charging Ipod/Camera battery pack

[matcpd]

Where is the best place to charge my Ipod and camera battery pack? Can this be accomplsihed at Hostels safely?

Thanks
MAtt

[WillTravel]

You'll need an adapter for your ipod and I'm not sure if you need an adapter or a converter for your battery pack.

If you are asking if you can safely leave your electronic equipment unattended, I think the answer is no, unfortunately.

[Eagle]

Matt, before deciding "where" to charge your I-Pod and Camera battery, the most important thing to determine is whether the Chargers are designed to operate on the European electrical system (220 V, 50 Hz.). This will be listed on the "nameplate" of each Charger. You'll need to verify this before you leave on your trip.

If the Chargers state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz." then they will work in Europe. If they state "115VAC, 60 Hz" then you will also need a Voltage Converter (post another note if you need further information on these). At the least, as WT stated, you will probably need a Plug Adapter, which mechanically adapts the rectangular prong North American style plug to the style used in Europe (generally speaking, the U.K. uses somewhat large rectangular pins while mainland Europe uses two small round pins).

I've found that it's not too difficult to charge electrical devices in Hostels, as the charging time in most cases is less than one hour. This can be easily done while one is getting organized in the morning, or at night before bed. The biggest problem is sometimes finding enough power points in a room! If that turns out to be a problem, you could always ask the Front Desk staff as they may be willing to connect Chargers in the office.

Happy travels!!!

[scribbledhearts]

I'll be in Italy and I'll be bringing a hair dryer, straightener and my camera charger.
Camera: 100-240V 50/60Hz 80mA
Straightener: 120V 60Hz 35W
Hair dryer: 125V 1200W (I couldn't find a Hz...)

[Eagle]

scribbledhearts, a few suggestions regarding the appliances you'll be bringing to Italy (based on the specifications you listed):

> Camera Charger - this appears to be a "universal" or travel Charger and should work on the European electrical system without any problems. You will need a Euro style Plug Adapter though (two round pins).

> Straightener - this appears to be a product designed for use only on the 115 VAC North American electrical system. DO NOT connect this directly to the electrical system in Italy, as this will likely burn-out very quickly. A Voltage Converter (sometimes called a "step down Transformer") will be required for use in Europe.

> Hair Dryer - this also appears to be designed solely for use in North America (don't worry about the "Hz" - it operates on 125VAC so will be designed for 60 Hz). DO NOT connect this directly in Italy, as it will also likely burn out quickly (perhaps in very spectacular fashion, with smoke and sparks!). Again, a Voltage Converter will be required to use this in Europe.

With regard to your Hair Dryer and Straightener, you could either take your present units along and use with a Voltage Converter OR purchase dual-voltage travel models.

One Voltage Converter you might consider is www.magellans.com/store/Adaptor_Plugs___Converters___Voltage_ConvertersEA238?Args=.

One Straightener to check out www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___Hair_AppliancesEP589?Args=.

One Hair Dryer to check out www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___Hair_AppliancesEP224?Args=

You will probably need Plug Adapters for all the appliances. I usually travel with at least two Euro and two UK Adapters.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!!!

[scribbledhearts]

The voltage converter will work for both hair dryer and straightner right? My straightner was like $80 so yeah, it is really bad if it burns out

[Eagle]

scribbledhearts, yes, the Voltage Converter I showed in the link should work well for both your Straightener and Hair Dryer. That particular unit contains both a small Transformer (for electronic devices like Camera Chargers) and a solid-state Converter (for high wattage appliances like Hair Dryers). It "auto senses" which type of appliance is connected, and selects the appropriate conversion method.

If you decide to order that Converter, either via the Net or the toll-free number, you could confirm that with the supplier just to be sure. Don't forget the Plug Adapters!

Happy travels!!!

[scribbledhearts]

Does it make sense that my blow dryer is 35 W? I bought a voltage converter but I can't use it for anything less than 500 W.

[scribbledhearts]

Anybody know? I'm leaving tomorrow!

[Eagle]

scribbledhearts, normally Blow Dryers operate at a higher wattage than 35W? In one of your previous Posts, you listed the Straightener at 120V / 35W and the Hair Dryer at 125V / 1200 W. It would have been helpful to have the specifications on the "Voltage Converter" you bought also.

I bought a voltage converter but I can't use it for anything less than 500 W

This is a bit confusing? Normally, electrical devices of this type are rated for the maximum wattage they can handle. Stating that you can't use it for anything less than 500 W. doesn't make any sense. I'd need to have further information? A web link for the Converter would help.

I missed seeing this Post earlier, but as you're leaving tomorrow it's probably too late to make any changes to your electrical kit.

Happy travels and don't forget to send us a note once in a while!!!