Hi folks, I've researched it here using the search function, and could only find answers about hair dryers and hair curlers... appreciate your help in answering this one: <BR> <BR>When I go from U.S. to Paris and London, what additional electrical converter (if any) will I need to do the following: <BR> <BR>1) Re-charge U.S. electric shaver (recharger base says AC100-12-/220-240V, 50-60Hz 30/35mA <BR> <BR>2) Re-charge rechargable AA batteries for portable MP3 music player (recharger says input: 100-240V, output +12V 1.25A) <BR> <BR>3) Recharge camcorder Lithium batteries (recharger says input 120 V AC 60Hz 20W, output 13 V DC 1000mA) <BR> <BR>I know I will need an adapter plug so the prongs of the plugs will fit in the sockets in Paris in London; but will I also need a "converter unit" also? <BR> <BR>All the discussions I see talk about heat producing appliances such as hair dryers and curlers, but no mention about electronics. <BR> <BR>Appreciate any help and guidance you can provide based on your experience. <BR> <BR>David

European electricity is predominantly 220 volts, 50 Hertz (Hz), whereas North America is 110-120 volts, 60 Hertz. <BR> <BR>Therefore, only your camcorder recharger (#3) would need a voltage converter, since it is capable of only the 120 volt input. European 220 volt would fry it. <BR> <BR>I haven't seen a "120 volt only" camcorder charger in a while, most of them are "110-240 volt" capable nowadays.

Tom is correct, but one other point: You will only need a small converter, since your recharging unit is only 20 watts. Don't spend the $$ on a higher capacity one. And a lower capacity will be much lighter, also.

Tom and Linda, thank you for your suggestions. <BR> <BR>I had already purchased an "International Converter and Adaptor Set" that includes a 1600 Watt converter. On the package there is a label that says: <BR> <BR>"Use with Hair Dryers, curling irons and irons. 1600 W converters should only be used with heat producing appliances rating 500 watts to 1600 watts. Do not use with electronics such as computers, TV's VCRs or CD players." <BR> <BR>Question: If I use this converter with my camcorder battery recharger (input 120 V AC 60Hz 20W, output 13 V DC 1000mA) will I fry the recharger? Will this work okay for this purpose or do I need a different type of converter? <BR>

I *have* fried a charger...a 110v Nokia cell phone 'travel charger' even though I had plugged it into a voltage convertor. So I do know that electronics AC-to-DC units can be cooked. I don't know if using a 50w rated unit would have prevented the problem. <BR>

I'm not a real expert, but I think the converters that have the warning on it do not contain a surge protector device. Computers, etc., being more susceptibel to damage from surges, might be damaged on this type of converter. (And some European electrical supplies are famous for their surges/spikes.) Irons would not be as susceptible. Would I be leery of using that converter with my recharger? Probably. I don't know which category of appliance a charging device fits into. I think I'd do one of two things. First, call the company that put out the charger and ask them. Failing that, I'd play it safe and get a converter that will work with computers, etc. One other possibility: Get a bunch of lithium batteries, enough for your trip, charge them up before you leave home, then leave the charger at home. (Then you wouldn't need to carry a converter, either.) Might be expensive, but the peace of mind might make it worth it. (But then come up with a system so you can tell which batteries are fresh from the ones that are dead. Maybe put a sticker on the charged ones and take it off when it dies.)

If the charger is external to the camcorder ie. a black box that plugs into the wall with a skinny cord with a round end that plugs into the camcorder, Then get yourself down to a Radioshack or equivalent. You will be able to buy an aftermarket charger that takes either 110 or 220 ac input with a variety of dc volt outputs. They usually have a multipronged output jack and / or adapters. You may even be able to replace all three chargers with one.

Good idea, Rand. Didn't think of that one! Then only one charger and no converter to carry. That's an attaboy for you.