Posts Tagged ‘adapter’
Adaptor Socket
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Travel Adaptors and Converters
Electrical adaptors and converters. You’re going on HOLIDAY not studying electricity… Why do you need to know about these?
Because if you don’t have the right adaptors and converters, you’re appliances just might not work!
Electrical adaptors for travel are plugs that go between your appliance with their US or European style prongs and the foreign wall socket with the receptacle for a different arrangement of prongs. It changes the plug shape to match the outlet. There are actually 16 different types of electrical outlets that you may encounter throughout the world.
We take several styles of adaptors when we travel so we are prepared to plug in… no matter what country we go to. Some countries even have two different styles of wall sockets, so you might need two kinds of adaptors. You can even encounter different shaped sockets in the same room, not just in another country!
You may have one or two types of these already, but be sure you have all the appropriate ones. If not, you can get them at any travel store or order them online.
To be a savvy traveler, tuck a pouch of adaptor plugs in a corner of your luggage to be prepared for any socket you might encounter. Be sure the adaptors you take accept polarized-blade appliance plugs and fit down into the recessed sockets you’ll find around the world. Some of of our old adaptors fit into the plugs, but because they’re recessed, it’s hard to get them out.
Now… do you need adaptors AND converters? Maybe.
Adaptors do not change the voltage. Most newer electronic devices now have smart “multi-voltage” power supplies that can be used almost anywhere in the world with the proper adaptor. Digital camcorders, battery chargers for digital cameras, and computer chargers tend to be multi-voltage or dual voltage, so they are OK with only an adaptor.
Most of the appliances we take are “dual voltage”…. my curling iron automatically senses if we are using 120 or 240, and all I need is the Adaptor Plug. My hubby’s razor has a switch he can turn to go from one voltage to the other.
If your appliances don’t allow for the change in voltage in one of these ways, then you will need a voltage converter or transformer that will go between your appliance and the adaptor plugs. Be sure you research which type of converter or transformer you need. Electrical razors can operate with a small converter (50 watt converter)… Heating appliances such as a hair dryer or curling iron need a larger converter (1600 watt converter). (That’s why you can’t plug them into those “shavers only” plugs in hotel bathrooms!)
If you’re an American going abroad, you’ll need a “step-down” converter to bring the voltage down to 112-120 that your appliance uses. If you’re from almost anywhere else in the world, you’ll need a “step-up” converter.
You can go to a site like Voltage Valet to help you figure out the voltage and electrical frequency of the country you’ll be visiting. Once you see which electrical adaptors and converters you need to pack, you’ll be plugged into a good trip. Simple as that.
Of course, if you were looking for NSW Central Coast accommodation, then you could be confident that you wouldn’t find any problems with power conversion particularly if you started your trip in Australia. Find out more at websites such as BookCentralCoast.com.au.
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Koolatron Multi-Purpose Adapter 110AC to 12 Volts DC ( Model AC-15) $29.99 Power your Koolatron(r) Cooler/Warmer at home or office with this AC Adapter. For use with all Koolatron(r) 12V Coolers and warmers and other 12V items. Over-load and over-charge protected…. |
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Rally 7285 12V Portable Refrigerator and Warmer $39.29 This mini-refrigerator/warmer is ideal when traveling. This unique unit operates on 12V DC power in your vehicle while you’re on the road. Makes a great gift!. Keeps drinks and food cold or hot. Magnetic cover with air seal and internal insulator provides for correct interior temperature with maximum efficiency. Rust proof, impact, and weather resistant housing. Compact housing with spacious inter… |
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RoadPro RPSL-350 12V 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker $26.15 Roadpro 12-volt 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker – Roadpro RPSL-350…. |
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Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger $9.99 Protect your electronic devices while traveling…. |
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SE 3 Pc. Power Extension Socket Bits for Drills $1.50 Add versatility to your power drills. 3pc Power Extension Socket Adaptor has Hex bit for all power drill chucks. Comes in 3 Sizes : 1/4 in. , 3/8 in. & 1/2 in.for your full range of sockets…. |
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Belkin Pivot-Plug Surge Protectors $49.99 Features a rotating outlet design that gives you much more convenience and flexibility in placing your plugged-in devices than traditional products Belkin Pivot Plug Surge Protectors provide premium power protection for your professional workstations and connected devices. It’s rotating outlet design gives you much more convenience and flexibility in placing your plugged-in devices than traditiona… |
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Westek SLC6CFL 100W Programmable Screw-In Light Control, White $4.95 Adds safety security and convenience. Programmable off-timer from 2,5,8 hours random off timer deters intruders. Contact plunger allows adjustment of sensor window direction for optimum performance. Works with incandescent and compact fluorescent bulb. Digital microprocessor for full brightness and no flicker operation. Turn lights on at dusk and off at programmed time…. |
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TCP 32030 – 32030 30W T9 CIRCLINE 2850K Circular T9 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb $7.99 30 watt 120 volt T9 4-Pin Base 2,850K Circline Compact Fluorescent Replacement TCP Light Bulb… |
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International plug adaptor European to USA $0.05 International foreign travel plug adapter European to North, Central and South America. Adaptor plug type “A” for use in North, Central and South America. Use with non-grounded voltage converters, transformers and dual voltage appliances. Electrical wall outlets around the world differ in shape, number, and arrangement of plug holes. Adaptor plugs allow voltage converters, heavy duty transformers,… |
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Insten Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug, White – by eForCity $0.01 NOTE: This charger adapter plug converts the power outlet only, it does NOT convert electrical output current and voltage. Please make sure your device carries a electrical converter when you travel to other countries with different electrical output. If your device requires a electrical converter, please pair up the original electrical converter with this world travel charger plug. For example: N… |
