Hello fellow travelers :) I have a silly question if I may? I'm about to head out to the UK on Wednesday and have just realized that I might have some problems with my electrical equipment, namely my laptop and charging my Kindle. I think the UK is a different electrical voltage than the US and I was just planning on taking an adapter, but now realize I might need a converter as well. Is that correct??? I know the plug is different and that is why I was looking at adapters, but if the voltage is different as well, then the adapter won't be enough, because the last thing I need is to plug in my laptop and end up blowing the darn thing up..lol. So does anyone know if there is such a think as combined adapter AND converter?? Do laptops have a naturally built in converter??? Any help is gratefully received.
Thank You
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Linzi, The U.K. does indeed have a different voltage (nominal 230 VAC vs. 115 VAC for North America). Marco provided good information, but be sure to check EACH device you'll be travelling with, to ensure that the "Input Voltage" specifications indicate 100-240 VAC. You'll also need to pack along the appropriate Plug Adapters for the U.K, THESE Adapters are the correct type for use in the U.K. and Ireland. I'd suggest packing along at least two, as they're easy to misplace. If you'll also be going anywhere on the continent, a different model of Plug Adapter will be needed. Your Laptop may use a grounding Plug, so (IMHO) it would be better to use a Plug Adapter which has the ground pin. One other thing to mention is that outlets in the U.K. are often controlled by a switch. Be sure to look for that (it's often right at the outlet). Happy travels!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
Look at the power supply for the laptop / Kindle. If it says something along the lines of Input: 100/240V 50-60Hz you won't need a converter. This is likely to be the case, but only you can be sure.
Posted by
OP
Litchfield Park, Arizona, USA
92 posts
Thanks Marco...I did just look at the transformer that is with the laptop and it does in fact say that, so I should be good to go with just an adapter from what I can see. :) Always good to know, so thank you! :)
Posted by
Seattle, Washington, United States
284 posts
Just to reinforce the previous post, almost all adapters for USB (Kindle) and laptops are dual voltage these days. Unless you have one that is prehistoric, you should just need an adapter (not a transformer). You might want to check any other electronics you are bringing (for example, an electric razor and/or hairdryer). These are more problematic and are often not dual voltage. Unless you absolutely cannot live without these, I would leave them at home if they are only for US voltage because of the hassle of the converter.
Posted by
Southwest, Florida
325 posts
I've only been to Europe once and I found myself rotating devices with my adapter plug to get them all charged in time for use the next morning. This time I'm thinking of bringing a small extension cord with 3 US outlets on one end and use the adapter on the other end. I could bring more adapter plugs but that spreads the devices all over the room, (assuming that there are sufficient plugs along the wall). What have others found to be convenient?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
Tom, for your question, that can be a plan that works. I've done it happily but be absolutely sure that the extension cord, short I hope, is completely dumb. No lights, no surge protector, no electronics. Remember that the adapter only changes the shape of the plug; it does nothing for the higher voltage. The higher voltage will cause smoke, sparks and maybe fire in anything electronic in the extension cord designed for North American voltage. The wire of the extension cord will be fine.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Tom, I plug my netbook into the wall to charge, then attach everything else to it (phones, anything else that charges via USB).
Posted by
OP
Litchfield Park, Arizona, USA
92 posts
Thanks to everyone, you know who you are :) I too was planning on taking one adapter to plug my laptop into the outlet and then charge my Kindle and IPhone using that. That seems to be the safest way because I don't want to end up losing all my electronics..lol. I won't need a dryer or anything else electrical because thankfully that is all supplied by the apartment I am renting. It's just the personal items ! :)
I'm getting so excited so am trying hard to make sure all my i's are dotted and my T's crossed :)
Posted by
OP
Litchfield Park, Arizona, USA
92 posts
Hello all and thank you :) I did know about the switches thanks to a UK friend telling me the same thing...and ironically there are certain places here in the US that have the same thing...lol. I guess I just have to get used to the light switches etc possibly going in the opposite direction, whether the showers turn on the same way as they do here....lol. I will find all of that out in a couple of days..lol :)
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
Linzi, enjoy your trip! It's been fun reading your questions and the helpful replies. One tip: unlike here in the US, in London the electrical outlets have an on-off switch. So you not only plug in your gadget, you have to be sure the outlet is switched on, or your gadget won't get charged. (Don't ask me how I know this.)
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
On the subject of switches - they are mounted the other way round than is usual in the USA. Not difficult to work out but worth a mention ...