Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Electrical sockets - Round or Flat pin ?

Search

Electrical sockets - Round or Flat pin ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 12:21 PM
  #1  
Peter
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Electrical sockets - Round or Flat pin ?

What kind of electrical sockets are used in Spain ? In the US, we have 3 pin flat pins, and I am planning on taking my camcorder with me to Barcelona. Will this work in Barcelona, or do I need a convertor of some sort ? <BR><BR>Thanks ! <BR>Peter
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 12:40 PM
  #2  
jules
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
All you need is an adapter plug, from flat to round pins.<BR>Radio Shack catalog # 980-0444 ($ 2.49).<BR>
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 12:49 PM
  #3  
Patrick
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I'm a little confused by your post, Peter. Your camcorder has three flat pins? Most US electical appliances I'm aware of have two flat and one round, the round one being a ground. Two things to watch for when you get an adaptor (yes you need two round pins for Spain):<BR>#1: If your plug has one flat pin larger than the other, as many do, make sure that both will fit into the adaptor plug. Sometimes the two flat holes on the adaptors will not accomodate the larger pin.<BR>#2: Make sure that the adaptor also has the gound hole (round pin) for your plug to fit into. Or if it doesn't make sure you can still insert your plug letting the round pin bypass the edge of the adaptor.<BR><BR>On the other hand if your plug really does have three flat pins, I'm not sure what to tell you.
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 01:04 PM
  #4  
jules
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Patrick: the adapter I suggested works fine. One slot is larger than the other one, and the round ground pin just slides on the side. There's no need for ground imo.<BR>I have plenty of them (lost a lot as well..), and I always find it silly to see airport shops selling fancy &quot;worldwide&quot; adapter plugs for $ 30 whereas this cheap thing is all you need for W. Europe.<BR>BTW you can buy it online if there's no Radio Shack in your area.
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 01:44 PM
  #5  
Ira
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just wondering,<BR> Does Spain have 220 or 110 volt? <BR> Peter, how long an extension cord on your camcorder?
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 02:34 PM
  #6  
Sam
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Spain uses 220v. So check your camcorder to see that it accepts any voltage (or bring an adapter). Most likely, rechargable batteries are fairly flexible accepting 100-240 volts and 50-60 Hz. If you lost the owner's manual, the look at the fine print on the charger.
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 02:36 PM
  #7  
Patrick
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Jules, that's great. I didn't know the radio shack number, but a lot of the adaptors out there don't do what that apparently does.<BR>But we got so carried away with the adaptor pin we didn't check. Yes, Peter, is your camcorder a dual voltage? If not you will need a voltage adaptor for Spain's 220 as well as the adaptor plug.
 
Old Nov 17th, 2002 | 07:00 PM
  #8  
john
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
<BR>Peter,<BR>My page www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap11/electric.htm provides some rudimentary information on electricity in Europe.<BR>Whether or not you need a &quot;converter&quot; (be careful with these things) or more properly a transformer depends on the power requirements on the nameplate of your charger/power unit. For sure you will need a plug adapter for the round hole outlets in Europe. <BR>
 
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
galaxygrrl200
Europe
11
Apr 17th, 2008 04:07 AM
Becca
Europe
7
Apr 10th, 2008 10:14 AM
canuckuphereathome
Europe
52
May 18th, 2005 06:33 AM
starryceleb13
Europe
9
Mar 30th, 2005 05:07 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -