can i use a normal travel adaptor to use on appliances in the usa?

[bubbles4920]

we are moving to live in the usa. i want to know if there are certain appliances i can still use with a travel adaptor from the uk. want to take my kettle, small midi hi fi system, laptop and standard lamps/bedside table lamps. any ideas welcome

[HWKE]

You will be able to use the kettle (although it will take longer to boil) and the laptop. The bulb in the bedside lamp will be the wrong voltage but you may be able to get a replacement bulb (they use Edison Screw fittings).
I haven't a clue about the hifi, it may have a voltage switcher, or possibly an automatic voltage switcher.

[daimionn]

the Hi Fi may have problems you have 50 cycle ac current over there over here it's 60 cycle power supplies made for 50 cycle don't work particularly well on 60 cycle power because the filtration in power supply is designed in your case to filter 50 cycles/sec to dc to power hi fi and the supply current here being 60 cycles/sec your filters may not get out all the ac hum and while it will work with the right voltage adapters it probablywill not work not too well sorry

[maxi2]

I would advise not to run your 230v kettle on 110volts. Devices with charging adaptors (digital cameras, laptops etc) are generally dual voltage and will be marked as such. But kettles, lamps and hifis designed for UK mains voltage are not going to work properly or safely on 110volts.

[bubbles4920]

thanks everyone, just thought aswell, what about my shredder and printer. i dont really understand what an adaptor plug actually does if it cant be used for all appliances with a uk plug on them. can anyone please explain this, thanks?