power strip

You shouldn't need a convertor to charge any of those things. Do you mean an adapter plug? In that case the answer is yes.

You just need an adapter (so your plug will fit their outlet), not a converter. But I would be careful not to overload an outlet, especially in an older building. (If you then were going to plug in an appliance like a hair dryer or something.)

Somewhat similar question. I bought a "surge tap." It plugs into a wall socket and gives me three surge protected outlets. My assumption (I'm hoping!), is that I can use an adapter in the wall socket, plug the surge tap into that and have a few outlets available for rechargers. Thoughts? Thanks! Bev

Skip the bulky power strip and get a multiple usb charger.

You do NOT need a converter if the input range is 120-240 V as is most modern electronics. In fact, a converter in that situation will cause damage. Check the input tag on each of your items.

Dawn, This question was covered in another Thread recently, so rather than re-post the same information, you might have a look at www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/69914/italy--use-of-a-multiplug-powerstrip-with-converter.html The method you've suggested to charge your travel accessories is NOT a good idea, for several reasons. For example: > The devices you're charging may not need a Voltage Converter. You need to check EACH ONE to determine the "Input Voltage" ratings. > The Voltage Converter you're using may use solid-state conversion methods, which may damage or destroy the Chargers for your electronic devices! > Connecting several devices to one Voltage Converter and one outlet could overload either the Converter or the Outlet. One other point that needs to be clarified is whether your Cell phone will even work in Europe. Which network are you with, and is it a "Smartphone" that uses the cellular data network? If you have further questions after reading the other Thread, post another note. Happy travels!

Thank you all for your helpful replies. Sounds like I can leave the converter at home and just take an adapter. I love this helpline!

Back to Cathy's comment, are you talking about a "plug adapter", a passive piece of metal and plastic that fits into the European, 2 round pin receptacle and accepts the flat blades of an American plug, you are OK with any device that says it accepts 120-240 VAC 50/60 Hz (or something like that). If the device just says 120VAC you can not use it with a just a plug adapter. The other problem is with "voltage converters". Voltage converters are electronic devices which change the voltage from 240V input to 120V output. If you try to use a low power voltage converter, like 40W or 50W, plugging in multiple devices on a power strip will overload it. On the other hand, converters rated at more than about 50W have a waveform that is unsuitable for electronic devices and will damage them. Don't use a voltage converter.

Dawn, I'd still recommend checking EACH device that you'll be travelling with to ensure that the "Input Voltage" is designed for operation from 100-240 VAC. This will be listed on a small "nameplate label" somewhere on the Chargers. I'd also recommend taking more than one Plug Adapter, as they're easy to "misplace". It's always a good idea to have a "backup". If you want to charge multiple USB-level devices at the same time, you might have a look at This Device. I've been travelling with one for a few years, and the Charger works extremely well! At the time you order, you'll have to specify which Adapter Cords you require for your appliances. They appear to have Adapter Cords for iPads, Kindles, etc. so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right ones.

Bev, are you talking about something like this? I copied that photo from Lee's website...hoping that's OK with him! I refer to the 3-way plug... ...of course, you're talking about surge protection...you'll be hearing from Ken and/or Lee on that one, I'm sure. But is this the size you're talking about? Or something much larger - more like a convertional surge protector?

@ Eileen, Thanks for pointing that out. I re-read Bev's posted, and I'd be interested to know what type of a product she's using that provides "surge protected outlets". The term "surge tap" doesn't seem correct???? If she's using a product such as the one shown on Lee's website, it will provide NO PROTECTION from power surges. I would suggest NOT using Surge Protection devices purchased here while travelling in Europe, as the "clamping voltages" are different. Surge protection products purchased here will "self destruct" when connected to 220 VAC electrical systems. @ Bev, Could you provide further information on what type of product you're using???

Sure! (Let me say now that I am ABSOLUTELY confused! Lot's of good information! I just have to sort it all out!) My device is manufactured by "PRIME." It's called a "Surge Tap." It plugs into an outlet and provides three outlets to plug into. Hmm.... not much more information on the package than that. Maybe I should just return it! ;-) Thanks everyone for your help! Bev

It doesn't look like the picture. It looks like a module you plug into an outlet and you then have three outlets to plug into. Bev

@ Bev, Is the product you're using similar to this: www.primewirecable.com/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=218&Itemid=470 If you download the high resolution JPEG image of that product (which will be the same as other products in their line), you'll note that the specifications clearly state 15A / 125V. Feel free to contact the Manufacturer for clarification, but I WOULD NOT use that product on 220 VAC European electrical systems! If you're really concerned about "surges" on the power system, you might consider this product: www.magellans.com/store/Adaptors___Converters___Surge_Protection It's designed for Euro electrical systems, is equipped with a standard two-pin Euro plug and provides two surge-protected outlets. Cheers!

Bev, you're right. The white object is a three-in-one adapter for US type plugs. I used that so I could charge my laptop and my camera at the same time. The black object below it is the Europlug adapter. (Not shown: I taped the two together so they're one unit and I wouldn't leave the Europlug adapter behind (again, sigh). I now have a europlug adapter for the computer and a USB charger for my new camera's rechargeable AA batteries, so I don't need the three-in-one adapter.

Lee.... Did it work? Sounds like you know what my device is. I'm so appreciative of everyone's repsonses, but I'm really confused! I guess my request is: Tell me what I need to buy to recharge all my gadgets. I have one day to get her done! Thanks all! Bev

Ken... that is exactly what I have. Thanks for the link. So... no should use huh? Bev

Bev, IMO, I would NOT use the Surge Tap you mentioned in Europe, as it's NOT designed for use on 230 VAC. I take it you're leaving for Europe soon? There are a couple of options you could consider.... 1.) Go to a Hardware Store (or whatever) and buy an inexpensive product like the one in Lee's photo. Make sure that it doesn't have any lights, Surge Protectors, etc. - just a basic model. 2.) Go to a travel or electronics (ie: Best Buy or others) store and see if they have a product like this: www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4220 I believe Amazon has them also, but you don't have time for that. Although it appears you're southeast of Tacoma, some possibilities, depending on your time availability: > Bergman's Luggage, Brookstone or Apple Store at Westfield Southcentre Mall > Travel Store in Edmonds (I can't remember the name but it's close to Rick's headquarters, near the small roundabout) I'm not sure if Radio Shack carries anything like this (since we no longer have Radio Shack up here). Sorry, I don't know Puyallup too well so don't know what stores you have there. I'm assuming you've checked all your gadgets to ensure they're designed for operation from 100-240 VAC???? One final suggestion - I feel it's not a good idea to leave items charging when you're out of the room for the day. Good luck and happy travels!

Here's what we used in France last year to charge iPhones, Blackberries, Kindles, computers and cameras for several people using only a plug adapter- Monster Travel Strip - see www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9YN2M (sorry, the website won't let make a clickable link). As long as the power cable to each device is dual voltage, it or something similar is all you need to charge several devices at once.

If you use an adapter and an American power strip that has surge protection, you'll blow up your power strip (speaking from experience) from the higher voltage. But if you use a plain old-fashioned strip with no protection, it should work.