Traveling to Ireland from US. Do I need a power transformer or converter?
 

From what I have read, the transformer is a bit more "heavy duty" than a converter, and is only needed when using electronics with things like clocks, LCD displays etc. The appliances we will be bringing are: electric razor (with LCD display), flat iron (with LCD display and auto off feature), phone chargers, and laptop. The laptop and phone chargers should be fine to just use with an adapter, since the lables on them say 120-240.

So, do I need to purchase a transformer for the flat iron and razor, or will a converter do the job? Trying to save weight and space in the luggage, as well as save $$$. Please feel free to suggest places to purchase the converter or transformer!

Thanks!

What you need to look at (No PUN intended -- honest! :)) is the WATTAGE required. Look at the UL label on the razor and the iron. A typical, Light-Duty converter handles about 300 Watts, maximum. The heavier duty types generally are good for about 1600 Watts. Heavy-Duty Converters are meant for short-durations (10-15 minutes) useage for things like irons, etc., but are suitable for long-duration for light-duty loads, like battary charging, etc. They are generally small, light-weight and relatively inexpensive. Some even come in kits, complete with assorted Plug Adapters.

Transformers are typically large, heavy-duty devices designed for long-term, heavy loads and are usually quite expensive.

We've been going to Ireland every year, for the last ten, and haven't used travel converters in YEARS. All my small appliance needs, charging camera, cell phone, netbook and misc batteries came with dual-voltage chargers, that only require plug adapters. My wife INSISTS on traveling with a hair drier so we bought one there, as we found that it was much easier, that way.

The appropriate Plug Adapter sould say that it is suitable for Ireland and/or the UK, as they use the same. It is a 3 Pin Plug and looks like this: http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Plug-G.../dp/B000BMC5OQ

Here's a couple of links to sources for purchasing what you want, though I haven't used any of them, for the above-stated reasons:

http://www.voltageconverters.com/vol...onverters.html

http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/ind...talog10_0.html

http://www.google.com/products/catal...043&sa=title#p

More info on the whole issue: http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm

Hope all this HELPS, rather than confuses ;) .

Bob

Thanks. My flat iron (can't live without it!) is 180 watts. And I double checked my husbands razor charger, and it is a dual voltage charger. It seems I can get away with an inexepensive converter.

Bob - We are leaving for Ireland in a few days and I have a plug adapter that specifically says "Ireland" on it and it looks like the one in the amazon.com link that you provided, however, the third prong is plastic. Do you know if this will work?

sessa-

The adapter SHOULD work, the third leg is a ground and MOST small electronics (chargers) are only two pin (ungrounded) anyway. If in doubt, or concerned, places like WalMart, KMart, Target, CVS Drug Stores, Walgreens or Radio Shack probably carry the adapters for a reasonable price. It NEVER hurts to carry a spare.

I got a half dozen or so on-line for a dollar or so each, so that I always have spares. They are EASY to lose, or forget and I've left more than one in various B&B's over the years. ;)

Bob

Bob

If your appliances are dual voltage, then you only need the plug adaptors. But if like a lot of people, including me, your appliance is NOT dual voltage, then you need a transformer. They are not expensive and not that heavy but you'll be sorry if you don't have one and your appliances don't work.

"<i> . . . My flat iron (can't live without it!) . . . </i>"

I would leave it home and buy an inexpensive one in Ireland. Yours won't work the same as at home. And even w/ a converter/transformer there is a better than decent chance it will crap out - or blow all the circuits in the B&B.

Even dual voltage ones won't work as well. If you need one that badly - then more than likely you use it at the higher temp settings - right? If so -- Buy one in Ireland.

Meant to add - once you do buy a European model, you can use it on any future trips to the UK/Ireland/Europe - just w/ plug adapters.

<<< Meant to add - once you do buy a European model, you can use it on any future trips to the UK/Ireland/Europe - just w/ plug adapters. >>>

And most of the rest of the world