RS Universal European Adapter

I remembered this thread about the RS Universal Adapter:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/help-in-using-the-universal-travel-adapter

In it, Lee mentions:

"Note that the universal adapter sold on this site has a plastic ground prong, which is not conducting. It is there to open the shutters on a UK receptacle so that the conducting pins of the plug can enter the receptacle. It might have an American side that accepts a three pin, grounding plug, but the ground, which is there for safety reasons, will not be active. For your own safety, as well as for possible code compliance, I would NOT recommend using this adapter with a US grounding plug."

And that is more than I know about the adapter or the safety of using it with a US 3 prong, grounded plug.

what "multiport portable charger" do you plan on using.

Every USB chargers have seen has only two prongs (no ground). This is probably because they are double insulated (box within a box symbol somewhere near the spac that says "input 120V/240V").

But no, if the charger includes a three prong (grounding) plug, it's probably there because UL requires it for safety, so you shouldn't use it with an adapter that doesn't convey the ground.

Note: manufacturers don't put on a grounding (3 prong) plug just for the fun of it. It costs them money to do so. They only do it if a regulatory agency has required that they do so for them to get approval. Make sure it is used.

This is what I bought. If it won’t work for travel I will return it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SG31NPT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Andrea, I really wish RS would have more photos of products. For example, a front and back would be good here. If no one here knows whether there is are female holes for the adaptor, I would suggest calling the store or emailing them?

Or better yet, just buy one that you know that does. Here is one I bought that I like and it works well - and it fits a 3 prong plug: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBTDJ4ZH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

They also have a UK version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C27DSWHB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Mardee, I couldn’t agree more that the lack of photos is frustrating. That’s why I asked here hoping that someone would have bought it and would know.

I already bought these and they should work, but I thought it would be nice to have everything together. I already bought adapters for Australia so I’m set there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SFZDRP6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I really just want something to plug a power strip into so I can charge all of my devices at once. I like a power strip with a cord because outlets are often in inconvenient places.

Just buy one of these:
Worldwide Universal Adapter

Andrea, I like a power strip for the same reasons you mention.

Here's the two prong, super lightweight version - with a 5 ft cord - that I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XFZPQSM

I plug the travel power strip in to whatever country adapter I like and then in to the wall outlet, wherever that may be (inconveniently) located.

I am only plugging in USB cords and US 2 prong charging blocks for phone and tablet. Nothing with US 3 prongs.

I can see in the photo that the RS adapter does not accept a US grounded plug (no third hole), so the fact that the European side doesnt provide a ground is not an issue.

But you did much better with what you purchased. One size fits all usually means one size doesnt really fit anyone really well.

For ther hard to reach and limited number of outlets there are two options. The powerstrip and adapter plugs or bend over and reach to plug in your USB charger and then use a very long light easty to carry USB cable .... two if you got two things. You can buy the USB chargers with the pins that fit Italian and normal EU outlets .... all but UK generally speaking.

Andrea, Anker makes great products. I think you made a good purchase.

Thanks everyone! CWsocial, I have had the one you recommended for about 12 years. I like it a lot. It’s lightweight and easy to pack. If they had a combination of USB ports I would probably buy another one. I don’t understand why they haven’t updated it to include a couple of USB-C slots. I have been using a multiport plug with 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C slots. I have 3 things I charge regularly, my phone, iPad and watch. Two use USB-C and one is USB-A. I occasionally have to charge my AirPods and Kindle which are USB-C. In case anyone is wondering why I have a Kindle in addition to the iPad, I can’t read very long on the phone or iPad before my eyes get too tired. The reason I’m looking to replace the one I have is that after so much use it’s just worn out and I have trouble plugging into it. I have 15 weeks of international travel coming up this year and some domestic trips and I don’t want it to become useless when I’m out of the country.

What I like about the Anker that I bought is that not only do I trust the brand, but it has the USB ports I need and I wouldn’t need the bulky plug with USB ports. Yes, the charger is a bit bulkier than the one I have, and trust me I tried to find a 2 prong power strip to replace it. I ordered a couple and don’t like them so they will be returned. I’m using the Anker at home on my nightstand, which is working out better than what I was previously doing.

Mr. E, I think you may have a good point about the one size fits all adapters. I guess I’ll stick with the multicolored ones I bought. It has good reviews and being brightly colored I’ll hopefully not leave it behind, which has happened a time or two. That’s why I travel with more than one. I have always used the RS adapters and the EU ones don’t take up any room. Of course the UK ones are bulkier.

Andrea, your new Anker unit is a great size and style. And I always love my Anker products. I'd love to find something like that, with a 2 prong plug.

CWsocial, I scoured Amazon looking for something I liked with a 2 prong plug. I wanted something with approximately a 5 foot cord with good reviews. I bought a couple, one 2 prong and one 3 prong, but after receiving them I decided I didn’t like them. They are being returned tomorrow.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKPD64F7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PGZHCXR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

The Anker charger I like with the 3 prong plug is about the size of my iPhone 15. I don’t love the thicker cord, but I appreciate that it can be separated from the charger which will make it easier to manage when I travel.