Voltage Converter/Transformer - I'm LOST!

Are you sure you need the steamer??

hi, if you look on the power adapters on the toys you have it should have something like input voltage: 110/220 VAC. those you wont need an "converter". YOu will need an adapter tho. anything that doesnt say 110/220 VAC, then you will need a "converter". someone here mentioned about the flat iron, you should be able to find one that has dual voltage. If youre going to travel more, it maybe worth it to buy one and use it for travel purposes. Same for the steamer. happy trails.

You do need a voltage converter for the flat iron and steamer. BUT it needs to be a high wattage convert for the 850w for the steamer. They are expensive and heavy. AND most likely the steamer will not perform as well on the converter and it is possible that over time it can be damaged. Same for the flat iron but to a lesser degree. The power cord with the surge protector will give you an unpleasant surprise before it ceases to work. So don't take a take a surge protector. You are taking a lot of hardware (weight) that you really don't need. Do you really need a steam? Buy a power cord when you get there. Also consider buying a flat iron when you get there. By way, a converter and a transformer is the same.

If you really need a flat iron or garment steamer, either get a multi-voltage one here, or buy one in Europe. You can buy multi-voltage ones from Amazon or Magellans, among other sources (in New York City, they're even sold in some pharmacies, but I suspect that's not true in most US cities). Here's a link to Magellans, with a transformer capable of handling 300 watts. Notice how big it is (look at the outlets on it to get a sense of its size). And, most importantly, heed the warning that flat irons can be damaged, even with this "proper" transformer. http://www.magellans.com/heavyduty-transformer-300-watt-17224

DO NOT take a surge protector! Take a plain power cord. I don't use a flat iron, but it makes more sense to find a dual voltage one. I have read many reports of US voltage ones not operating properly with a convertor. I really wouldn't mess with the steamer. It would require a converter, which is heavy. And really, how many times do you see yourself using it?

VP, To begin with, one point needs to be clarified..... "By way, a converter and a transformer is the same." That's not entirely accurate. While both perform the same basic function, stepping-down voltage from 220 VAC to 115 VAC, they use different electrical principles to accomplish that. Without getting into too many technical details, a Converter is a solid-state device that uses variable on/off switching to reduce Voltage, but it produces a very "rough and noisy" sine wave. It's best used with high-wattage, electrically "simple" appliances such as hair dryers. A Transformer consists of an iron core and copper windings, and this produces a completely accurate and smooth sine wave (but no frequency conversion). These are inherently heavy and are best used with electronic devices such as Camera or phone chargers but can be used with any appliance, subject of course to the wattage ratings. A Transformer rated at 1500 watts is NOT something you'd want to pack along on a holiday! However 50-watt models suitable for charging phones, cameras etc. are small and easy to travel with. According to your post, your iPad, iPhone and Camera Chargers are all rated for operation from 100-240 VAC, so you'll only need Plug Adaptors to use those in Europe. Note that the U.K. and the continent use different types of Adaptors. Your Flat Iron and Steamer will need Voltage Converters to operate in Europe. Note that some manufacturers of Flat Irons specifically prohibit use of their products with Voltage Converters (I know because I've asked them). Some posters here have remarked that their 115 V. devices don't seem to work as well in Europe when used with Voltage Converters. Continued.....

VP, Part 2..... Rather than taking your present heating appliances, you might consider one of two options: > Buy a dual-voltage Flat Iron and Steamer from www.magellans.com (I believe they have a Flat Iron on their website but not sure about a Steamer). > Buy a "travel" Flat Iron and Steamer when you arrive in Europe. Regarding the "power cord (preferably with a surge protector)"...... DO NOT use a North American Power Bar with surge protectors, RFI filters or other "extras" on European electrical systems, as they will self-destruct as soon as connected, possibly with a suitably spectacular display of sparks and smoke and possibly tripping the breaker in a section of the hotel. The hotel manager will NOT be impressed! There are products of that type available which are designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems, but they're not typically available at the usual consumer electronic stores here. If you want to pack along a Power Bar, Magellans has a small three-outlet model which is designed for travel use. As you're travelling with an iPhone, you'll also have to determine whether it will even work in Europe. Which network are you with and which model phone are you using? If your phone will work in Europe, you'll have to be EXTREMELY careful to avoid high data roaming charges, which can extend into the five-figure range. Happy travels!