groundlizard,
A Voltage Converter that includes surge protection is likely going to be somewhat expensive, and I don't know of any products of that type. You could also use separate devices to ensure that your Apple Charger is protected while travelling in India.
You could start with a product like THIS Surge Protector sold by Magellans. According to their specifications, you would also need to buy THIS Grounding Collar for use in India. You may also want to take a selection of Plug Adaptors, as you could encounter a variety of outlet styles in that part of the world. You'll have to check with Magellans for more detailed information on the products.
That would take care of the surge protection function. At this point, you have two options....
- Use your multi-voltage Apple Chargers only with the Surge Protector. While they'd be operating at 230 VAC, they would at least be protected from spikes or whatever.
- Also take a Voltage Converter, and use that with the Surge Protector. This would provide a surge-protected source for the Voltage Converter, and your appliances would be operating at 110 VAC.
IF you decide to use a Voltage Converter, it's VERY important that you choose the correct type for use with electronic devices. There are basic two principles used in voltage conversion:
With electronic products such as the iPad chargers (which use a switch-mode technology), it's IMPORTANT to use a Transformer voltage converter and NOT a solid-state type. According to Apple spec's, the newer iPad Chargers draw up to 12 watts, so a 40-watt Voltage Converter like THIS model should suffice. However, if you want extra capacity then a 100-watt model could be used. As Transformers are constructed with an iron core and copper windings, they're inherently heavy but a small 100-watt model shouldn't be too difficult to travel with.
Note that the smaller models such as the 40-watt model are not usually designed or intended for continuous-duty operation, so I wouldn't recommend using it for long periods of time. The 100-watt model appears to have a more robust design, but you'll have to check with Magellans on whether the heavy duty models they list are designed for continuous duty.
IF you decide to use both the Surge Protector and Voltage Converter together, it could be an awkward and ungainly arrangement. With the Surge Protector connected to the mains, you'd have to also use a Plug Adaptor to connect the Voltage Converter, since they usually only come with Euro (Schuko) pins.
Of course you could always consider alternate solutions for charging such as a Battery / Solar Charger. You could connect that to the Surge Protector, and since you'd only be charging an external battery, it wouldn't impact your iPad Charger. You'd also have the option of solar charging the external battery during the day when you're out touring, and then recharge your iPad from the battery at night.
There are undoubtedly many other solutions, but I'd have to do some further research and it's getting late. FWIW, in the same situation I'd probably just use the Surge Protector with Grounding Collar in conjunction with my normal Apple Charger. The Surge Protector would take care of voltage spikes and lower voltages wouldn't be a problem since the Charger is designed for operation from 100-240 VAC. I'd probably still pack along a backup charger though.
Happy travels!
