Electrical issues in hotel

Gwen, On my recent trip to Italy I had plenty of outlets in my rooms. You should have at least three. You'll need to prioritize your electrical needs however. Bob

In 10 years, I have never had only one receptacle in a room. . . . . . . . ¶ Technical point: an OUTLET is anyplace from which the electrical wiring is accessible outside the walls, such as a switch, an overhead light fixture, or a place to plug things in (which is called a RECEPTACLE).

I've definitely had hotel rooms (both in Europe and in the US for that matter) that have had fewer than 3 available outlets. But it hasn't been a problem for me. Usually there will be at least one more in the bathroom to use. I charge the phone and camera battery overnight when I don't need plugs for anything else, and then when I am taking a rest in the hotel room I can use it to run my laptop. Even when traveling with someone who has all of their own electronics, we've always been able to make it work. I believe there are travel power strips you can get and use your adapter with, but that's just one more thing you have to take with you and worry about.

This (www.germantravel-info.com/graphics/eplug_w_3way.jpg) is my "power strip".

Robert, does it really work to use an American power strip with an adapter on the plug end? I've heard of one case where somebody knocked out the power on an entire floor of a hotel by using an American power strip. Have you had actual successful experience with this?

Gwen, knocked out the power, how? I guess it's possible that someone plugged in too many things and blew the breaker for the whole floor, but 1) you could have done that without a power strip, 2) that's not much power for and entire floor. Are you saying it did damage to the power supply for the entire hotel floor. Can you explain how a power strip could do that. No, I didn't think you could. I'm skeptical. Sounds like an urban myth to me.

Okay, since I'm staying in four-star hotels, I'm going to assume there will be more than one electrical receptacle. However (not to be difficult) let's just suppose I were in a situation where the lamp was using the only receptacle in my room. How does using an American power strip help me? Once I plug in the power strip (using an adapter plug) where, exactly, do I plug in the lamp? Just wondering.

Gwen, I'm all for rhetorical questions...you mean you don't carry European-to-North-American plug adapters for that lamp ;-) I think the real problem isn't usually ONE outlet, but one ACCESSIBLE outlet (even in San Francisco last month)............Gwen, if your electronics are dual-voltage, then you can bring what Lee suggested - you won't have to find the European 'Home Depot'. And Lee, that power strip IS to blame - once you plug in and turn on your flat iron, travel iron, then plug in and turn on your 1800w hair dryer (that ISN'T dual voltage)...SEE?!? LOL

Gwen, you might want to check the Magellan's website, as they offer a Power Bar that's designed for use on both 115 & 220 VAC electrical systems. You will of course require a Plug Adapter specific to the countries you'll be visiting in order to connect it. ¶ It's NOT a good idea to buy a Power Bar at a Hardware store in Europe as ALL of the receptacles would be the European format, so you'd need a Plug Adapter for EACH outlet. That's a somewhat awkward solution at best. ¶ You'll probably find that there's more than one receptacle in each room, especially as you'll be in four-star Hotels. ¶ BE SURE to check EACH of the devices you intend to use in Europe to ensure that they're designed for "world" operation (100-240 VAC), in order to avoid any "smoke and sparks". Happy travels!

Gwen, as far as your concern about the lamp, I think you will find most European hotels have a ceiling light. The lamp(s) are only for bed lights.

There are special devices that allow you to charge multiple electronic itms at once. Much smaller than a power strip. You only need one "plug in" outlet and an adapter plug. One I have seen is called Chargepod. It will charge up to 6 items.