Friday, August 03, 2018
Post #39: Montage of Voltage
Something quirky about BrasÃlia is its mishmash of electrical voltages and outlets. I made a rookie mistake on my first work-related trip out of town as I completely forgot that a electrical plug adapter would be necessary. So, what is the deal, you ask? Our apartment is partially wired for 220 volts but mostly with 110 volts and American plugs. Surely, this must be an American Embassy thing? Nope. Our apartment is leased from a Brazilian owner and you find inconsistency across the city with the plugs. Apparently many wealthy Brazilians will pay to have their homes wired in 110v so they can use appliances they've imported from elsewhere. One of my Brazilian colleagues travels with two hair straighteners/curlers: one in 110 and another in 220. Crazy, right? It gets better the "standard" plug in Brazil consists of three round prongs -- but is not compatible with the European 220 prongs like those you see in Germany. The result? Our house is a confusion of cords, extensions, and adapters.
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