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Post by carm2024 on Mar 6, 2024 19:50:11 GMT
Hi all,
My husband and I are arriving next week and have been assigned a 110V home near the Duck Pond. It seems like a great location and we are very excited about our move.
I am a little worried about finding 110V kitchen appliances. I know that new aren’t sold in country anymore, but are second hand appliances readily available to purchase on various camp/company sales forums? I also understand we can we request 2 upgraded 220 plugs, which we plan to do immediately…. But can’t use extension cords? I’m a little confused. This is a bit frustrating but I am sure we’ll figure it all out. Any advice?
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Post by BlueStaff on Mar 7, 2024 5:16:37 GMT
You normally will have 1-2 230V UK style double sockets in the kitchen, 1 in living room and 1 in the master bedroom. When I first arrived in 2014 you were able to buy 120v kitchen gadgets in the Soukh but not sure if it is available now.
Once you arrive keep an eye on the camp Facebook pages - there will often be 120v equipment for sale (presently Aramco are making a huge effort to upgrade all houses to 230v). A 230V kettle can be safely connected to the 120v system just by changing the plug to US style, just will take longer to boil, but do not try with any other kitchen items.
For small electronic goods like TV, laptop, router, printer, xbox etc most are multiple voltage and can be safely used by changing the plug to US style (they will state 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz on the power supply). For a tower type PC the supply can be changed from 230v-120v usually by a switch in the power supply. US style USB chargers for mobiles and iPads also help.
If you use extension cords they should be UL or CE certified. Use them only for light equipment, not for kitchen goods. Housing inspection are always looking for these so be sure they are up to spec or removed before they come round.
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 159
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Mar 7, 2024 6:59:17 GMT
Hi all, My husband and I are arriving next week and have been assigned a 110V home near the Duck Pond. It seems like a great location and we are very excited about our move. I am a little worried about finding 110V kitchen appliances. I know that new aren’t sold in country anymore, but are second hand appliances readily available to purchase on various camp/company sales forums? I also understand we can we request 2 upgraded 220 plugs, which we plan to do immediately…. But can’t use extension cords? I’m a little confused. This is a bit frustrating but I am sure we’ll figure it all out. Any advice? Don't worry. Big white goods are given by company eg fridge, cooker, dishwasher as per voltage. 220v exists near Washing machine. You will have 1 to 2 220v near kitchen worktops. And few in random locations. Most of your electronics works fine on 110 and 220v. Only problem will be for things like mixer juicer, microwave type. Extension board will come handy for that. |
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 553
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Post by tamsin on Mar 7, 2024 17:14:32 GMT
110 is easy enough to find as people are converted. On the fb pages, you can post an in search of post in addition to waiting for adverts and also check the women’s exchange, the camp thrift shop. They get a fair bit of 110 items.
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Post by carm2024 on Mar 15, 2024 18:30:33 GMT
Update- we arrived in the wee hours Friday morning and found that the house has several 220 plug G outlets, just as responders said and I am less worried about purchasing small appliances now.
It looks like the house has undergone some electrical and other work, which is nice. It has so much potential to make it our new home.
Unfortunately, we have no big appliances, which has been a challenge. We’ve made calls, but it is the weekend and Ramadan. Hopefully we can get a stove/range and refrigerator installed soon. Couldn’t get rides or buses to commissary and walked off our long flight in the early morning rain. We took it as a blessing.
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 159
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Mar 15, 2024 19:52:38 GMT
Update- we arrived in the wee hours Friday morning and found that the house has several 220 plug G outlets, just as responders said and I am less worried about purchasing small appliances now. It looks like the house has undergone some electrical and other work, which is nice. It has so much potential to make it our new home. Unfortunately, we have no big appliances, which has been a challenge. We’ve made calls, but it is the weekend and Ramadan. Hopefully we can get a stove/range and refrigerator installed soon. Couldn’t get rides or buses to commissary and walked off our long flight in the early morning rain. We took it as a blessing. Very surprised how they ended up giving you an accomodation without stove/range and refrigerator! Call 939 from aramco landline. |
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