Electrical converters
 

I have a kit that I took with me to various places in Europe many years ago, including Paris. That's been almost 10 years ago. I assume it will still work. Is that a correct assumption?

Yes, it is.

Yes, but Wwalmart has a one piece unit that is much easier to
pack, it's about 10.00. I had to get a new one a month ago and it worked very well for my computer and hair appliances.

No need to go buy another one.

I too have a one piece unit from Walmart, but I have no way of telling if it's easier to pack than what you have since I have no clue what you have now.

If it's a multi piece kit you don't need to take the Australia, UK, or other adapters in your kit with you - just the ones for continental Europe - if that's where you're going.

Save your $10 for something good to eat or a drink.

This 50W transformer costs 6.50€ in the shops around Munich central station. I would imagine it's about the same price in Paris. But why buy new, when you already got a working one.

http://www.1a-erzgebirge.de/s01.php?...aa&bnr=7396094

Depends on what you are using. If a laptop, the charger should read 120-240V. If so, then all you need is a plug converter. Other things, like cell phones (sometimes) need a transformer. You will still need the plug coverter to make the transformer work. Also, found out the hard way that French plug coverter will not work in Milan. Wound up buying one of those universal converters at a flea market. Works fine now.

jkbritt,

I have always used the same plug adapter for in France and Italy, and it's not a universal one, just the regular plug with two thin prongs. What other kind of outlet did you encounter in Milan?

Just take the single plug adapter you have now (leave the others for other continents/countries home). No need to buy a 'universal' adapter since you aren't traveling world wide.

Three prongs on some -big central prong and two smaller ones on the sides- and the prong holes in Italy were thinner than the ones in France. I tried to charge my electric scooter and the prong broke by being pushed into the adaptor and breaking the contacts inside. This was at a bar. I had to walk - on crutches in 90+ heat- about and hour and a half each way to get to the only electric store anyone knew that sold adaptors. When we finally got back, it worked perfectly. By then, we were exausted and stayed at the bar and ate late lunch and had a glass of wine. When wife went to the toilet, she was not impressed with the -pee in the hole in the floor- arrangements, to say the least. No handles, nothing, she said, just squat and pray!! They did have toilet paper though.

I think what is called a "converter" is usually an electricity voltage converter, not just a plug adapter which doesn't do anything to the electricity. If someone really needs a converter, a plug adapter won't work, and they will fry their appliance as well as possibly cause wiring problems in the hotel or wherever. I don't know what Walmart sells, but for $10, it better be a converter, not just a prong adapter.

Unless the gadget/appliance is single voltage -- there is no need to confuse the issue w/ talks of converters. If it is dual voltage all that is needed is a plug adapter. Many people think they are talking about a plug adapter when they say 'converter' since it "converts the plug to fit the outlet.

Yes - most of us know that a plug adapter and a voltage converter are totally different things -- but read the context. The OP is talking about a plug adapter kit, not "converters"

(BTW - if by any chance you ARE talking about single voltage things -- it is usually best to leave them home and get dual voltage versions. And IF you are talking about a hair dryer - most hotels have them, and they'll work better than your dual voltage one from home)

This 50W transformer for 6.50€ works with any appliance up to 50W, transforms and adapts plugs. Simple and working.

So my traveling companion says the hotel we are staying at told her we won't need a converter. Hmm. I think I'll take it anyway. Just to be safe.

sooosally: Exactly WHAT are you talking about? A <u><B>plug</B> adapter</u> -- or a <u><B>voltage</B> converter</u>.

You seem to be confusing the two things. They are NOT the same. If you have a kit of plug adapters, they are the little things that attach on the end of the plug so it fits in the socket. If so, it would be better if you stopped calling it a 'converter'.

If on the other hand you actually have a voltage converter (like a power transformer) - then you probably do not need to take that.

Does it matter, no it doesn't.

"<i>Does it matter, no it doesn't.</i>"

Yes it does. Even if it IS a converter (which it probably isn't), it won't work w/o a plug adapter . . . .

Personally, I'd leave it all at home. I quite taking plugs/adapters years ago. Too much trouble and seldom needed. Hotels and B&B's will have hair dryers available and who wants to iron on vacation? Just what do you plan to use it for?

Just back from Paris---my set of "adaptors from Target DID NOT work.
Hotel had one piece plug --worked perfectly for charging cell phone, camera ---However, was warned to be"careful" with curling iron as some can "melt"!!! i did plug in my heating pad (terrible arthritis) and noted it heated up in3 min. and then I turned it off for hour--then repeated process..nothing "burned out" I was warned a out this issue by a friend here in US
The reason my adaptors did not fit---yes, 2 round prongs to fit into outlet-However, there was a prong protruding OUT of the socket and my adaptors did NOT have a hole for this to fit into....very frustrating..
One small issue compared to wonderfulness of Paris....

Don't converters come with plug adaperts at Wallyorld?
OyOyOy. Here they do. :D :D

It is *good* to see that "third" prong sticking out of the outlet -- it is the grounding contact, which indicates that the wiring going TO it is of modern vintage (or *should* be, if the job was done properly).

Just get a flat non-grounded adaptor if you're using insulated, non-grounded equipment like cellphone chargers or laptop power supplies; if you're using hair dryers, get the three-contact round adaptor also so you can get power in all circumstances.