsory for children from 6 years. In general, children attend pre-primary school as ...
Customs in Panama
It is advisable to seek customs information through the official channels before travelling to Panama. Because ...
Sports in Panama
A country as conducive to the outdoor life as Panama almost inevitably develops sport-lovers. In this case the ...
Accommodation in Panama City
Panama City, the Panamanian capital city, has a large variety of housing options for all tastes. Take the time to ...
Communicating in the local language
As a Panamanian who was fortunate enough to learn English and have some exposure to other different cultures ...
Visas for Panama
There are different types of residency visas in Panama, including those for retirees and others for people wishing ...
Transport in Panama
There are different means of transport in Panama: planes, trains, subway, bus, taxi, etc. You can choose among ...
Professional visas in Panama
To work in Panama you need an appropriate visa, and although the government protects the interests of its own ...