converters/electronics/hairdryers

Most electronics these days don't need converters they are usually able to handle most all voltages. You can confirm this by checking the specs, if it say AC input 110v-240v then you don't need a converter, just an adapter plug so it will fit into the UK outlet.

Your hair dryer may indeed be 100VAC-240VAC but the problem with American hair dryers is that on side of the plug is larger than the other. We could not find a European plug that permitted the larger blade. Thus, my wife was without her hair dryer but she looked great anyway. Your laptop should be fine.

I suggest that 1) make sure your hair dryer says 110VAC-240VAC or something close. 2) visually look at the plug to see if one flat side is larger than the other. 3) If you are shopping for a plug adapter in the U.S., make sure that it has that larger slot. 4) If you buy it, try the fit before you pack.

Ayla,

Your present Hair Dryer almost certainly operates ONLY on 115VAC. You'll have to check the "nameplate" to confirm this. If you want to use this in the UK, you'll need a high-wattage Voltage Converter, along with a Plug Adapter. If you want a dual-voltage Hair Dryer, check Magellan's.

Regarding your Laptop, again you'll need to check the spec's on the Charger to determine if it's designed for "world" operation. If the nameplate says "100-240 VAC", all you'll need is a Plug Adaptor.

What other electronic devices are you travelling with? You'll need to check the input voltage ratings on EACH of these. You'll need the UK style Plug Adaptors (large rectangular pins). If you plan on going to Europe, you'll also need the style with two round pins (I normally take 2 of each type).

Check the Magellans website - there's lots of info there.

Happy travels!

For the hairdryer, I found it easier to just pick up an inexpensive hairdryer over in England.... it cost the equivalent of about $12-$15 at a Boots store in London, although that was in 2005. Even if it's $20 now, it's easier than trying to cobble together the adapter, converter, etc.

Have fun on your trip!

Ayla, unless you're staying in a dorm, most places, even B&B's have a hairdryer. But as one person said, its easier to buy it there, and leave behind.

Belkin Part # F8E449 has a Universal Travel adapter which is also a converter, which takes the guessing out.

Here it the link'
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=135430

Our Universal AC Travel Adapter lets you charge your laptop, PDA, and cell phone as you travel around the globe. Designed to work with all different types of outlets, it works in places as diverse as Europe, Asia, the U.S., China, and the UK. Rated to handle both 110- and 220–240-volt standards, our Travel Adapter allows you to connect to international power outlets without a complicated power conversion. Lightweight and easy to pack, it eliminates the hassle of carrying multiple adapters and provides you with a reliable and convenient power solution.

Not an answer...another question. I'm totally uneducated about this issue but the reading I've done has just confused the issue more. Articles talk about "switching" US electrical and electronic devices to UK power levels. I have appliances that say "AC: 100-240V" on them, but there are no switches. Is this old info? Do I just use a plug converter and plug in items that have this power range noted on them?

I have computer and camera power supplies that say AC 100-240V. They don't have switches, they accept different voltages automatically. Cell phone and ipod power supplies, anything with low wattage, are probably similar. I also have a few higher wattage devices, like a hair dryer or razor, which have circuits that can be put in series or parallel for different voltages. Those have to be switched manually (although my latest, rechargeable razor is automatic).

My advice, for low wattage devices, like cameras and computers, that switch automatically, bring them along. For high wattage devices, like hairdryers, they may be provided, you may be able to buy them there, or learn to live without them (it's only been in the last 50 or so years that the human race has "needed" these things).

MICHELLE,

As far as I can tell from the link you provided, the Belkin product DOES NOT inlcude a Voltage Converter (especially at a price of $19.99). It's basically just a "multi-format" Plug Adapter, designed to fit plug configurations in several countries.

If a Voltage Converter is required, it's important to select the correct type for the application (there are two main principles of voltage conversion). A solid-state model should be used with high-wattage (1500 watts), simple electrical devices such as Hair Dryers which consist of a heating element and fan.

For electronic devices such as digital Camera, Cell phone chargers, etc. a low wattage (50 watts) Transformer-style Voltage Converter should be used. Most electronics these days are designed for "world" operation, so in many cases no additional Voltage Converters are required.

It's IMPORTANT to check appliances before travel, to determine if they will operate in Europe without Converters (only Plug Adapters needed).

Sue, if your system says 100VAC-240VAC, it's an autosense device and will sense any power source within that range. You just have to have the correct plug for the power provided. I work in data centers and we deal with this all the time.