Will my Indian appliance work in the US?
The answer is printed on the appliance. Find the rating plate, type in what it says, and we'll tell you whether it plugs straight in, needs a plug adapter, needs a transformer, or should stay in India.
How to read a rating plate
- V
- Voltage. India is 230V and the US is 120V. A range like 100–240V means it works in both.
- Hz
- Frequency. India is 50Hz and the US is 60Hz. "50/60Hz" means either is fine.
- W
- Power. You need this to size a transformer, and to know whether a heating appliance is too big for a US outlet.
- ~
- Alternating current, which is what comes out of the wall in both countries.
Common appliances
| Appliance | Typical plate | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charger, laptop charger | Usually 100–240V | Plug adapter only |
| Mixer grinder from India | 230V, 50Hz | Step-up transformer, or buy a 110V model |
| Wet grinder from India | 230V, 50Hz | Buy a 110V, 60Hz model |
| Induction cooktop from India | 230V, about 2,000W | Buy a US one |
| Electric kettle, iron, rice cooker | 230V, 1,000–2,000W | Buy a US one |
| Pressure cooker, tawa, kadai | No plug | Bring it. Check induction if your stove needs it |
Adapters and transformers are different things
A plug adapter only changes the shape of the pins so an Indian plug fits a US socket. It does nothing to the voltage. A step-up transformer raises 120V to 230V. Small "travel converters" are made for hair dryers used for a few minutes; they aren't meant for motors.
Not sure whether to buy a transformer? Try the converter-or-new calculator. For the background, read India vs US voltage.
General guidance, not electrical advice. If a plate is missing or unreadable, or anything smells hot, stop and ask an electrician.