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Surge protectors

Can I use a US surge protector to charge my cell phones and laptops while in Denmark?

Posted by
32213 posts

Dean, I assume you're referring to a Power Bar with Surge & RFI protection??? If that's the case, the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! Surge Protectors designed for 125 VAC can NOT be used on 230 VAC electrical systems. If you're really concerned about Surge Protection, this is the product you'll need: www.magellans.com/store/Adaptors___Converters___Surge_Protection If you also want a Power Bar, this product will work: www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M This is just a "basic" Power Bar, and doesn't provide any Surge Protection or RFI filtering. Of course you'll need to check EACH device you'll be travelling with to ensure it's designed for operation from 100-240 VAC. You'll also need Plug Adapters. Another point to address is what type of Cell phones you plan on using? Are they Smartphones such as iPhone or Blackberry? If so, you'll need to be extremly careful about data roaming charges if you're roaming with your home network. Happy travels!

Posted by
4535 posts

Dean - surge protectors are generally used to block power surges caused by lighting strikes or power flucuations. Such things generally occur only during electrical storms. If you avoid plugging in your devices at such times, you really won't need a surge protector. And find comfort knowing that almost everyone brings similar devices and almost no one brings surge protectors.

Posted by
265 posts

Just to inform you that absolutely nobody here in Denmark use a surge protector. They are not even available for sale over here in stores. So no need for surge protection! A power strip with North American outlets combined with a simple adapter at the end that goes into the wall outlet would do fine. The power strip should be rated for 230 V, some are. If you want to transfer the ground, your adapter should be with the special Danish plug. A German/French plug will work in the outlet but will not transfer the ground. OTOH, the special Danish plug will not work in ungrounded outlets in Denmark, so the best adapter is either the French/German like this one http://www.amazon.com/VP-11B-Grounded-Adapter-Adaptor/dp/B003C1MFYI/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_c or an ungrounded like this one: http://www.amazon.com/American-European-Outlet-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0036VJ1OQ/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_c
Your appliances will not be grounded, but this doesn't matter for small electronics.