I've never traveled to Europe. I know I will need to bring converters to be able to charge phone, use hair dryer, etc. I've been told that there are very few outlets in many Irish hotels. I don't know if that's true. I do know my friend and I will have a lot of stuff to plug in! ;) My question is, could you get a converter, then plug a surge protected U.S. power strip into it to provide more outlets? Would that work, or just blow something up?
Thanks!
-- Edited by tonnieb on Wednesday 17th of April 2013 01:22:02 PM
First and foremost -- It is DOUBTFUL that you will need a Converter. Most modern electronics come with dual voltage chargers. Somewhere on the charging device should be a UL label. If it states "Input voltage 1xx - 2xx VAC", or similar, all you need is a Plug adapter. You only need a Converter to operate devices that are only rated for 110-120 VAC.
Ireland, and much of the rest of the world uses 220 VAC power, delivered at 50 Hz (Cycles per second), but the US and Canada operate on 120VAC, delivered at 60 Hz. A converter changes the Voltage, but NOT the Hz cycling. Most single-voltage appliances (like hair driers, curling irons, etc) would require a heavy-duty converter, rather than a light-duty, travel device -- something rated for at LEAST 1500 Watts.
Even then, using one will likely result in long-term damage to the device, as the different cycle rate is bothersome.
Most hotels and B&B offer / provide hair driers. If you 'Need' such devices, either bring dual voltage units from home, or buy a cheap unit locally, after you arrive.
I bring a small, 3-outlet-from-1 adapter that I plug into my plug adapter. This allows me to charge two (low load) devices -- say, my laptop and my cell phone or camera battery -- from a single outlet, since the total electrical load does NOT excede the rating for a standard outlet.
Bob
__________________
Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Ok, so the best advice is to buy an adapter with multiple plugs. I believe I saw those at Target or Walmart. Since I've really decided to let my curly hair stay curly in Ireland, I'm not going to be too concerned about the hair dryer or flat iron. But I do have several devices to keep charged, and that's what I'm worried about. Thanks for helping me clear that up!