another adapter question

Yeah, Frank. I guess I do tend to get a little technical, but using a computer or camera power supply with an electronic converter might hurt the power supply, or worse, the computer.

I guess in posting we should use the old adage about speeches being like a woman's skirt - Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to be interesting.

Not another converter question -- but it is slightly different. It the item is CLEARLY marked as dual voltage and it should be on the plug, then there is no problem. If not marked, then assume it is not because the 220 volts will fry it.

But no harm if a dual voltage item is used with a converter. When in doubt use a converter. However, it is possible that the performance of the item will be affected. A hair dryer may not be as hot for example.

I would agree with Frank that, if it is sold in the U.S., and not marked as dual voltage, it is in all probability 120V.

Also, I should add that there are voltage converters for two ranges of wattage, and they are NOT interchangable. Voltage converters for electronic devices (generally up to 50W) are small transformers. Using a high wattage device (like a hair dryer) with one of these converters will put too much current through the converter, and it will burn up.

On the other hand, converters for high wattage appliances (up to ~1600W) are electronic devices that "chop" the top off of the sine wave, limiting the power to 120V (RMS). The wave form from these converters is not correct for input to the power adapters used for computer and camera chargers and can damage them.

Lee's addition is very accurate. I didn't want to get that technically because I didn't want to create more confusion for Viv. Viv, what are the specific devices that concern you?

Lee, Thank you for taking the time to get back to me...

Frank you were correct in that when I read Lee's response it made me go WHAT?!... Even though I didn't know the terms he used ... I kind of knew what he meant... My terminology goes from do-hicky to whatchamacallits.

The skirt thing is still making me crack-up... LOL

The devices I am worried about are my hairstraightner.. (picture my hair looking like Gilda Radner on Saturday Night live as the news lady without it) and the kids Nintendo Ds lites. They are 10 and 12 and without them waiting for flights or for me to get ready for dinner...would be hard.. on all of us! haha

Thank you both again.

Hi it's Viv again,
I just re-checked the ipod charger.. it says input 100-240V that one should be ok..

The nintendo ds lite charger says input AC120v 60hz 4w. Will this be ok with a converter..

My converter says.. ( it is a Brookstone Universal Converter) that it its used for appliance rated from 50 to 1600 watts.

Thank you Frank and Lee again

Lee, I just read what you wrote again and since my converter is for 50 w and up.. Then in this case should I use just the adapter for the cameras and ipod, husbands electric shaver, and his blackberry? (not sure yet if I am bringing a lap top) How will I know if a device (when directions are missing) is lower than 50w?

thanks again..

Beginning to push my technical ability. I think I would look for a smaller converter for the nintendo since it is only asking for 4w and the same for husband's razor. The 50w converters are primarily for devices with heating elements that require a lot of wattage. I am sure the computer is dual voltage.

My electric shaver is a rechargeable, and it accepts 120-240VAC for charging. I've used it for at least five trips to Europe. It weighs about a pound.

Two trips ago (Oct 07), to save the pound weight, I learned to use a disposable razor and that's all I took.

Last trip (Nov 08), I just grew a beard and left all razors at home.

I guess I'm a fanatic about weight. My carryon bag weighed less than 16#, plus I had another 4-5# for a case with my netbook, charger and travel information.

I think you're carrying too much weight.

Radio shack does make a combination converter with a switch, but you already have one converter, and if your kids are playing with the Nintendo and you want to straighten your hair, I guess a single switchable converter wouldn't help much.

BTW, ask Frank about his battery powered shaver.

Not wanting to complicate things, but the hertz (hz) makes a difference insome items. US is 60 hz and europe is 50. This only affects things that have, let's call them, spinning parts (clocks w/hands, turntables,etc). I don't know what is inside of a DS lite, but if it has spinning parts, you could have problems.

Quick Google search had this website on the subject http://www.kropla.com/frequency.htm.

Viv,

I have a few suggestions to add.

First, it would be a good idea to clarify the terminology. In order to connect North American appliances to outlets in Europe, you'll need a Plug Adapter which will differ depending on which part of Europe you're in. The typical Euro style uses two round pins while the U.K. model has two or three large rectangular pins. It's a good idea to pack at least two Plug Adapters in case one is "misplaced" or whatever.

If the electronic device is NOT designed to operate from 220 VAC electrical systems, then you'll also need a Voltage Converter. These are often supplied with an attached Euro Plug Adapter.

You should check the specifications on EACH DEVICE that you'll be travelling with, and note the Input Voltage ratings. If these state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", these will work fine in Europe with just a Plug Adapter. If these state "115 VAC, 60 Hz" then you will also need a Voltage Converter.

If you need a Voltage Converter, it's important to choose the correct method of conversion. As the others have mentioned, electronic products such as Nintendo Chargers, etc. require a Transformer converter. While these are available in various sizes, Transformers are inherently heavy so a 50-watt model is about right for travel. These DON'T have the capacity to power hair dryers or other high-wattage appliances.

For high wattage devices, a solid-state Converter is appropriate. These don't produce a "clean" sine wave but for simple heating elements or whatever, they're usually adequate.

One important thing to note is that most travel Voltage Converters are not designed for continuous duty operation. It's a good idea to unplug them when charging is completed.

You might want to check www.magellans.com as they have a good selection of Plug Adapters and also an auto-switching Combination Voltage Converter.

Happy travels!

Viv,

One thing to add....

"Or can I still fry something if it was built to be dual voltage and use the converter by accident."

It IS possible to damage electronic devices by connecting them to a solid-state Voltage Converter as the "noisy" waveform can be problematic for electronics devices. While some people have done this without any problems, you'll probably find that manufacturers DON'T recommend this.

Also, when you're checking the Magellans web site, have a look at their dual-voltage Hair appliances. If that's the only device you need a Voltage Converter for, using a dual-voltage model or buying an inexpensive unit when you arrive in Europe means you won't have to buy a Voltage Converter.

Sorry I wasn't able to follow the "skirt principle", but I felt I needed a bit more room to cover this topic.

Cheers!

Hi Ken,
Thank you for the information.. while the skirt comment is still making me smile.. I also go by the standard.. you can never learn too much... Your notes did bring up another question, and I'll send that one to you directly (once the kids are off to school) thanks again!