We will be traveling in Ireland for 3 weeks. We rented an apartment and will be making trips from that base. Do we need adapters to use our computers and how about recharging our cell phones.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
See FAQ tips: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters
Typical electronics (computer/cell phones) use inputs 110-240 vac 50/60 Hz and with outputs to match demand. You are good to go with plug adapter.
Heat devices (e.g. irons/dryers) are a different story.
Posted by
Freedonia
16274 posts
There are converters and there are adapters.
Converts change the current of the electricity. As Edgar pointed out, if your devices say 110-240, there is no need for a converter. This is usually found on the device's charger.
Adapters allow the plug on your device to fit into the wall socket in Ireland. You will need a plug that looks like this:
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
I see that that adapter is marketed for the UK, but I wonder if it meets the regulations. The specifications don't mention a fuse, I can't see one, and the insulating band around the conductors seems to be missing. It may be legal in Ireland but I don't know.
Posted by
Freedonia
16274 posts
I used the Rick Steves adapters in both the UK and Ireland with no problems.
Posted by
Cambridge, UK
82 posts
Interesting comment, Nigel. My first thought was 'nonsense', since I've been regularly using a similar adapter purchased years ago in Canada. Then I did a bit of googling and it seems plug adapters in the UK should meet standard BS5733. I found this adapter, sold in the UK, and it clearly has, as you describe, a fuse and insulating bands on the live and neutral pins:
http://go-travelproducts.com/uk/electricals/adapters/usa-visitor
Hmm, now I wonder if my UK/Europe or Europe/US adapters meet the correct standards.
I think the standard applies to equipment either sold within the UK or sold by a foreign vendor to a customer in the UK, so presumably it's legal to have these non-standard adapters if purchased elsewhere. Whether it is wise to use them may be another matter entirely!