Melanie
Full Travel Member
Posts: 21
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Post by Melanie on Nov 16, 2005 14:54:09 GMT -5
hi, i'm leaving for europe in less than two weeks. im in the process of getting all my last minutes items and whatnot.
i was looking at my electronic items. hair dryer and hair curling iron (yes it is necessary for me to bring both) my friend who is traveling with me will be using it as well.
i know i am suppose to have one that is "dual volt" how do i know if they are, what numbers am i suppose to look for.
on my hair curling iron, it says, 120V/240V AC 50/60Hz 125W
my hair blower says, 125/250VAC 60/50hZ
thanx,
melanie
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Post by MuvverRussia on Nov 16, 2005 16:20:50 GMT -5
Looking at that both are dual voltage. That said, I heard that some people have problems with even supposedly dual voltage hair driers, maybe someone could confirm this?
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Post by me on Nov 16, 2005 16:47:07 GMT -5
Melanie,
if you can still take them back, it might be a good idea. it'd probably be cheaper to buy a set in Europe instead. that way, you'd be pretty sure of getting equipment that works there. [you could test them in the store, no?]
just an idea.
- d
Edit: Doh! plugs are still different in some countries - especially UK - which i forgot. which countries, specifically, are you visiting?
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Post by stanncie on Nov 16, 2005 21:40:26 GMT -5
indeed david, plugs are very different in each country, you can buy a plug adapter set that brings all sorts of strange looking plugs, my travelmate had some with her and it helped out a lot
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Post by me on Nov 16, 2005 22:26:09 GMT -5
indeed david, plugs are very different in each country, actually, in my travels, UK was the only oddball. but, there are several countries in Europe i've yet to visit: Ireland, Greece & Finland are all places in pre-2004 EU i've not yet visited. to my recollection, the plug with two long slender pins was standard elsewhere. is my memory just cloudy? |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Nov 17, 2005 1:56:58 GMT -5
Ireland is like the UK, with 3 rectangular pins. The rest are the double round pin, with an optional earth pin.
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Melanie
Full Travel Member
Posts: 21
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Post by Melanie on Nov 17, 2005 7:54:51 GMT -5
im traveling to the uk, france, amsterdam, spain, italy, south africa, australia, new zealand and south africa.
i have plugs to put on my applicanace as well for these locations.
just wanted to make sure they were dual volt
thanks,
melanie
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Eagle not logged in
Guest
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Post by Eagle not logged in on Nov 17, 2005 12:37:59 GMT -5
Melanie, it sounds like your appliances are designed for dual voltage operation, so most likely only Plug Adapters will be required. As noted in previous posts, the UK uses large plugs with 3 rectangular prongs, while most of mainland Europe uses smaller plugs with two round prongs (3 with the grounded models). These are fairly standard, however you might find variations in some areas of Europe. I've found that having two UK Plug Adapters and two Euro Adapters (packed in separate locations) works well. Not sure if you have Plug Adapters yet? If not try any Radio Shack store or check www.magellans.com. If you need any further info, post another note. Eagle |
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Post by sarahray85 on Nov 24, 2005 17:04:51 GMT -5
My hair straightener says 110~120V 50Hz 45 WATT
Do I need a converter? And if so... does anyone have any recommended kind? I'm only going to one country (France!) so i think I'll only need one adapter.
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Post by me on Nov 24, 2005 22:51:42 GMT -5
My hair straightener says 110~120V 50Hz 45 WATT Do I need a converter? And if so... does anyone have any recommended kind? I'm only going to one country (France!) so i think I'll only need one adapter. yes, you'd need a converter. depending how long you plan to be there, it might be more practical to buy one there. edit: what i mean is, it might be more practical to buy a hair straightener in France. |
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Post by Eagle on Nov 25, 2005 0:34:07 GMT -5
sarahray85, Can you provide some clarification on the spec's you posted for your Hair Straightener? You indicated:
I couldn't tell where you're located from your profile, but this doesn't make sense. North American electrical systems use 110-120 volt, but these are designed for operation at 60 Hz. It would be more logical if this read "110-220V, 50 Hz, 45 Watt".
If you're only going to France, you will need a Plug Adapter with the two or three round pins. I would suggest taking two of these in case you need to connect more than one device at the same time (ie: charge your digital Camera or whatever while you're also using your Hair Straightener). The Plug Adapters are available at most travel / luggage shops, Radio Shack or Magellans.
You may or may not need a Voltage Converter. It will depend on whether the spec's you originally posted were correct. Again, without knowing where you're located, it's difficult to suggest a place where you could buy one of these. Radio Shack would be one place to look, or you could order from Magellan's if you have time.
One caveat however -- for an appliance such as a Hair Straightener (I'm assuming it's just a simple heating element), the solid-state Converter is probably more suitable than a Transformer type, due to size and weight. Magellans has a model which includes both types of conversion, with the device automatically selecting the method based on the appliance that is connected to it.
If you need any further information, post another note.
Hope this is some help. Happy travels!!!
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Post by sarahray85 on Nov 26, 2005 19:04:54 GMT -5
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Post by me on Nov 26, 2005 22:23:20 GMT -5
I live in California and I've checked my hair staightener a few times and it says: AC 110~120V 50Hz 45WATT I think I'll just take mine because they cost anywhere from $40-100. So, I will need a converter. Ah, I'm so confused.  it will probably work with that converter. but, the converter alone cost US$40, so forgoing the converter would cover the cost of a straightener at the low of the price range you give. and you'd be certain that it's made to work in France if you buy it there. that's what i'd say. but i'm just a guy who's happy with his wavy hair. and you seem to have made up your mind, it's a moot point. i do hope it works for you, Sarah. let us know how your trip goes! Your departure date is just a few days away! i'm sure you're excited. - d |
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Post by Eagle on Nov 27, 2005 0:45:57 GMT -5
sarahray85, thanks for the update on your location. That helps somewhat. One question though, was your Hair Straightener purchased in California? I was wondering whether the electrical spec's were configured for Barbados or Jamaica? The REI Voltage Converter that you provided in the link will probably work. A few points to consider -- first, the unit shown by REI appears to require "manual selection" of the conversion method (Transformer or Solid State). This requires some care by the user to ensure proper setting, as if you select the 25 watt Transformer side and then connect a 45 watt Hair Straightener, problems or overheating could result. Secondly, most of these units are not designed for "continuous duty" operation. Therefore, it's important that you monitor this during use for overheating or whatever, and also try to limit the connection time. The Manual provided with the unit will probably list the time limit (30 minutes?). Be sure to disconnect the Converter from the outlet when not in use. Finally, using this might be a bit awkward as you will be connecting the Plug Adapter, then the Voltage Converter, then the Hair Straightener. It might have a tendency to fall onto the floor? If this is the case, you might have to "improvise" (from what I recall, Kim mentioned this in one of her previous posts). As you live in California, I was going to suggest that you check Magellan's for a Voltage Converter (they're located in the Santa Barbara area, I believe). If you're leaving in a few days, I'm sure they could FedEx a unit over to you before departure. The unit I was going to suggest was: www.magellans.com/store/Electrical___Electrical_AccessoriesEA238?Args= The Magellan's unit automatically selects the conversion method, so is a bit more "user friendly". In the past I've found Magellans customer service to be excellent, but it's your call. David made some good suggestions with regard to the cost / benefit of buying a Converter vs. buying a 220V Hair Straightener when you arrive at your destination. The one advantage of buying the Converter is that you will be able to use it on any future trips to countries that use 220V. electrical systems. Good luck! Hope you have a great trip, and be sure to keep us posted.
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Post by sarahray85 on Nov 27, 2005 13:21:13 GMT -5
I'm leaving December 19 and I'm returning January 6. I'm going to be spending the whole time in Paris staying in 5 different hostels (I'll definitely report about them when I get back). I've thought about taking the train to Berlin to visit a friend but I'm not sure yet. I'm so excited! I've been to Rome but I stayed with my friend's family so this is my first time hostelling. Plus, I'm going by myself. Just thought I'd let you know about my trip a little.
I have one more question. I already ordered the other converter that I mentioned before, which is kind of a bummer since the one Eagle mentiond was cheaper and easier to use. So... oh well. But, I'm wondering if that will work with a digital camera. I should have asked the sales clerk I spoke with on the phone but I didn't think of it. I can always call back because I ordered it from REI and they have really great customer service.
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