electric plugs

Don't bother with a converter.

Get dual voltage appliances and an adaptor.

Read http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

Deb have you read this http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters artickle about converters by Rick Steves?

Generally, take devices and appliances which are rated for both voltages - don't take American voltage only ones. It is no longer worth the hassle.

Most electronics made in the last several years are automatically world voltage capable.

You need to read the INPUT VOLTAGE on everything you want to plug in and see what each one says.

Don't try to run a hair dryer and a hair curler at the same time. That is too much load.

You will be at a Marriott? Look in the drawer and there is a hair dryer.

Thank you so much!

According to my experience, dual-voltage North American hair dryers on 220 will only blow on the low setting, guaranteeing under-heating.
According to urban legend (on the Internet), hair curlers do present a problem, possibly because of the power draw. But the cost of living will curl your hair anyhow.

To answer PART of your question, for low-draw items (phone chargers, toothbrush charger) yes, an exension cord plugged into an adapter can work. Makes it easier to deal with out-of-the-way hotel outlets. But don't try it with the hair items. Maybe get an easy-care haircut instead?

debbie,

You may not "need" a Voltage Converter for the devices you'll be taking. You will first need to check EACH appliance to determine the Input Voltage ratings. These will be listed somewhere on the device nameplate, which will either be on the device or on the charger.

Most modern electronic devices are configured for multi-voltage operation so you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adaptors to connect those to the outlets. However, it's always prudent to check the ratings anyway. I'd suggest packing a couple of Plug Adaptors as they're small and easily misplaced.

Many high wattage appliances such as Hair Dryers and Curling Irons will probably not be designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems, but again it's a good idea to check. Some manufacturers of hair appliances expressly forbid use of their products with solid-state Voltage Converters, and doing so will void the warranty. In addition, the products may self-destruct immediately when connected, possibly with a spectacular display of smoke and sparks and possibly tripping power to a portion of the hotel (I've seen that happen - the management are NOT impressed by such antics!).

Your best bet for high wattage hair appliances is to....

• Find a dual-voltage model. I don't use products of that type, but I've been told they're readily available at places like Wal-Mart, Target or other retailers.
• Buy 220 VAC models when you arrive in Europe.

You'll probably find the most hotels these days have a Hair Dryer, either in the room or on request at the front desk.

If you need extra outlets, you might consider using a product LIKE THIS as it's designed for travel. It WILL NOT provide any voltage conversion. If looking at power bars for travel, its essential to choose models that DO NOT have any surge protection, RFI filters, etc. as these are typically NOT designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems.

I have a small traveling curling iron that I plan to use in Italy next year. However, the plug is the usual, one larger than the other, and I've noticed the adapters seem to be both the same size, therefore will not fit. So are there adapters out there to accommodate this? I'm sure I can find them on Amazon?

Ruth, have you tried it, or you just don't think they look like they will fit? I have never had a problem with any of my American plugs fitting into an adapter. I use the ones from this site, mainly, but have used others as well.

Ruth,

What you're describing is the polarized plug which is now used on North American appliances, with one blade being wider than the other. These are designed so that the "hot" and "neutral" wires always connect to their respective pins on the plug.

All of the Plug Adaptors I'm using will accept polarized plugs. You may want to buy a couple of these to pack along.....

http://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx?ID=118,3681&T1=MEA251D

Thanks Nancy and Ken. Yes, I am referring to polarized plugs (couldn't think of the name). No I haven't purchased an adapter to try; guess I should. Will purchase one and see if the curling iron fits.

Thanks again.

I'm sure it will fit. But the more important thing to check is whether it is dual voltage. If not, it will melt down under European voltage.

Right.
Ruth, read the earlier post by Ken very carefully as unless your curling iron is dual voltage, an adaptor plug is not going to be enough. Even a converter might not be enough. The usual recommendation for hair dryers, curling irons and other high-wattage appliances are to buy a dual-voltage unit before your trip, or purchase one when you get to Europe.

Yep, I've been in a hotel that went dark because someone blew the system with a hairdryer.

Yes my travel curling iron is dual voltage. Purchased as dual voltage specifically for the trip. Thanks much.

Ruth, what travel iron did you purchase? I am still looking for a smaller one.

Amazon has a great selection of dual voltage hair products. Here are the ones I am buying for my trip:

http://tinyurl.com/orzj5pb
http://tinyurl.com/q2j8vjo

Just buying the adaptors so my plugs will fit. No need to get an all new haircut or have frizzed out hair. I can straighten or curl my hair and it is good to go for 2-3 days. I was going to buy a power strip also (on amazon) but too afraid to blow it out. Also cheaper to just do 3-4 adaptors.

Lulu,

I purchased my curling iron on Amazon; "Travel Smart by Conair Mini Pro 1 inch Ceramic Curling Iron". The barrel is small, about 4 inches. I have used it a couple times on short trips, and it works pretty good, however, takes a little getting used to the smaller barrel and it gets very hot.

Ruth