Plug and voltage question
#2
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 12,820
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The voltage in the EU is 220, unlike the US, where it is 110.
The plug that's used is sort of oval shaped with two round prongs. If you go to a luggage store, you should be able to find an appropriate adaptor plug, but you must of course be sure that you have a converter, unless your appliances are 220.
Since I go to Europe every couple of years, I bought a 220 German hairdryer (for when I stay in hotels or B&'B's with no hairdryer) and curling iron.
The plug that's used is sort of oval shaped with two round prongs. If you go to a luggage store, you should be able to find an appropriate adaptor plug, but you must of course be sure that you have a converter, unless your appliances are 220.
Since I go to Europe every couple of years, I bought a 220 German hairdryer (for when I stay in hotels or B&'B's with no hairdryer) and curling iron.
#3
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
I purchased a plug adapter prior to leaving the US and found that the prongs were too thick for the outlet. I ended up purchasing one while I was there. Take it with me everytime I go. You might consider this option as they are not expensive and guaranteed to work.
Make sure the device you are taking reads 110-220. Only devices that are 110 will need to have the voltage converted. Items like hairdryers (high wattage) require a more powerful converter. Learned that one the hard way.
Make sure the device you are taking reads 110-220. Only devices that are 110 will need to have the voltage converted. Items like hairdryers (high wattage) require a more powerful converter. Learned that one the hard way.
#4
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,016
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http://www.weingaertner-kabel.de/img...0-%20small.jpg
- Voltage is 230V
- German Schukos do not fit (= many German/French hairdryers don't work unless they come with a europlug)
- 2 pin europlugs do fit
- I suppose it will be difficult to get an adapter in the US for a swiss grounded socket.
- Germans moving to Switzerland usually take a few schuko extension cords, cut the german plugs and buy swiss plugs locally. Those swiss plug adapters are hard to get even in Munich.
- Voltage is 230V
- German Schukos do not fit (= many German/French hairdryers don't work unless they come with a europlug)
- 2 pin europlugs do fit
- I suppose it will be difficult to get an adapter in the US for a swiss grounded socket.
- Germans moving to Switzerland usually take a few schuko extension cords, cut the german plugs and buy swiss plugs locally. Those swiss plug adapters are hard to get even in Munich.
#5
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 0
Here is some info on European electricity, including a picture of a Swiss plug adapter. http://tinyurl.com/2y9zvv.
#6

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 1
I'm sure we used the normal European plug adaptor in Switzerland. Any large store that sells travel accessories should have a USA / Europe plug adaptor. Be careful unless the appliance you are using shows the European (220-240)voltage as well as the USA (110). Some things have a switch, others will convert automatically.
Kay
Kay




