How to get my 8100-1 to work in UK

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 12, 2008 Posts: 1

I have the Vtech 8100 from the U.S. and am visiting the UK. I'd like to get it to work. I know the voltage for charging the phone is only 120V and its 6.5 Watts. I have a wattage converter, would that do the trick? Is that the same as a voltage converter?

http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?loadfile=catalog12_0.html

that store is talking about AC/DC converters, is that what I need? On the charger it says output DC 9V.

Basically, anyone take their 8100 phone from the U.S. to the UK and managed to get it working? and how?

thanks from the electrically illiterate Smile

Posts: 120 · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:36 am Post subject: Voltage Converter

You will need a 'Step Down' voltage converter as our voltage in UK and also rest of Europe is 220/240 Volts AC (mains plug designs vary too, from 2 round prong in Europe to 3 square prong in UK), this converter would convert our voltage safely back to US 110/120 Volts AC. If you plug your US device directly into our mains outlets without this conversion it could permanently damage the device, and even injure you if it should explode due to the double amount of voltage in there. To be sure I would consult a qualified person/electrical supplier in the US before you leave.
Also remember our mains plugs are different to yours, so bear that in mind when buying a voltage converter for US to UK (UK plugs have 3 square prongs that are equally placed, there are no 2 pin plugs, except for a bathroom shaver socket which is not relevant to vonage.)

Good luck and enjoy ur trip. Smile

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 08, 2008 Posts: 1

I e-mailed Vonage and VTech if they could recommend a particular brand or model of voltage converter (to go 240 to 110). Vonage answered that "I need a voltage converter" No sh#t, Sherlock! So I wrote back and asked WHICH ONE - IS THERE A BRAND YOU KNOW WORKS? (because the equipment is pretty sensitive to just the right power adapter). So they sent back their output and input specs (which I already got from their web site...).
Even MORE useless was VTEch. They said 'we can't support you outside the US, read your warranty and by the way, those super impressive European phone companies probably don't want you to hook up to their network'. Big help..
Anyhoo, I know a friend who took her Vonage to the UK for a year and, as best as I can figure, used a voltage transformer on her US equipment. I just don't know which one. ANyone out there have a brand or model to share? Thx much!

Posts: 11 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jul 10, 2008 Posts: 11

The output of a UK mains transformer at 9 volt DC will charge your device.AS long as you don't connect your US charger to the UK mains you will be fine.Buy a UK transformer with the same output as the device.Make sure the output polarity is the same ie +- or -+.And the amperage is the same or greater,the device will only draw the current it needs.