VOLTAGE CONVERTERS

Usually the chargers for Ipods, cell phones, and laptop power supply are 110/220 voltage. Have a look on the chargers and verify this. Then you can use just an adapter to plug into the socket to charge them up. What I bring overseas is a power strip, which I plug into the country adapter, then to the wall socket. You can then plug in up to 6 items for use or charging. Just be sure the equipment you plug into the power strip are 110/220 otherwise you'll blow them out!

It's also likely that the chargers for your camera batteries and Nook are dual voltage. Take a look and see.

Mark & Kristy,

It's difficult to provide a precise answer to your question, without knowing the Input Voltage ratings of each of the devices you'll be travelling with.

To begin with, I'd recommend making a list which shows the Input Voltage spec's of ALL devices. Those that are rated for 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz will only require an inexpensive Plug Adapter (the Euro / Italy style has two round pins).

If any of your appliances are rated 115 VAC, 60 Hz, then you will also need a Voltage Converter. It's very important to use the correct method of conversion for each device. Solid-State devices such as Camera chargers require a Transformer type Converter, while heating appliances like Flat Irons require a solid state type Converter.

Note that one Voltage Converter currently available provides BOTH types of conversion in a single unit, automatically selecting the correct method. Have a look at THIS for the details.

If you're going to take a Power Bar, it's important to use one that's rated for use at 230 VAC, such as the Monster products. Some of the cheaper models sold here may fail if used at higher voltage.

One important point to note is that most travel Voltage Converters are typically NOT rated for "continuous duty operation" so it's a good idea to disconnect them when not in use.

You might also have a look at This Product which will work to charge several IPod's, Cell phones, etc. at the same time.

One caution on the Cell phones - be sure they're quad-band GSM, or they won't work in Europe. Which network are you with in the U.S.? If you're using AT&T or T-Mobile, be sure you're clear on the roaming rates and DON'T use "Smart Phones" as data roaming is horrendously expensive.

Happy travels!

If you really want to be prepared you can buy converters ahead of time before you leave the country but you can usually purchase these for a little less once you land in Italy at almost any local grocery store, lighting store, or sundries store. For purchasing this ahead of travel, just perform an internet search and you will find options like http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/plugadapters.html or at www.target.com (not in the retail stores). Pay attention to the wattage as using the wrong adapter for hairdryers, steam irons, and curling/flat irons will cause damage (i.e. burn your hair or clothes, or cause permanent damage to your electronic item).

Just wanted to chime in regarding using a "cheap" power strip. The one I used in Italy and all of Europe was purchased at Home Depot, and was about $3.00. It just has a push in resetable breaker, and a non lighted on/off switch. Nothing fancy at all, no surge protecting. Can plug in 6 items. Had no problems charging, the laptop, camera, etc...

The chances are, all of the electronics are 110/240 V input,(verify before you go) so just get a handful of adapters.

Seriously consider leaving the flat irons at home; if absolutely necessary, rather than lugging a heavy converter, consider the travel iron mentioned, or pick one up there.

Thank you! I had not thought of a power strip. So basically you are saying that if we have the adaptor plug and ONE converter, we can plug the power strip into the converter, plug iphones, camera batteries, etc. into the powerstrip with an adaptor, and we will be okay for short charges (nothing over night)?

Just get the basic US 6 outlet power strip and 1 Europe to USA adapter,( no lighted on/off switch, no surge protection ) if it has a push in resetable breaker, that's ok. Plug that into your travel adapter, and you'll be able to plug your chargers into the power strip. No need for a voltage converter if your chargers are 110/220 dual voltage. I've used this set up without issues the past 3 times in Italy, as well as China, HK, Argentina and most recently in Thailand. Most all current camera battery, Ipod, cell phone charges and laptop power supplies accept 220v. Even have charged these electronics overnight, no issues at all.

Mark & Kristy,

Some further clarification on a few points that have been mentioned.

I would NOT RECOMMEND using one Voltage Converter and then connecting multiple devices to it via a Power Strip. There are two potential problems with this approach.

First and foremost, with several devices connected you could easily exceed the wattage rating of the Converter. This could cause either the fuse in the device to "blow" or cause it to overheat (not a good thing!). Most of the commonly available transformer-based Converters are rated at 50-watts, and it wouldn't be hard to exceed that rating. You could use a higher wattage solid-state Converter, which brings us to the second problem.

The other concern is that with multiple devices connected, the incorrect conversion method would be applied to some of the Chargers, possibly causing damage to them. As I mentioned previously, electronic devices are best with Transformer-based Voltage Converters, while high wattage appliances such as Hair Dryers are best with solid-state type Converters.

I also wouldn't recommend using a U.S.-style Power Strip with a "push-in resettable breaker". The Breaker would provide little protection as they're designed to respond to excess current. The current flow at 230 VAC will be roughly half what it would be on a 115 VAC electrical system.

While the cheap $3.00 Power Strips may work most of the time without any problems, I wouldn't be too confident in using them on a 230 VAC electrical system. I stand by my original recommendation to use a Power Strip that is rated for use at the higher voltage, such as the Monster products, even if they do cost more. Monster has stated that their products are designed for use at 230 VAC.

If you could re-read my first reply and provide further information on the devices you'll be travelling with, I could provide more specific information.

Cheers!

Well I'm definetly not an electrical engineer, but I do get most of what Ken is saying. Yes, you could have problems, but.... I'm just passing along what works for me when I'm overseas. I don't use a voltage converter, with my $3.00 power strip, just the Europe to USA adapter. It gives me up to 6 sockets to plug in my stuff, and I all my chargers are 110v/220v. Been doing it this way for almost 3 years now, and all the chargers still work. Charged Ipods, Motorola & Samsung cell phones, Canon, Panasonic camera battery charger, and IBM Thinkpad & Lenovo netbook power supplys. The only thing that wouldn't charge was my son's Nintendo DS ( but it still charges here at home ) Before I used the adapter and power strip, I was using a 50 watt power converter, and could never run or charge more than a few items at a time.( especially while charging the laptop ) With all the electronic gear now a days, I was needing another way to charge them all at once, usually at night. Now, even with the laptop runing or charging, I can charge all electronics at once. YMMV

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for the advice regarding how to best adapt to the European outlets. I don't want to lose any appliances and don't want to spend half of the trip looking for or replacing items, either.

Ken, I am sending you a private message which lists everything you asked for.

Steve, do you remember where you bought your power bar?

Thanks again everyone!

Kristy