Adapters
 

I know that these questions have been asked millions of times, but I have read all the posts and cannot find an answer to them. I will be going to London, Paris, and Brussels in a couple of weeks and have some questions about power converters/adapters:

---My digital camera's adapter states:
AC IN: 100-240V 50/60Hz
---My computer's adapter states:
Input 100-230V 2A 50/60Hz

So, from what I understand neither would need a power converter only a plug adapter. Is this correct? Also, does it matter that my computer's charger only goes to 230V and not 240V, will this make a difference into what European plugs I can and cannot plug it into? Lastly, does anyone have any recommendations of any good plugs or converters(if I need one?)?

I would appreciate your responses...

Thanks.

230V or 240V doesn't matter.

You need two adapters, one for Continental Europe, one for the UK.

You can buy a set, like this one for $17
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2036266

Many stores have things like this.

Or if you want to save some money, just buy one for Continental Europe, $2.99:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2104181

And one for the UK, $6.99:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2285471

Those two are the minimum you'll need.

Thanks RKKWAN.

Do you think that these would work?

http://shop2.outpost.com/{fiCnAg76eyEoKbBCl1ttyA**.node3}/product/4132603;jsessionid=fiCnAg76eyEoKbBCl1ttyA**.node3? site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://shop2.outpost.com/{fiCnAg76eyEoKbBCl1ttyA**.node3}/product/4132603;jsessionid=fiCnAg76eyEoKbBCl1ttyA**.node3? site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

OK. Thanks!

slangevar - France does NOT use the Schuko plugs. It uses type E:

www.kropla.com/!e.htm

A Type E plug can be plugged into a Schuko receptor, but not the reverse. At least you still can't get proper grounding.

Anyways, these are only for grounded appliances. For computers and iPod/camera chargers, those are irrelevant. Only need the two round pins for Continental Europe.

rkkwan - what's the difference between the Schuko and E plug? The "Schuko" adapter I bought looks like it would fit into the receptor pictured in your link (two circular prongs with a hole to accept the male grounding pin).

Logos999 said this would work for France in the earlier electricity thread. Something about, "since XXXX, Schuko plugs have included the hole for the male grounding plug" or something.

Is it common to burn out your digital camera's/computer's adapter? Or even worse ruin your computer and/or camera even though you are using the correct plug adapters?

(Btw, my Dell laptop charger is grounded, so I sort of wanted a grounded adapter.) Just hoping the one I bought will work! :-)

I haven't heard of anyone hurting their laptop or appliances (other than hair styling devices, which you aren't bringing). The random posts I've read have mostly focused on the adapters ceasing to work or failing to fit in specific receptors.

The problematic "third prong" in France (and maybe Belgium?) was a frequent post. One of my adapters just has the two circular prongs, but I read that more and more receptors are becoming grounded. Am hoping that rkkwan can confirm that the one I bought will fit!

slangevar - Unless the plug you bought is a E/F hybrid, a Schuko plug will not get grounding from a France wall receptacle.

It will probably fit in the hole, but kind of defeats the purpose.

Hmm... tough to share this info online.

Rkkwan - can you look at this link? http://www.europlugs.com/Design%20Re...20adapters.htm

The one I bought looks like WA-9.

Thanks for your advice!

slangevar - It's easy to tell between the two, or if it's a hybrid.

The grounding surface on the Type E wall receptacle (like you'll see in France) is a pin that sticks out on the flat surface towards you.

If you look straight at your plug, and there's hole on the flat surface, offset from the two pins, then you're set.

The grounding contacts for the Schuko plug are on both sides of the plug, on the far edges. The WA-9 plug you link to is a hybrid Type E/F plug that will properly ground in both Germany and France.

Phew - looks like I bought the right one (though now I think it was a total accident). :-)

Thank you so much for confirming, rkkwan - I'll sleep so much better tonight!

Has anyone ever inquired of their USA appliance manufacturer about using it in the UK or where ever? Grounding is for safety.

The schukos you find in Germany have this extra hole for France now. I first saw those "hybird" Schukos in 1980. Just make sure the plug has both groundings. French tpye is found i.e. in Poland, Czech, Slovakia. German is found in Hurgary, Austria and most of non French speaking western Europe. As said, if it has the hole, it will fit into both types of sockets.