|
Plug adapter for Europe?
Not sure if this is the place for this...
First time going to Europe and need and adapter for plugs. Probably a pretty common issue but I've seen a ton of options out there. Suggestions? Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Outlet...ugs+for+Europe Thanks! |
What you posted looks good... Otherwise this: http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Worl...orcity+trarvel
|
Where in Europe? Are you aware that it consists of various different countries each with firmly independent views and standards?
In some european countries they drive on the right, in some on the left. Some countries have the Euro currency and some do not. They almost all speak different languages .... and most of the electrical plugs are different! Have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets Do you want French, German, UK, Italian etc etc? :D |
Originally Posted by antichef
(Post 22978918)
Where in Europe? Are you aware that it consists of various different countries each with firmly independent views and standards?
In some european countries they drive on the right, in some on the left. Some countries have the Euro currency and some do not. They almost all speak different languages .... and most of the electrical plugs are different! Have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets Do you want French, German, UK, Italian etc etc? :D |
Right, you can see that you are going to need a few different types! A multiple adapter will probably do it, but the one you linked to doesnt look like it will cut it as it wont fit in some of those countries. The one you show seems to be to convert only some.
Do remember that there is a voltage difference in Europe too, 220V not the US 110V. You will need a converter unless your items are dual voltage (see the label), otherwise there will be a flash and a bang and your hairdryer will be a molten smoldering pile in the corner :D I live in Europe and travel around it and need a few of the multiple converters on my travels. You had better have a look round here: http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm |
The adapter you've highlighted will not work in Switzerland.... You need the strange irregular hexagon shape around the pins. (Type J Plug in antichef's link) The (expensive) SKROSS adapters will work for you around Europe for all your planned destinations. They are well built and will last for many trips.
|
Originally Posted by antichef
(Post 22981488)
Right, you can see that you are going to need a few different types! A multiple adapter will probably do it, but the one you linked to doesnt look like it will cut it as it wont fit in some of those countries. The one you show seems to be to convert only some.
Do remember that there is a voltage difference in Europe too, 220V not the US 110V. You will need a converter unless your items are dual voltage (see the label), otherwise there will be a flash and a bang and your hairdryer will be a molten smoldering pile in the corner :D I live in Europe and travel around it and need a few of the multiple converters on my travels. You had better have a look round here: http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm Well speaking of converters... if I need to charge my iPhone and laptop will I need to go the converter route then? |
Originally Posted by pkerr
(Post 22982631)
Ouch!!
Well speaking of converters... if I need to charge my iPhone and laptop will I need to go the converter route then? |
Look at your laptop charger lead and there will be a box on it and it will usually say whether it is 110v or 220v or both.
For example, my iPad came with a USB charging plug marked "10W USB Power Adapter". The small print on it says "... Input 100-240v ... 50-60 Hz..." I can use it anywhere in the world with only an adapter for the plug as it is dual voltage. My iphone works off the same USB adapter. You may find that you only need one adapter if you charge your iphone by USB cable off the laptop at the same time, or in sequence before/after the laptop. |
Excellent!
Thanks for the info. |
I hope you have enough to plan now. If not, feel free to ask more. Glad to help.
We are a long way from integrating into a United States of Europe where one size fits all ;) |
Originally Posted by antichef
(Post 22985233)
I hope you have enough to plan now. If not, feel free to ask more. Glad to help.
We are a long way from integrating into a United States of Europe where one size fits all ;) Thanks! |
Originally Posted by pkerr
(Post 22978825)
Not sure if this is the place for this...
First time going to Europe and need and adapter for plugs. Probably a pretty common issue but I've seen a ton of options out there. Suggestions? Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Outlet...ugs+for+Europe Thanks! The current in most countries will fry and ruin many american devices in seconds. A converter is something else. It modifies the current of a country so that it is safe to use with a USA appliance. Most laptop computers, cells phones, and some modern appliances have internal converters, so an adapter is all you need. But if you have anything else you want to plug in, make sure you consider a converter, which combines the features of an adapter and converter. http://www.magellans.com/portable-el...age-converters |
Originally Posted by Perche
(Post 22992707)
Be really careful! An adapter is one thing, a converter is another. An adapter is something you plug your device into on one end, and the other end has the prongs that fit a particular country. If you plug your electric shaver, or if you plug in her hair rollers, camera, etc, there's a good chance there will be smoke, and in about ten seconds your gadgets will be worthless. An adapter just adapts just changes the prongs, but not the current.
The current in most countries will fry and ruin many american devices in seconds. A converter is something else. It modifies the current of a country so that it is safe to use with a USA appliance. Most laptop computers, cells phones, and some modern appliances have internal converters, so an adapter is all you need. But if you have anything else you want to plug in, make sure you consider a converter, which combines the features of an adapter and converter. http://www.magellans.com/portable-el...age-converters |
One, never use Magellans. They will sell your address to dead tree catalogue companies and it's very hard to stop them.
Two, I truly don't get all this adapter-converter FUD -- you can't get for love or money any charger that wouldn't be universal voltage. Get a plug converter, be done. If your charger has two pins, then get http://www.dx.com/p/mini-worldwide-p...g-adapter-2238 or the same from Amazon for a bit more money http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-UL0.../dp/B00210MRGC . If your charger has three pins then the only existing, expensive choice is from SKROSS' . Noone else makes grounded plug adapters. We had these threads N times over, this should be closed. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:09 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.