TravelinFeet

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

StCirq

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.

Dukey1

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.

greg

>>> 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.

spaarne

<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).

dotheboyshall

Virtually every low wattage mains power supply these days is capable of handling any voltage from 100V to 250V.

It will say so on the supply somewhere.

ira

I think that the consensus is that you should forget the converter.

sassy27

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.

HappyTrvlr

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.