Greetings everyone. Planning my second trip to Ireland in May, 2017. I had an unfortunate experience in Dublin in 2015. I use a CPAP for sleeping due to sleep apnea and during the second night in the hotel when it was in use, the electrical outlet sent out a very bright arc with a loud noise. I thought I had purchased and was using the correct item to prevent this but apparently not. Anyone have any advice/recommendations for the type of item to buy? I'm also concerned about recharging tablet/laptop/cell phone. The information on these items would be vital for my trip.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17927 posts
Kathy,
First check all of your equipment and confirm that they say 100 - 240v input (or 110 - 230) and 50/60 Hz. This will be written on the transformer box that plugs into the outlet or that box about halfway along the cord between your gadget and the outlet. If that is all in order then you only need a plug adapter so the plug pins fit in the holes. Almost without exception laptop chargers and phone chargers will be rated at both voltages and you only need the plug adapter.
Since you rely on the CPAP to such a high degree if I were you I would purchase a surge suppressor designed for 50HZ, 230v as i have heard varying reports on the function of a US 110 surge protector on a 230v line. Amazon sells a few. Doesn't look like any of them had a UK plug that I believe is used in Ireland so you may have to purchase an adapter. The surge protectors are bulky, but ..... https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-SUPER6OMNI-Protect-6-Universal-Protector/dp/B00AKHDS6Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482806021&sr=8-3&keywords=230v+surge+protector
IF your CPAP isn't usable on the European 230v 50Hz power supply then you will need to buy a Converter. More expensive and more bulky and heavier. Again, Amazon sells them. https://www.amazon.com/2000W-Universal-Travel-Adapter-Converter/dp/B01HTR0IEO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1482806352&sr=8-4&keywords=230v+power+converter And because of your dependence on the CPAP I would use a surge protector as well. With the transformer I would imagine that an American surge protector could be used.
Posted by
3122 posts
For the CPAP, you could also check with your doctor's office and/or the maker of your particular machine. A converter may be the safest choice, but OTOH you don't want to bother with a converter if it is not actually going to make a difference.
For up-to-date advice on the tablet, laptop, cell phone, check the forum on technology & electronics on this RS site.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7312 posts
Referring to your original disaster, I want to note that many "prong converters" are cheaply made. It is possible that something wasn't making good contact, or a flimsy connection failed. We can't be sure, of course. But you want things to have a feeling of solidity when you get everything plugged in, and no feeling of a big pile of floppy "octopus outlets." That's not a technical term, but I've handled cheap adapters and first-rate. The difference is perceptible.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17927 posts
Here is some guidance for traveling with a CPAP. Pretty obvious stuff, but just in case: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-europe-cpap-machine-102407.html
Posted by
OP
clermont, Florida, USA
8 posts
Thanks everyone . . . all good, solid answers . . . I now know what to look for..
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
977 posts
I use a CPAP for sleeping due to sleep apnea and during the second
night in the hotel when it was in use, the electrical outlet sent out
a very bright arc with a loud noise.
It sounds like you 'blew a fuse' as we say in Ireland. It may actually have had nothing to do with your equipment. It's a safety measure. In Ireland and I thing the UK, we have fused plugs and sockets, the idea is that if for some reason the circuit becomes overloaded one or more of the fuses will go so that it prevents high voltage such as a power surge hitting your equipment.