Power conversion,adapters

Pat NY · Newbie

Power conversion,adapters

Michele Erdvig · Host

Pat,

I have never used a converter/adaptor that worked right with a USA hair dryer in Ireland. Best to use the one provided at your accommodations. For other things you will need a plug and - if your electronics need to be "stepped down" - a converter box.

http://www.conair-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=TRA+NW135C&HDR=TRAVEL

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Adaptors merely change the shape of the plug to what's needed. Convertors change the voltage so nothing gets fried. A word of advice! You can get these items cheap here at electronics stores, or expensive over there. About $10 here, $30 there - choose wisely :)

Check Michele's page on such information - she has a good explanation.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Speaking from personal experience, US hair dryers tend to not last terribly long after being subjected to voltage conversion. We gave up and purchased an inexpensive one IN Ireland that has lasted over eight years -- but, truth be told, there are very FEW places that do not provide them -- now.

As to the other stuff -- very nearly ALL modern electronics are Dual Voltage and therefor need NO transformer/Converter -- only a plug adapter.

To know for SURE, read the UL Label on EACH device -- either an actual "Tag", or - more commonly -- printed (or Imprinted) on the 'Power Brick' . If Dual Voltage it will say, "Input 100-220 VAC 50/60 Hz". If it ONLY states 100 or 110 or 120, you WILL need a Transformer/converter.

Hope that helps ....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 28th of March 2011 02:22:34 PM

EngagingKate · Senior Member

I did what Bob says: I bought hair appliances (dryer and curling iron) in Ireland, so they were designed for their system. The only reason I needed to purchase them, though, is that we tend to rent self-catering for at least part of our trips. If you're staying at hotels and/or B&Bs, you may not need to purchase one at all. They may be available for your use at no cost to you!

When it comes to our laptops, cell phones, and camera batteries, we make sure we have a converter with a Hi/Lo switch, so we don't burn up our electronics... blankstare

Christy's right about purchasing those. If you want to get one, buy one before you get to Ireland, so you don't pay more than you need to.