general electrical conversion question

I would not use a US power strip w/ surge protector in Europe. The 240V might not work well with it. And a converter does strange things with the wave form. Most electronics today work with European voltages (look for something like, "Input: 240V 50-60" Hz on the "brick". If it only says 120V AC, don't use it.) You can use a US power strip with a plug adapter for multiple plugins, just don't use a surge protector with it.

Get a cheap power strip that DOES NOT have a built in surge protector - many do. And only use it for small wattage draws like phone chargers, ipads, etc. Do not plug in your hair dry or other high wattage devices. Plug them directly provide they dual voltage. If not dual voltage forget it. High wattage draw such as hair dryers, straighten irons, etc. do not do well even with a voltage converter.

Thanks for both prompt replys. I really appreciate your advice and will forgo the surge protector portion. I think most of us have the dual wattage things like curling irons, etc. It was more for the fact that all eight of us have different make and model cameras with different chargers and/or iphones. Thanks again!
Nancy - Anchorage, AK

Nancy, I have a few comments as well. First of all, are you clear on the functions of a "converter" and an "adapter"? You will need a U.K.-style Plug Adapter (three large rectangular pins) to use your appliances in Ireland. I'd suggest taking at least two Adapters as they're easy to misplace. You need to check EACH device that you'll be travelling with to ensure that it's designed for "world operation" from 100-240 VAC. Look for the words "Input Voltage". You should be able to use a Power Bar to charge multiple devices at the same time, however DO NOT use a Power Bar that has built-in Surge or RFI protection! It should only be a "basic" model. Don't leave it connected while you're out of the room. DO NOT plug a Power Bar into a Voltage Converter and then connect multiple devices to the Power Bar!!! This has two potential problems: > Powering multiple devices may exceed the capacity of the Voltage Converter. The result may be simply a blown Fuse or it may be overheating, smoke and sparks! > If a solid-state Voltage Converter is used, connecting electronic products such as Camera Chargers to this (via the Power Bar) could result in the Camera Chargers burning out! Electronic products should be used ONLY with a Transformer-style Voltage Converter. I wasn't laughing. Happy travels!

Ken, thank you for your thorough answer (and for not laughing!). I do grasp the difference between an adapter, converter and surge protector. I have never used a surger protector before in my travels and only considered doing so this time because I am traveling with my iPad and was told it was a good thing to have. I have used the adapters and converters before, though. I think I now have enough knowledge to travel without burning down any hotels! Thanks again for all the good, quick answers. They helped a lot.
Nancy - Anchorage, AK

Nancy, If you want a Surge Protector for travel in Europe, this model is suitable: www.magellans.com/store/Adaptors___Converters___Surge_ProtectionEA230 Note that although is has North American style outlets, this unit does not do any voltage conversion so the outlets will deliver 230 VAC. On the right side of that page, you can see a "travel" Power Bar is shown. Cheers!