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Additional plugs for adaptor

Posted by (Jamaica Plain, MA, USA) on

I'm headed to Paris in September. I've read numerous posts and articles on travel adapters, so I should mention what I already know: I'll need an adapter for my chargers (already have one), and if the chargers are rated "110V-240V 50/60Hz" or similar, I won't need a converter. So far, so good. Problem is, I have several devices that will need to be charged (e.g., Blackberry, iPhone, camera) so one adapter will not be enough. I could buy more adapters, but since unused outlets are sometimes scarce in hotel rooms, it would be nice if I could expand the number of outlets on the one adapter. So, two questions:

1) Can I plug an ordinary one-outlet-to-many wall-mount adapter (found in any hardware store) into the plug adapter and then plug in my devices, or would I need some sort of special multi-outlet adapter designed for this purpose?

2) For the iPhone (which I will be purchasing prior to my trip), can I plug the USB cable directly into a USB charger such as the USB + Charger by Logiix or the Belkin Mini Surge/USB Charger, or is the iPhone by itself (without an Apple charger) not able to accept 240V current?

Thanks so much!

Posted by
191 posts

Monster Cables makes several devices called "outlets to go" which are a good answer for your first question. I gave bad information to an iphone user so I wont attempt to answer your second question.

Monster cables makes several models, between three and six outlets. I personally own and have used in Europe(continent and UK) the 4 outlet model. It does the job, and you are completely correct, as unused outlets, particularly in budget accommodations are very limited. With an Outlet to Go you will need only one plug adapter, for the Outlet itself.

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4220

Posted by
16250 posts

I leave all my chargers at home and got one of these:

Chargepod

You can charge six "small" devices at once. Only need one outlet.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks, Tom. It seems the Monster strip is all US, male and female, so any idea why it states "English/French/Spanish" on the website? Also, I didn't see any mention of overseas travel or plug adapters, so am I correct in assuming that, aside from the cool features, there's nothing technologically different between the Monster strip and an "ordinary" multi-outlet strip, either of which would plug directly into the plug adapter?

Posted by
19273 posts

I just use a three way "cube" adapter that I got at the hardware store. Just be sure it matches the type of US plugs that you are using, i.e., if you have grounded plugs with the round grounding pin, you will need a three way adapter with grounded receptacles. If you don't need grounded receptacles, you will probably need a polarized one, which has one slot wider, and then you will need a Europlug adapter that takes a polarized three way adapter.

Just make sure before you go that everything fits together.

As for the USB charger, as long as IT accepts 230V, that's all that matters. The power from a USB port is standard.

See my website.

Posted by
16250 posts

English/French/Spanish--

USA--English & Spanish

Canada--English & French

Mexico--Spanish

Probably sold in all three countries.

Posted by
191 posts

Neal, I don't know about all the languages. I bought mine at Best Buy and it works in Europe with just the plug adapter. The main advantage of the "Outlets to go" is the wide spacing between the outlets. I have a couple of battery chargers that are very wide and I couldn't get them all attached at the same time without the wide spacing. I also think having a cord helps as you can place all the plugged in devices on a chair or perhaps the floor and the plug to the wall wont pull out from all the weight.

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