I have searched for this answer and have come up empty.
Is there any harm in getting an electical converter for europe and then plug in anything, even if the gadget is rated for dual voltage.
If the gadget is rated as dual voltage would the converter act as a pass-thru whereas if it need to be converted it would do as it is inteneded?
Much appreciated!
There are two kinds of "converters". One type, as Steve describes, is a transformer. In previous years the transformer was made to handle up to 1600W and was heavy. Today these are relatively small and only handle up to 50W, which is fine for computer, phone, and camera chargers, but would burn up if you plugged in a hair dryer.
The other type is an electronic device that chops the 240V sign wave to get 120V. It's fine for heating devices, like hair dryers, but the wave form is not correct for a power supply and could harm it.
As for acting as a pass-thru, No. The converter doesn't "know" the voltage requirements of the device using it. It just steps the voltage down to 120V, which the dual voltage device uses.
For more information, see here
Jim,
The "short answer" to your question is "yes", damage could occur if you "plug anything in, even if the gadget is rated for dual voltage".
First to clarify the terms. A Plug Adaptor is a simple and inexpensive mechanical device that allows North American plugs to connect to European outlets (and vice versa).
A Voltage Converter is a device which "steps down" voltage from 220 VAC to 115 VAC, to power devices which are only designed for 115 VAC (there are devices designed to "step up" voltage also). It's important to note that there are two different methods used for voltage conversion - Transformer or solid-state. Therein lies the potential for problems.
Electronic devices (especially those which use "switching power supply" technology) can be damaged if connected to a solid-state Voltage Converter. Most manufacturers recommend using only Transformer Voltage Converters with electronic products such as Camera or Cell phone Chargers.
The Converter would not act as a "pass-thru" but would deliver only 115 VAC and any devices connected would operate at that voltage, regardless of whether they were designed for "world operation". However, if the Converter was a solid-state model, the output voltage would be very "noisy" and not as stable as the sine wave produced by a Transformer (although a Transformer can't convert the frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz this isn't usually a problem).
If you're going to be travelling with both electronics and heating appliances, you might consider This Converter which combines both conversion methods in a single unit, with automatic selection between methods.
If you could provide more information on the devices you'll be travelling with, it would be easier to offer more specific advice.
Cheers!
With the converter linked to above you will probably still need a plug adapter. Many European receptacles are recessed to prevent you from touching the pins before they disengage from the contacts. The pins on the converter shown are probably not long enough to engage the recessed contacts, so you will need a Europlug adapter (female end fits either American blades or European pins) to act as an extender.
With the converter linked to above you will probably still need a plug adapter. Many European receptacles are recessed to prevent you from touching the pins before they disengage from the contacts. The pins on the converter shown are probably not long enough to engage the recessed contacts, so you will need a Europlug adapter (female end fits either American blades or European pins) to act as an extender.
This is all very helpful - thanks! Magellan's is a great resource stop.
