we need an electric converter for france - what should we get and where should we get it? can you get one for the entire continent of europe?

Hi R,

Are you sure that you need a converter?

What are you plugging in?

Ira is absoluetly correct.

We need to know what you are planning to use on the Continent as you may only need a plug adaptor.

If you are talking about things such as battery chargers for cameras and laptops you need to inspect the equipment to see if it is dual voltage 110-220/240.

Unless you're taking an electric hair dryer or curling iron, you probably have dual-voltage rechargers for most electronic items like electric shavers, camera chargers, ipod chargers, laptop computers, etc. You just need a plug adapter, and you can use the same 2-prong adapter in much (though certainly not all) of Europe. Virtually all hotels have hair dryers, though they are often not very good, and it's cheaper and easier to buy a new curling iron than to carry a heavy converter, in my opinion.

I would be using it for an ipod charger, iriver charger, cell phone charger and camera charger - how do I know if I don't need the adapter? I don't want to ruin some expensive equipment - thanks!

and where would I get a plug adapter? thanks again!

radiofanatic,
Like Doug said, if you've purchased all of those electronics in the past couple of years, you can be fairly certain that they are dual voltage. Look at the fine print on the chargers - they should say something like "Input: 100V-240V" which means they can handle a range of voltages.

A voltage converter is a huge heavy thing that you would not take on a trip to Europe. We bought one when we moved to Germany only because a few of our computer peripherals, like speakers, were not dual voltage.

You can buy a European plug adaptor in any decent electronics or travel store for just a few dollars. A word of caution: if any of your chargers have a 3-pronged plug, make sure you buy an adaptor that can accept a 3-pronged American plug.

Every electrical appliance has the specs written somewhere, and they will tell you what the voltage requirements are. A single voltage US device will say something like: 120V AC 60Hz; a dual voltage device: 120V/220-240V 50/60Hz, and have a switch to change from one voltage to another; a multivoltage device: 100-240V 50/60Hz.

Dual and multivoltage devices can be plugged into wall sockets with just a adapter plug. Single voltage (120V) devices must be used with either a voltage converter or a transformer. Heating appliances like irons and hair curlers can usually be used safely with a converter, but anything with electronics must be used with a step-down transformer - there is a difference, so be careful which you choose.

Hopefully all your appliances will be dual or multivoltage, and need only an adapter plug, which you can buy in any travel or airport shop. You can learn more about what you need at http://kropla.com/electric2.htm.

In your position, I would buy a converter. If you get it wrong, you are going to pump 230 volts through equipment designed for 110 volts which will fry it.

All of western Europe I believe, and much of the world is now 230 volts so you can use it on future holidays. France is two round pins in older properties and with a third round pin in newer places. I always take an extension cord with me when I take electrical stuff as power sockets are not always well placed.


Possibly you may have trouble buying one in France so get a transformer before you leave, if possible.

If your appliance is dual or multivoltage, DON'T use it with a converter. Any electronic device will be fried if plugged into a converter. Even the travel transformers I mentioned in my earlier post can damage equipment over an extended period of time.

The transformer mentioned by hausfrau is a heavy duty transfomer, which those of us living in Europe have for long term use of 120V appliances. I have about four running in my house right now. As hausfrau said, it's a huge heavy thing that would take up most of your weight allowance.

Travel transformers are okay for short term use, but if your device is dual or multivoltage, it is designed to be used with 230V electricity, not with converters.

I think Heimdall knows what s/he is talking about. I think I may have confused things further by mixing up "converter" and "transformer" (the latter being in fact what we have) - sorry about that!

One more clarification - if your chargers are multi-voltage, they will NOT have a switch on them to change voltages (like a dual-voltage hairdryer would). It simply means they can accept a range of voltages and all you need is the adaptor plug.

Let me add a bit: travel tranformers are light enough to carry in your luggage, but are rated only at around 50-80 watts, depending upon make and model. That is enough to handle most battery chargers for cameras, ipods, and phones. If you need one, fine, but don't leave your appliance plugged in for any longer than necessary to top up the charge.

We agree, hausfrau. I hope between the two of us we have clarified the point.

Target stores carry a travel kit for about $19 that includes a variety of European plug adaptors and one converter. Just read the info. on your appliances carefully.

You can also get a $20 dual-voltage hair dryer at Target, Best Buy, etc.
>-

thanks everyone for your advice - I'm impressed with your knowledge on the subject. Maureen, where in Target would you find that travel kit?

The newer converters handle 0-2000 watts and weigh between 1/3 lb. for this one
(http://www.franzus.com/page/FOS/PROD.../TS-2000-1)and 1 lb.(http://www.franzus.com/Merchant2/mer..._Code=PS-200-1)
and are in the travel sections of Target, WalMart, etc. They are marketed under several brand names, but are usually manufactured by Franzus. They usually state they shouldn't be used for appliances with chips. The Franzus website explains everything.

Most dual voltage chargers/appliances do not have a switches anymore except older hairdryers. All your chargers are probably dual and you won't need one.

Our Target store has a travel section, which includes luggage. There's one wall of travel accessories, with neck pillows, etc., including the electrical adaptors/converters.

Kybourbon, those are the voltage converters I was warning against. They aren't new - they have been around a long time, but should not be confused with step-down transformers. I am not an electrician, but as I understand it, the electricity produced by converters is of a quality that would damage electronic devices, and eventually anything with a motor.

I experimented with a voltage converter here in Europe, plugging a cheap 120V electric fan into it over a period of several hours. The fan motor was damaged. Frankly, converters are a waste of money, as they cost more than a dual voltage hair dryer or other heating device would cost anyway.

It is true that most dual voltage appliancess don't have switches anymore - they are the multivoltage devices (100-240V) I described in my first post.

Using kybourbon's source, you should also look at http://www.franzus.com/electricity.htm and http://www.franzus.com/page/FOS/CTGY/ELEC-CONV. The products called transformers should be okay for electronics, but note the caveats in their ad.

Also, be advised: a couple of the hotels we stayed in Provence, Burgundy, and Dijon had electrical systems that completely shut down unless your room key was inserted in the magic electrical slot. When you are gone from the room, the electricty doesn't work! This presents a problem if you are hoping to recharge a camera or cell phone battery. Also, in one of the hotels, the bathroom light (and it's electrical outlet)was on a timer. My husband frantically called out one time, "Turn the lights on!" I like their energy saving ideas but again, just beware of this when attempting to recharge the batteries!