International Usage of Oxygen Concentrators

International Usage of Oxygen Concentrators

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When traveling outside the USA, there are some important considerations when operating an oxygen concentrator. The most important factor is the electrical supply, which differs widely in both quality and quantity; though there are some possible other considerations to consider.

In the United States electrical current is standardized around 120 Volts AC (VAC), at 50 Hertz in either the NEMA 1-15 (Ungrounded) or NEMA 5-15 (Grounded) formats. This standard is used in several other countries as well. However, confusion and problems can arise from the exact same plug format being used in other countries with vastly different power standards.

One such example is Japan, which uses the NEMA 1-15 standard as well, which means that the outlet and plug look just like they do here in the United States. However, while in the USA we are 120 VAC, Japan runs on only 100 VAC, and half the country is on 50 Hz with the other half on 60 Hz. This means your unit will not get enough power to run.

Europe has an even wider range – in which most of Europe runs between 220-240 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz. Going to Africa, Asia, or parts of South America? Power requirements in some of these countries vary wildly depending on the local power supply – some cities and towns may be 220 VAC, others 120 VAC.

Concentrator International Outlet Diagram

The reason for this electrical lesson is simply that, before traveling, you should look up what the local power supply will be where you are going, and then check the possible limitations of your specific machine. That’s where the good news begins! Most portable units are capable of accepting between 100-240 VAC and operating at either 50 or 60 Hz.

You can check one of three ways to figure out what your concentrator’s power specifications. The first method is to check your manual. Every Concentrtator manual will include the specifications of the unit usually on the last few pages. If you do not have your manual handy, we also publish them on our website. If you’re already on your way and don’t have the manual, you can also check your power supply. Lastly, of course, you can always contact our Customer Support Team, where our representatives can answer all your power questions.

If your concentrator’s power supply includes a transformer, usually referred to as a “brick,” the specifications will be written on one side. Look for abbreviations like “VAC” for Volts Alternating Current to find the numbers. Most of the time, if there is a transformer, the unit will be capable of 100-240 VAC. If the line doesn’t have a transformer, it is unlikely that the unit can do anything but the native power format.

Oxygen Concentrator Store sells units designed for use in the United States, which means they are designed for a native power format of 120 VAC. Some units have an “international” variant which will be designed for native power formats of 220 VAC and will not operate in the USA – AMSR only sells these as special-order items.

It is also important to know that modes of transportation vary in power output as well. If you are taking a cruise, the ship may operate on 220 VAC even if it is an “American” cruise line. More and more aircraft are featuring power outlets on seats for electronics to be used; however, the power output may not be enough to power your unit. Always contact the carrier to find out what the electrical standards are before your trip.

Using a Oxygen Concentrator in Europe

Of course, when traveling internationally, you may find that the outlet is different than the NEMA outlet found on all our concentrators. To solve this, you will need to use a power adapter. A power adapter simply changes the configuration of the prongs on the plug to fit the outlet in the wall.

A power adapter is different than a power converter. We strongly discourage using power converters because they can damage your unit, rendering the unit and its factory warranty useless.

Power consumption isn’t the only international consideration to have while traveling abroad, though it is probably the largest consideration. Different countries have different regulations regarding the use of medical equipment, meaning you should look to see if there are specific rules for using a concentrator; such as carrying your prescription or special rules for flying. AMSR sells units that meet US FAA regulations, however other airlines and countries may have a different list of authorized equipment your unit may not be on. The European Aviation Safety Agency, for example, is slower to test and approve units than the Federal Aviation Administration (USA). This is more likely to be a concern if your airline is from another country; flights to and from the USA all must meet FAA requirements.

Another consideration is a change in local conditions. Oxygen machines have operational limitations such as temperature and altitude. Concentrators have a maximum altitude that they can operate at, and if you are visiting an area that is significantly higher in elevation from where you live you could run into trouble, both in the unit not having enough air to concentrate and potentially needing more oxygen than you normally do which could exceed your unit’s maximum settings. Likewise, some climates may be too hot or cold which can prevent the unit from operating properly.

Oxygen concentrators are a great benefit to help people get out of the house and traveling. Before your next international trip, take these tips into consideration and free to call our Customer Support Team and they can help you through any of these questions or concerns.

Updated: May 8, 2023
Published: May 21, 2018

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

30 thoughts on “International Usage of Oxygen Concentrators

  1. Power in the U.S is 60 Hz., not 50. I have never seen 60 Hz. in Europe. Almost all new electronic devices operate between 100 and 220 volts rendering the use of power converters unnecessary. Temperature and elevation are valid concerns.

  2. I travel from Denver, Colorado to Vietnam ??. Portable & stationary work just fine. Sleep apnea machine works the same for me, but machine shows a difference in its operation from high altitude to sea level.

    • I’m planning to buy O2 concentrator for my father in the Philippines. My concern Philippines has 220 volts & most of the equipment that’s here in the US is 110 volts. In the Philippines there are days that they don’t have electricity. What is the most suitable O2 concentrator for my father?

      • Good question Mary! Most of the portable oxygen concentrators have universal voltage input, meaning they’ll work with 220 volts. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  3. In your second paragraph, you said “In the United States electrical current is standardized around 120 Volts AC (VAC), at 50 Hertz.” Please edit to read: 120 Volts AC (VAC), at 60 Hertz. For more see: Electricity 101.

  4. What causes my machines to just stop? I clean the filters and yet my new Inogen g3 and my old Oxygo do the same thing. They will be working and just stop. Sometimes if you reset the battery it will start working but sometimes it won’t. It concerns me that the new one does it to and I just got it.

    • Donna, Give our support team a call. They might be able to diagnose over the phone. (877) 303-9289 and explain to them what is happening.

  5. Wanting to go to Istanbul, Turkey for about 2 months. I can’t afford to buy a O2 portable fda approved to fly! Just need at bedtime. Do you know of any used lightweight ones to carry on that is internationally acceptable that have an adapter? I have Alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency and have difficulty breathing upon movement. I need surgery there cause it’s cheaper that is why I am going there. But, I have to breathe.

    • Ruby, We do have an inventory of refurbished machines that are available for sale that may help. Things you will need to consider is you will need enough power for the machine for the flight (each airline has different requirements for power so check that). Also depending on your therapy needs the type of machine that will work for you. Lastly depending how long your trip to Turkey is, we do have a rental program as well where you can rent it for the trip. I do hope this helps you and if you want, contact us at 888-743-0156 and let us understand your needs better. We are likely able to help you. Good luck and safe travels.

      • Hi ruby, I was surprised when my pulmonologist told me that even though I don’t need oxygen while at rest that I would have to use it during any flight. Just thought it might be worth asking your doctor before investing in something. Good luck.

  6. Hello, I am traveling from the US to Argentina that uses 220v. What kind of concentrator can I bring to use in the plane that works 110v to 220v? Thank you!

    • Hello Elena,
      When bringing a concentrator that is FAA approved, the need to be using battery power as not all airplanes have power outlets for passengers at every seat. (but that is changing) I would check specifically with the airline you are travelling to understand their policy and requirements to fly with a concentrator that you intend to use during flight. But if you are using a portable machine, using the battery is the way to go. You will likely need a few of them for the flight which if you need we can sell to you depending on the machine. I hope this helps.

      All The Best.

  7. My name is Iliana Diaz, president of Texas Partners of the a America, a non-profit organization., we help latinamerican countries to redsuce their poverty but this time is more serious, we are helping Bolivia to provide portable oxigen 220,during this terrible timnes of COVID -19. We would like to know if anyway you will be able to help us. Bolivia altitud is more than 4,500 mts where the stationary oxygen is hard to take it to the most needed hospitals, this will be use as last resource when oxigen is not avaible and could safe three poeople in just a day. Thank you for your attention and please let me know if we can count on you.

    • Hi Iliana,

      Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at (888) 360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

      The concentrators we have in our inventory can operate the best up to 4,000 meters. For your requirement, I’d suggest Airsep Intensity 10. It is the most powerful unit but the oxygen concentration may be less at higher altitudes. This might be the best option as it can supply up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute and can support multiple patients.

  8. Hi
    I bought recently “Nidek Nuvo 10 Liter Oxygen Concentrator” for my family who is in urgent need in India.

    In India the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The device Average Power Consumption is 600 W and Voltage is 115V.
    Will this work well with 220 V To 110 V Step Down Transformer?

      • Hi
        I bought “Nidek Nuvo 10 Liter Oxygen Concentrator” for my family in India.

        In India the standard voltage is 230 V. The device I bought is 115 volts with Average Power Consumption of 700 Watts. What type of step down transformer should I buy for it to work in India?

        • I think you answered your question. You need a step-down converter that converts 230 VAC (India) to 115 VAC (US) and can supply 700 watts. Make sure you read the step-down converter’s user’s manual before usage as the converter may get hot while using it and may require some time to cool it off by shutting it down.

  9. I purchased Philips Respironics 5L EverFlow Oxygen Concentrator and shipped to India for my family due to emergency.
    Oxygen concentrator device is not turning on , I have used below step down voltage converter which is 200 Watt only and my concentrator average consumption shows 350 watts on philips website.
    SOKOO 200-Watt 100-220V to 110V Voltage Converter

    Can someone please advise if I should buy step down converter which can supply 350+ watts ?

    • Your current step-down converter is not compatible. You need to buy one that supports more than 350 W.
      Do not ever plug the unit into the wall outlet directly as it will damage the motherboard.

  10. I have oxygen concentrator with 120V – 60Hz electrical specification, my question is, what happened if I used machine with 120V – 50Hz specification.
    Does it affect machine life or quality of Oxygen ??

    • Please contact Oxygen Concentrator manufacturers – CAIRE and Philips Respironics. They have 10L home oxygen concentrators. For Asian markets, they have export models of concentrators that have compatible power requirements.

  11. I will be traveling to Germany, using my Inogen One G3 only while aloft. Since I must take extra charged batteries, can I safely charge batteries with 220 V or do I need a converter?

    • Hello Jeanie, Inogen devices come with universal power input and can be charged anywhere with a converter. The power adapter can accept 100 to 240 VAC.

  12. Hi; we have a Phillips Respironics Simply Go Portable Oxygen Concentrator, which my eight year old daughter uses for travel while sleeping. We are taking her on her first international trip to Ireland in about two weeks and working with her pulmonologist to make sure we have everything we need. The airline can provide the 2 liters of continuous flow in-flight for her (pulmonologist says she should be on oxygen for full flight due to the affect altitude has on her oxygen saturation), we will carry the concentrator but not use it in-flight. My question is, while we are in Dublin and Galway, what type of adapter do I need to purchase for the unit to plug in at our hotel rooms, so she can use the concentrator at night? I know we need a UK adapter, but the ones I’m seeing available for purchase on Amazon say they convert power for small devices such as iPhones and iPads. I want to be sure that I get an adapter that won’t fry when I plug in the concentrator. Is there a specific voltage adapter I should be looking for? Thanks so much!

    • Hello Lauryl, thanks for your comment and please do share your experience after the trip.
      Respironics SimplyGo comes with an international AC power adapter – the cord that plugs into a wall outlet. It can automatically adjust the power input. You need only a convertor that enables you to plug the cord in wall outlet. You don’t have to look for a voltage-specific adapter. These convertors are available at airport shops.

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