Electricity in Exotic Locations
14 December 2009 | Whangarei, New Zealand
Joan
"Well Toto, We aren't in Kansas anymore!" So true for us as well. It seems that every country we visit has it's own electrical system sporting its own outlet designs. New Zealand uses 240 volts with a triangular angled shaped outlets. This initially did not cause us too much concern as we are renting a transformer from the marina at $1 a day and the slip fees includes electricity. The transformer converts 240 to 110 so we have ample power on board Tender Spirit. There are adaptors available to fit our outlets and the others to fit the local outlets. For lightly powered items, this does the trick. We have very little electrical items, most of them are tools, so no problem......that is until the orbital sander wore out and I couldn't find the replacement parts. Getting a new sander in this land of plenty was the easy part. Plugging it into our boat's system, however didn't not work out so nicely. We managed to get it working with a long extension cord to the local power box and all is well. The trouble will be in the future because we can't use it when we leave. I guess I better get all the woodwork done and think about importing a new sander for later! Other than that, our projects are moving along nicely. Pearl, the puppy is learning and growing. She sure is fun to have around!