Will I need a voltage adaptor for these small appliances in Paris?
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:35 AM
#1
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Will I need a voltage adaptor for these small appliances in Paris?
Of course, I wish to look stunning while on vacation in Paris, so I am bringing my flat iron for my hair. It is 120v. Instructions say it works in US, Canada and Mexico. Do I need a voltage adaptor for France? Same question for a camera battery charger.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:40 AM
#2
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The plug shape is different and the voltage is different. Get an adaptor that also changes the voltage so it does not blow up on you...my mother blew up hairdryers years ago as she got the plug to use but not the elec converter!
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:42 AM
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flat iron:
Buy a new one, once you arrive. DO NOT buy or use a converter. May blow fuse or set house on fire.
Camera + charger: check if it is 230 Volt capable. (chance close to 100%) In that case, buy plug adapter
Buy a new one, once you arrive. DO NOT buy or use a converter. May blow fuse or set house on fire.
Camera + charger: check if it is 230 Volt capable. (chance close to 100%) In that case, buy plug adapter
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:43 AM
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Chances are your camera battery chager is dual voltage (charger will probably say something like "input 100-240V"
in whcih case all you need is a plug adapter to go from two prong flat to the round two pin.
If flat iron only says 120v - it will not work in Paris - if I were you I'd buy a dual voltage o buy one in Paris.
in whcih case all you need is a plug adapter to go from two prong flat to the round two pin.If flat iron only says 120v - it will not work in Paris - if I were you I'd buy a dual voltage o buy one in Paris.
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:43 AM
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Unless your appliances offer a working range of something like "110v - 240V" don't use them in Europe which uses the higher voltage. This will be written on them somewhere.
Battery chargers should work fine, the flat iron sounds as though it could present a overheating/fire risk. There have been quite a few threads on this subject before so try a search.
Don't forget to buy a US-Europe plug adaptor.
Battery chargers should work fine, the flat iron sounds as though it could present a overheating/fire risk. There have been quite a few threads on this subject before so try a search.
Don't forget to buy a US-Europe plug adaptor.
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:46 AM
#7
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logos, I am looking at the battery charger. It says input is 100v - 240v. So am I safe with just a plug adapter? I note that i did that successfully, though without thought, in Spain last year. Assume it's the same for France.
Please, tell me why a voltage adaptor is unsafe.
Please, tell me why a voltage adaptor is unsafe.
Jul 30th, 2008, 07:58 AM
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>It says input is 100v - 240v.
Perfect, will work.
>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
It's illegal to use, yet sold in the US. (Transformers (havy) are legal.
>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
How good is your understanding of physics and electronics? Are terms like switching power supply, internal resistance and phase known to you?
Perfect, will work.
>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
It's illegal to use, yet sold in the US. (Transformers (havy) are legal.
>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
How good is your understanding of physics and electronics? Are terms like switching power supply, internal resistance and phase known to you?
Jul 30th, 2008, 08:16 AM
#11
It will <i>probably</i> work w/ a power converter and a plug adaptor - but it may also burn up and blow the fuses in the entire bldg.
But even IF it does work, it won't work at the highest temps. So - buy a European flat iron (not a dual voltage one - since it would have the same low temp issue) in Paris.
But even IF it does work, it won't work at the highest temps. So - buy a European flat iron (not a dual voltage one - since it would have the same low temp issue) in Paris.
Jul 30th, 2008, 08:16 AM
#12
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Voltage converters do not work well, if at all, for appliances that heat up.
As mentioned above, many flat irons indicate on the package that they are NOT to be used with converters.
Totally agree with the advice to either buy a dual voltage flat iron or purchase one in Paris.
As mentioned above, many flat irons indicate on the package that they are NOT to be used with converters.
Totally agree with the advice to either buy a dual voltage flat iron or purchase one in Paris.
Jul 30th, 2008, 08:22 AM
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Iregeo, one of the problems is that the frequency of the power supplies differs, 60Hz in the US and 50Hz in Europe. Try something like "US Electrical voltage" on Google. You are getting good advice here.
Jul 30th, 2008, 08:30 AM
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Hi Ir,
Most voltage converters are intended for use with low wattage appliances, not for irons.
It would be much better if your brought a 110/220 dual voltage iron for which you will need an adapter plug, or buy an iron in France.
Your camera battery charger should say 110/220V on it.
If it does, you only need a plug adapter.
If it doesn't, get a new one.
Most voltage converters are intended for use with low wattage appliances, not for irons.
It would be much better if your brought a 110/220 dual voltage iron for which you will need an adapter plug, or buy an iron in France.
Your camera battery charger should say 110/220V on it.
If it does, you only need a plug adapter.
If it doesn't, get a new one.
Jul 30th, 2008, 09:10 AM
#15
Back to my comments about the temps.
A dual voltage flat iron (or hairdryer for that matter) will <i>work</i> w/ just a plug adaptor. But those type of appliances w/ heat (and in the case of hair dryers - motors) will not work at its highest temperature/speed settings.
When used at the higher voltage there is a sort of governor inside the appliance that prevents it from going to the top settings. So - that means if you need a <b>HOT</b> flat iron to deal w/ your hair type, you will be disappointed w/ the performance of a dual voltage model. If you don't need the highest heat setting - then it will be OK.
That is why I recommended buying a single voltage flat iron in Paris.
A dual voltage flat iron (or hairdryer for that matter) will <i>work</i> w/ just a plug adaptor. But those type of appliances w/ heat (and in the case of hair dryers - motors) will not work at its highest temperature/speed settings.
When used at the higher voltage there is a sort of governor inside the appliance that prevents it from going to the top settings. So - that means if you need a <b>HOT</b> flat iron to deal w/ your hair type, you will be disappointed w/ the performance of a dual voltage model. If you don't need the highest heat setting - then it will be OK.
That is why I recommended buying a single voltage flat iron in Paris.
Jul 30th, 2008, 10:01 AM
#16
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I wonder what the availability of flat irons is in Paris? I've looked in London, Rome, and Paris for a wide-barrel curling iron with no success. So I take my dual voltage one with me, and to be sure, it doesn't heat up well in Europe.
Jul 30th, 2008, 10:30 AM
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I haven't seen any curling appliances with wide barrels in Paris either.
I prefer a "hot brush" to a curling iron (much easier to manager and better results) and love the Conair dual voltage, which is available in 3/4" or 1-1/4". I've been using the 1-1/4" for over ten years, and have a second I keep packed in the travel tote at all times. It worked wonders when I had a too tight/frizzy perm. And, it's easier catch the ends smoothly than with a curling iron. With an adapter plug, I've used it in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Russia with no problems.
I prefer a "hot brush" to a curling iron (much easier to manager and better results) and love the Conair dual voltage, which is available in 3/4" or 1-1/4". I've been using the 1-1/4" for over ten years, and have a second I keep packed in the travel tote at all times. It worked wonders when I had a too tight/frizzy perm. And, it's easier catch the ends smoothly than with a curling iron. With an adapter plug, I've used it in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Russia with no problems.
Jul 30th, 2008, 11:39 AM
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I'll be in the same flat-iron predicament for Paris specifically.
Does anyone know where I can pick one up? I'll be staying in Montmartre, but obviously can go wherever in Paris to get one. I'm just not familiar with any stores that might sell this appliance.
Does anyone know where I can pick one up? I'll be staying in Montmartre, but obviously can go wherever in Paris to get one. I'm just not familiar with any stores that might sell this appliance.
