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Need more help with a multisocket extension cord

OK, I'm taking everyone's advice and looking for a cord here in the States instead of taking my old European multi on a ship. I realized it's farcical to have US- European adapters on my electronics and then an European- US adapter on the cord on the ship. But here's the problem:

I am having a very difficult time finding a multiple outlet with more than two sockets but without a surge protector. I don't need a particularly long extension--3 to 5 feet will do. If anyone finds an multiple outlet with four sockets and no surge protector.

BTW, I've read on Cruise Critic that surge protectors are confiscated from luggage when boarding the ship as they are a fire hazard. Hope none get through--yikes-- a fire in the middle of the Atlantic--with all that alcohol on board.....

I posted this at the bottom of the last post all buried--so I'm boosting it here.

Posted by
33587 posts

Doesn't a plain standard extension cord with 2,3, or 4 sockets at the end fit the bill?

Posted by
2393 posts

That's what I always take on a cruise is a basic extension cord - I never travel without one.

Like this

Posted by
1110 posts

Ikea has short ones in a two pack for cheap. I think it's three or four sockets. No surge protection.

Looks kind of like this one but with a much shorter cord, and two for, I think, around $5-7.

extension cord

Posted by
27726 posts

I've definitely bought basic extension cords with three outlets on the end opposite the plug. Probably got them at a CVS drug store in the US. I think 6 feet or 2 meters is a common length. Not sure I've seen a four-outlet style. Hardware stores might have them, too.

Posted by
980 posts

I just stick one of these on a plug adapter. Smaller than carrying a cord and I can charge three devices at once (tablet and two phones usually).

DJ

Posted by
7945 posts

I guess I am trying to think how many devices you really need to charge at once to justify the bulk of bringing a power strip. A multi adapter like a previous poster pointed out is good for several low amperage devices, you can also consider USB chargers. Nearly all phones, tablets, and cameras can be charged vis USB, so a multiport USB adapter might be attractive, like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/48970438?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227037083911&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=82871556137&wl4=pla-167228267777&wl5=9018573&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=48970438&wl13=&veh=sem

Posted by
5697 posts

As noted above, ACE hardware, Home Depot, maybe even the Dollar Store. The one I'm using right now is 3-socket, long enough cord to stretch from the sole outlet over the sink to a nightstand for charging 2 phones and a tablet.

Posted by
3263 posts

Now you can get a cord that has electrical outlet + usb charging ports built in. I bought this light weight unit you can check out here. Worked fine in Europe and here at home. I was able to charge iPhone, iPad, camera battery and portable power supply at the same time without having to carry those annoying wall warts. Not having to pack 4 power adapters is a pleasure!

Posted by
19240 posts

Whatever extension cord you use, be sure to understand how it connects with the plugs you will be using. For instance, one of the cords linked to above will not accept a grounding plug, if you have one. Another accepts a grounding plug but the ground is not connected to anything (the plug on the cord does not have a grounding pin).

Most of the extension cords have receptacles which will accept a polarizing plug, but the ships power will not be polarized.

What kind of a 230V receptacle will the boat have? Hopefully it will be one that accepts a grounding Schuko plug (Type F on this page). Then a plug adapter like this one will allow you to plug in a grounding plug.

If you are going to use an extension cord with USB ports, you will need separate USB lines with USB-A male ends to go in the port and the other end to fit in your device. Most USB chargers have the USB line hard-wired.

Posted by
10564 posts

All right people, I think your suggestions will work. I'll be careful with the grounding, Lee. We already have all kinds of US->European adapters.
Here's what needs to be charged or running for two people in a worse case scenario with one 110 outlet and one 220 outlet:
1 cpap
2 Apple products with power packs (MacBook Air and iPad) Before you ask--my husband will continue his writing work on the ship.
I probably won't need the iPad since wifi is scarce in the middle of the Atlantic
2 cameras and one phone that works overseas but we can charge those any time while out at sea. We're good to go.