Before I purchase this adaptor plug, I want to be sure I understand what "ungrounded" means. Here is the item: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___88345 Does ungrounded mean that it's not for US items that are 3-pronged? And one more thing. When we were in mainland Europe, it was a big pain in the butt, because when I had to use my voltage converter, I had to use a second adaptor plug because of those inverted outlets. Do you know what I mean? The outlets were like an inch inside the wall. So the prongs on the big converter (when needed), didn't stick out far enough so I had to add a second adaptor to make it long enough to fit into the outlet. I hope this is making sense. Anyway, are plugs in the UK/Ireland also like this? If so, I may need several adaptor plugs... Thanks!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I've never seen outlets like that in Ireland or the UK. Just a single adapter should be fine.
Posted by
Freedonia
16251 posts
Amy, is there a Radio Shack near you? Best Buy? Travel store? Luggage store? You can get an adapter at just about any of those and not have to pay for shipping.
Just get the standard 3 prong UK adapter and you will be fine. However, whatever device you plan to use with it must say 110-240V otherwise you will need a converter.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Amy,
The product in your link appears to fit UK grounded outlets but provides only ungrounded connection on the "load" side. If the devices you'll be travelling with only have 2-pins (ungrounded), this should work fine.
However, I agree with Frank II in that it would save on shipping costs if you could find one locally. If you don't mind ordering by mail, you might have a look at www.magellans.com as they have an extensive line of various Adaptor Plugs.
Also as mentioned, be sure that all of your appliances are designed for operation from 100-240 VAC.
Regarding the physical configuration of outlets in Europe, I know exactly what you mean. Unfortunately it is necessary to use a second Adaptor Plug to "extend" the pins on a Voltage Converter (that's why I normally travel with at least two Adaptor Plugs each for UK and Europe). You must have been in France or other countries as the outlets I encountered in Italy last week were all "flush" with the wall. I have photos of these, but don't know how to link in this site.
Cheers!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
162 posts
I do know what mean when you say that the mainland Europe plugs are set into the wall, my prong adapter works fine, I didn't need a second, but I don't need a voltage converter because all my electronic devices are universal voltage.
The ground prong is for safety, and it's not actually part of the circuitry, you can bypass this. The ground is connected to the case of the device and is used in case there is a short in the device, excess electricity goes to ground. The plug looks fine. Your grounded US plug might fit, the middle round prong will sit under the adapter. Just remember, your device is ungrounded. It should be fine. What items are your taking that are three pronged and require a ground?
BTW, in the UK ground is called Earth.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Thanks all. I don't have any 3-pronged devices that I'm bringing. I was just trying to understand why a grounded plug may be necessary. And if grounded is for 3-pronged devices, then I don't need one like that. I think all but one of my electronic items are dual-voltage. I will run to Radio Shack or another electronic store to find these I guess. I was just perusing online because sometimes you'll find a site with free shipping. Rick's site has them for $1.00 each, but shipping is $7 or something like that... I was in Prague and Germany when I experienced those plugs that were set into the wall. I can't remember what they were when I was in Italy or Austria. Anyway, thanks for the info!
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Someone PM'ed me this link: http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
And if you scroll down to "C" and "F", you'll see what I mean by the plugs being set into the wall. But the example for the UK shows it being flush with the wall.
Posted by
Birmingham, AL, USA
24 posts
3 Prong grounded adapter plugs are necessary if you are using a surge suppressor like the kind Magellan sells. It will not work without it. Personally I don't use surge suppressors overseas so 2 prongs are enough.