Ireland - charging faux ipod with usb, without a laptop or computer

The plug adapter or its packaging should tell you. I have a generic wall plug to plug my ipod cable into via USB, and both the packaging and the actual plug give the info (100-240). If it doesn't have that info anywhere, I wouldn't use it. You could try googling the brand and model, and see if you can find anything... Both my $20 Logiix brand and $30 apple branded plugs both give the info directly on them.

Okay...duh, guess I should have looked there first. Now the usb/regular plug is 110/240. Now if I understand this correctly. I need an wall out adapter to convert from an Ireland outlet to a standard outlet, then I need a transformer to plug into that, so I can plug in the usb/standard outlet adapter into that. But what I seem to be seeing are the transformers are already converted to the foreign outlet and I have read somewhere that the outlets are recessed and if the prongs are flush...say to a transformer then they will not reach the outlet.

You don't need a transformer or converter, just a plug adapter! Your device is already OK on Irish power (that's what the "240" is). It goes: wall outlet, Irish to US plug adapter, outlet to USB adapter, power cord, ipod.

It took a lot of searching but when I was trying to figure out if my adapters were going to work in Europe without needing a convertor I found out that if the symbols CE (??) are present, that means Compatible in Europe.

No, it doesn't mean Compatible in Europe. It is a mark that indicates that the product meets certain manufacturing standards for sale in Europe.

You're good to go with a cheap plug adapter! The $1 ones that Rick sells here on the site work just fine.I've never seen the recessed plugs that eat adapters that people talk about... I've used outlets in Dublin, and the UK. I usually carry two adapters, that way if I happen to leave one behind (never have) there's still a backup.

Sandy, This is a very easy situation to deal with. First of all, you'll need a USB Charger. Something like this should work just fine: travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=423 This device provides not only a USB power supply, but also Plug Adapters for various Euro countries.

Almost any Irish or Northern Irish supermarket or Maplins store will have cheap (under £/€10) wall plug to USB converters. Have a look at the first and fifth items on http://www.maplin.co.uk/search?criteria=Usb+charger The editor here would not let me embed the complete link. This one isn't hard - don't let it get you down. Heck, some people would even say they speak the same language. But, as said above, all you really need is a cheepo plug adapter for the wall plug with the writing on your charger as you supplied.

Electronics companies have finally done something sensible by settling on a standard charging system. Most newer phones and other electronic gear will charge through a USB connection. Consequently, you can now find a plug in USB port everywhere: truck stops, drug stores, convenience stores, etc. It is great. Most of these devices are rated to work most everywhere in the world. All you need to do is look at the little label on the device and be sure it reads something such as: Input: 100 - 240 V
50 - 60 Hz In my experience, the output voltage varies, at least as to the amperage. The standard for a USB port is 500–900 mA at 5 V, so I look for devices with that rating. The 5 V is the key part, as I understand it. The amp rating varies. I've used ones with different amperage rating with no apparent ill effect. If you have one of these, all you need to do is ensure that you have an adapter that matches the type of plug needed to fit in the foreign outlet.

Apparently no one noticed, but the OP says they ALREADY got the USB adapter. She was concerned about how to connect it to the wall - and all she will need it a plug adapter.

Nancy, The phrase "We bought a plug adapter to usb but don't know what type of transformer as we have no power pack to read" was somewhat vague and I wasn't sure exactly what it referred to. Is it a Plug Adapter or is it a USB Charger? Without specific information, I based my reply on the type of product I felt the OP would need. I have no idea whether this is what they're using?

Thank you everyone who answered. I did not realize at first that the usb/adapter (now this adapter is for use in the US) had the rating information on the side. It was from wal-mart and is a "Just Wireless Dual USB A/C Phone charger. It charges 2 mobile phone, MP3, camera and Bluetoooth headset devices simultaneously. It was around $10 bucks if I remember correctly. The ratings on the side of the adapter are Input AC 100V-240V 50 Hz/ 60 Hz Output DC 5.0V/1000mA-1100mA. I also ordered the little $1.00 adapters (us to european) from the Rick's site, so if I understand correctly, this is all I need. Thanks again.

Sandy, I hope you got 3 huge rectangular pins in a triangle British/Irish adapters and not continental 2 skinny pin adapters because the 2 skinny pin ones won't work in Ireland/UK. Otherwise you sound good to go!!

Sandy, Based on the specifications you listed, the USB Charger you listed should work fine in Ireland. It's designed for "world operation" with the Input Voltage and provides adequate current on the USB outputs for charging multiple devices. As someone else commented, the "US to European" Plug Adapter that you bought MAY NOT be the correct type for Ireland. The following link shows the plug configuration for the U.K.: www.magellans.com/store/Adaptors___Converters___Plug_AdaptorsEA23MCG If your Adapter looks different than this, it won't work in Ireland. Cheers!