Light weight small converter?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Light weight small converter?
Hello all. Despite all assurances, I will be in a few places where having a convertor may be the right thing to do, rather than risk my computer and cell phone. But I certainly don't want to lug a monstrosity all over Europe and Morocco. Does anyone know of a small lightweight one? Many thanks in advance!
27
27
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why a converter? I've never needed anything other than a 2€ adapter that weighs an ounce or two, anywhere. Some European countries have different plug outlets, so you might need more than one kind (2-prong, 3-prong...), but a converter? Not unless you want to blow out the electricity in hotels if your appliances aren't on the right voltage.
#3
Your computer AND your phone probably weren't manufactured in some sort of 120V "version." I suggest you look on the computer power brick and I bet you'll find it will accept 110-240V input.
You need plug adaptors, NOT a converter.
You need plug adaptors, NOT a converter.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>> rather than risk my computer and cell phone
It does not take much to find out that what you have assumed is riskier than using a plug adapter alone.
There are two common types of devices. Converter and transformer.
Converter is the lighter weight of the two, but what it supplies is nothing you are are getting at home. This causes compatibility problems as well malfunctions as you can easily grasp by reading product reviews. Some devices can get away with it while others don't. Do you want to lug around a useless mass of weight during your trip?
The transformer cleanly transforms the voltage down to what you get at home. However, such transformer weight increases along the power capability line. What you find is that the power rating of travel transformers are very low. Depending on how much your computer requires along with charging multiple devices at a time plus surge margins, you can overload transformers --> need a heavier device.
It does not take much to find out that what you have assumed is riskier than using a plug adapter alone.
There are two common types of devices. Converter and transformer.
Converter is the lighter weight of the two, but what it supplies is nothing you are are getting at home. This causes compatibility problems as well malfunctions as you can easily grasp by reading product reviews. Some devices can get away with it while others don't. Do you want to lug around a useless mass of weight during your trip?
The transformer cleanly transforms the voltage down to what you get at home. However, such transformer weight increases along the power capability line. What you find is that the power rating of travel transformers are very low. Depending on how much your computer requires along with charging multiple devices at a time plus surge margins, you can overload transformers --> need a heavier device.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i> Light weight small converter?
Posted by: TravelinFeet on Mar 30, 17 at 12:59pm</i>
Ditto Dukey1 and Greg. You probably don't need a converter and it will probably do you in. See http://www.enjoy-europe.com/power-co...for-europe.htm. You will need plug adapter(s).
Posted by: TravelinFeet on Mar 30, 17 at 12:59pm</i>
Ditto Dukey1 and Greg. You probably don't need a converter and it will probably do you in. See http://www.enjoy-europe.com/power-co...for-europe.htm. You will need plug adapter(s).
#8
Lightweight converters are hard to find. My sister got one years ago at Walmart that is awesome. She went back to buy another but no luck. I got one at Target afterward but it's a bit heavy however not like the ones from many years ago.
I have scaled down though and use adapters now. I got a 4 USB port with changeable plugs in the travel section of Walmart last week and have been using it this week in Sweden. The only problem I have had is in Switzerland. The prongs on an adapter aren't long enough but I could use my other travel USB I got at Primark in London.
I have scaled down though and use adapters now. I got a 4 USB port with changeable plugs in the travel section of Walmart last week and have been using it this week in Sweden. The only problem I have had is in Switzerland. The prongs on an adapter aren't long enough but I could use my other travel USB I got at Primark in London.
#9
We have traveled world wide, including third world countries, without a converter for iPhones, iPads, laptops, and a medical device. Just get plug adapters. Rick Steve's online store has them on sale for $1.00 each.