Leaving Tomorrow for Rome! Power Converter/Adaptor Question
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Leaving Tomorrow for Rome! Power Converter/Adaptor Question
Last minute question which may seem obvious but I'm asking anyways so I don't fry any of my gear. All of the stuff I need to charge/use is dual voltage so I know if I was plugging it straight into the wall, all I'd need is an adapter.
But I'm bringing a power strip so I can plug a bunch of stuff in at once. The power strip is not dual voltage.
So just double checking with experts who have helped me plan everything else. I need to plug the power strip into the converter which will change it to 220, then everything I plug into that will automatically adjust, right?
Thanks again for everyone's help on Fodor's. I can't tell how many hours I've spent reading hundreds of threads. I now feel like a seasoned European traveler, though I've only been to 6 countries and the last trip was over 10 years ago!
But I'm bringing a power strip so I can plug a bunch of stuff in at once. The power strip is not dual voltage.
So just double checking with experts who have helped me plan everything else. I need to plug the power strip into the converter which will change it to 220, then everything I plug into that will automatically adjust, right?
Thanks again for everyone's help on Fodor's. I can't tell how many hours I've spent reading hundreds of threads. I now feel like a seasoned European traveler, though I've only been to 6 countries and the last trip was over 10 years ago!
#2

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,332
Likes: 0
A power strip is basically just an extension cord. I would not plug the power strip into a converter. I would just use the adaptor.
Now, if history is any indication, a certain someone is likely to chime in and tell you that the power strip is not safe, it does not have a CE mark, the insulation is inadequate for 220V, a fire is likely to ignite, and your insurance will be null and void, and you'll be hauled off to debtors prison.
Ideally you should use a power strip you purchase in Europe. I told you what I would do.
Now, if history is any indication, a certain someone is likely to chime in and tell you that the power strip is not safe, it does not have a CE mark, the insulation is inadequate for 220V, a fire is likely to ignite, and your insurance will be null and void, and you'll be hauled off to debtors prison.
Ideally you should use a power strip you purchase in Europe. I told you what I would do.
#3
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
If it is not dual voltage, I wouldn't risk it. But I also wouldn't risk using a power strip with a converter either. My experience with converters before I had a dual voltage hairdryer was poor. It would work for the first week or so but then would burn out(AND the converter made it run at maybe 1/4 the power so it took 4 times as long to dry my hair!) It took me 3 times of going through this ordeal before I finally bought a European hairdryer. So my advice is better safe than sorry and just take turns charging or using your electronic devices or buy a power strip locally. Just my opinion. If you do use it, let me know if it works!



