What Does "Universal Voltage" Mean?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: CLE
Posts: 761
What Does "Universal Voltage" Mean?
I'm heading to Europe soon for the first time with one electronic device-a battery charger. On the back it says "Universal Voltage" in English, Spanish, and French.
Does this mean I don't have to buy an electrical converter?
Does this mean I don't have to buy an electrical converter?
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Wild Wiltshire
Programs: Demoted to gold, Cats protection
Posts: 3,437
these are the things I have that work on both
Camera battery cherger
mobile phone charger
laptop power lead
hairdryer
travel kettle
psp
mains ipod charger
as a general rule if its electronoc it doesnt need a transformer or has one built in , if it has moving parts eg sewing machine (dont ask) then it needs a transformer
Hope this helps
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat (2.91MM), DL GM and Flying Colonel (1.04MM); Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 23,851
#7
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador (lifetime Platinum), Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 370
The best thing you can do is read the back of the electrical transformer. If it says 110V, then you can't use it (without a proper transformer). If it says 110~240V, then all you need is the adapter and it will work fine.
Last edited by EWR ATC Hold; Aug 7, 08 at 4:27 pm Reason: thought I'd prevent someone from starting a fire in Europe
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat (2.91MM), DL GM and Flying Colonel (1.04MM); Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 23,851
In some cases the plug may be built into the adapter - the bane of power strip users the world over, as those adapters typically cover two or three outlets - but it's still important to understand that one is checking the adapter, not the plug.
#9
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador (lifetime Platinum), Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 370
I don't think so. The plug will not have useful information if it says anything at all. (Most don't.) You can buy a plug rated 110-240v at any hardware or electrical supply store, but putting it on the end of a cord does not say anything about whatever is on the other end of the cord. You have to look at the device. If it's something like a computer or DVD player that operates on a low voltage (probably DC, but that's irrelevant) with an adapter, you have to look at the adapter.
In some cases the plug may be built into the adapter - the bane of power strip users the world over, as those adapters typically cover two or three outlets - but it's still important to understand that one is checking the adapter, not the plug.
In some cases the plug may be built into the adapter - the bane of power strip users the world over, as those adapters typically cover two or three outlets - but it's still important to understand that one is checking the adapter, not the plug.
#10
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SJO
Programs: CO Gold
Posts: 1,228
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,501
OP--
Your batt charger will be fine if it says what you said and/or it says ~110V-240V AC (the ~ stands for AC). Make sure you get a plug adapter before you leave. Don't pay more than $10 for it though. You DO NOT need a transformer.
Read this wikipedia article and you'll know more than you want about the plug adapter topic.
Your batt charger will be fine if it says what you said and/or it says ~110V-240V AC (the ~ stands for AC). Make sure you get a plug adapter before you leave. Don't pay more than $10 for it though. You DO NOT need a transformer.
Read this wikipedia article and you'll know more than you want about the plug adapter topic.