Convertions/plugs/adaptors

[Melanie]

I'm going all over western europe and australia, new zealand. I know I will need to bring some convertors/adaptors for things such as hair dryer. I dont know the outlets over there. What travel convertors/whatnot should I purchase.

thanx,
melanie

[MuvverRussia]

Hair driers are pretty much a no go due to the different frequency in Europe/Aus. For your other stuff see if it is dual voltage or not, otherwise you'll need a transformer to convert 230v into 110v.

Of course you'll also need 3 plug adaptors - UK 3 pin to US 2 pin, EU 2 pin to US 2 pin and Australian 2 pin to US 2 pin.

[Melanie]

so then, should i not bother with buying this:
Adaptor Plug Set

melanie

edited by Kim to fix link

[MuvverRussia]

For $8 I'd buy it. You'll still need a transformer for any single voltage appliances you wish to use though, although it could be easier to replace them before your trip.

[Eagle]

Melanie, in order to advise on what Converters / Adapters you will need, it would help to know what type(s) of electrical / electronic devices you plan on taking with you. I suspect you will need the Magellan's Adapter set in your link; I was going to suggest this. I find it's useful to have two copies of some Plug Adapters, so that I can charge two devices at the same time.

You need to check the "nameplate data" on each of the devices to determine whether these will operate on foreign electrical systems, or whether you will need a Voltage Converter.

With regard to the Hair Dryer, there are dual-voltage models sold in North America (check travel or luggage stores). It is possible to use your 110-volt, 60 Hz. Hair Dryer in foreign countries (most of which use 220-volt, 50 Hz.) with a Voltage Converter. This may sound a bit "strange" during operation, due to the frequency difference, and either the "high" or "low" functions might not work. From what I recall, there were some posts on this subject several months ago -- I believe Dustoffmom had some good advice on the subject. I don't use a Hair Dryer so haven't looked into this topic in too much detail.

Not all Voltage Converters are the same, so it's important to know what you'll be using them with. Some use Transformers for reducing the voltage (best for electronics) and some use solid-state methods for reducing the voltage (best for "brute force & ignorance" appliances such as Hair Dryers). Some models include both methods in the same package - this is one example: www.magellans.com/store/Phone___Electric_Connectivity___Voltage_ConvertersEA238?Args=

Anyway, hope this helps. Cheers!!!

[Melanie]

Well as I know of right now, elecetronic wise: there would be
hair dryer
hair curler
the charger for my digital camera.
mini iPod

i'll be gone for almost a year, traveling throughout western europe, australia and new zealand. so i am willing to buy a hair dryer and hair curler over there if it is more convienent, but since i will be in several places i dont know where to buy one.
eagle - you sent a link about an auto combination converter - arent those quite heavy?
but i should still buy the adaptor plug set right?
-mel

[Kim]

Maybe to clarify:

The adaptor converts the electricity to the voltage that you need, the plug adaptors convert the plug so you can plug things in. If your hairdryer is from N.American for example, you would need the converter to convert the electricity and the plug adaptor to fit into the plugs.

A dual voltage hairdryer means you can skip the converter (you have to make sure it's set on the right voltage or you can blow the socket) but will still need the plug adaptor.

They are heavy, the converters - there is no way around that. They are kind of a pain too cause they are so heavy, they don't always like to stay in the plug, once you have an plug adaptor on there too.

If you bought a hairdryer in Europe, the voltage would be the same all over so you'd just need the plug adaptors.

Now, I have an iPod mini and I charge it by plugging it into the computer, is that what you do? Cause that's a whole other ballgame.

Kim

[Melanie]

i normally plug my iPod mini to my computer, but im not going to bring my laptop with me.

[Eagle]

Melanie, for charging your I-Pod Mini without a Computer, you might need this accessory --

store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=M9837LL%2FA

I wasn't able to find out from the Apple web site, whether this is designed for "world" operation, so you might still need the Voltage Converter. You might need the mini-USB Cable to go with this as well (another way for Apple to get a few bucks out of the consumer!).

BTW the Voltage Converter that I linked in my previous post is not very large or heavy at all (I know because I use one!). This is due to the fact that it contains only a fairly light 50 watt Transformer (typically these are very heavy, which increases with size / capacity) and a solid-state Converter for larger wattage appliances. The Converter is supplied with a Euro Plug, and if you want to use it in other areas you will have to use a Plug Adapter as well. As Kim mentioned sometimes this can be a bit of an "awkward" arrangement, but I don't find it to be a problem.

As far as the other appliances you listed, here are a few thoughts:

-- with the Hair Dryer and Curling Iron, these are likely only designed for 110 volts so a Voltage Converter will be necessary. That leaves you with the option of using those OR buying dual-voltage appliances. Check the Magellan's catalogue; from what I recall they sell a "world" Hair Dryer and possibly a Curling Iron as well?

-- for the Digital Camera Charger, you will need to check the "nameplate" on the Charger to determine what voltage / frequency this is designed for. My Canon S-50 (and most Canon models, from what I've seen) was supplied with a "world charger" and it works just fine on 220 volt electrical systems. If your Charger is designed for 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, then all you will need is plug adapters to allow the 2-blade North American plug to fit the wall outlets in the areas you will be travelling to. If it's designed ONLY for 110 VAC, 60 Hz then you will need the Voltage Converter as well. Perhaps you could post thie nameplate information, as this way we'd know for sure.

I'm sure it all sounds terribly complicated, but once you get set-up for travel with electronic/electric appliances, it's not difficult at all.

Cheers!!!

[chefzen]

I had these kinds of questions about the iPod as well. As I was looking on the apple website, I found this info on the AC adapter.

Power adapter
4-pin USB A connector
AC input: 100V to 240V at 0.15 amp rms maximum
Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz
DC output: 5V at 1 amp maximum

So I guess all you would need would be a plug adapter and not a voltage converter. Am I correct?

[MuvverRussia]

Chefzen - that'll work fine.

[Melanie]

in regards to my mini iPod. i currently already have the power adaptor and usb cord. that all came with my iPod when i purchased it. so i think all i need is the adaptor plug, to fix the us 2plugs into whichever country im in their plugs however many they are.
in regards to a camara charger i was thinking of purchasing a new canan, not sure which exact model at the immediate moment.
so if im reading everyones comments correctly i would only need the adaptor convertor it i decided to bring my hair drying and curlnig iron. if thats the case i will try to buy one online @ magellan store.

[Kim]

Depends on what kind of camera you get. If you get the kind where you can use disposable batteries, I would just go with those.

Mine has a battery pack and I would need a converter and adaptor to charge that.

Kim

[MuvverRussia]

admin said:

Mine has a battery pack and I would need a converter and adaptor to charge that.

Not so sure about the N American D70, but the European version comes with a 100-240v compatible charger (MH-18), so you'd only need a plug adaptor.