Canada uses 120/240V at 60Hz as its standard household electrical supply. If you're moving appliances between Canada and North America (120V/60Hz), both voltage and frequency are worth checking before you plug anything in.
Note: Canada is listed with more than one common voltage (120/240V) — this usually reflects regional variation or dual-standard wiring. Check the rating label on the specific outlet or appliance you're working with.
The good news: Canada runs on 60Hz, the same frequency used in the United States and Canada. That means motors, clocks, timers, and other frequency-sensitive appliances will run at the correct speed without a dedicated frequency converter. In most cases a voltage transformer alone is enough to handle the 120/240V vs. 120V difference — a full frequency converter isn't required for equipment moving between Canada and North America.
Frequency conversion still matters if you're bringing appliances designed for a 50Hz country (most of Europe, Africa, and Asia) into Canada, or taking Canada-spec appliances onward to a 50Hz destination.
Canada's standard voltage of 120/240V is already close to the North American 120V standard, so voltage usually isn't the limiting factor — frequency is what to check.
A plug adapter only changes the physical shape of the plug — it doesn't change voltage or frequency at all. If the appliance isn't rated for Canada's 120/240V/60Hz supply, a plug adapter alone can damage it.
No — check the rating label on the back or bottom of each appliance. Many modern electronics (phone chargers, laptops) are dual-voltage and frequency-tolerant. Motor-driven and timing-based appliances are the ones that need real conversion.