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

Voltage converter - prongs too short

Voltage converter - prongs too short

Thread Tools
 
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:16 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Voltage converter - prongs too short

Sorry if this is a duplicate entry, but has anyone else noticed that the voltage converters that they sell at Fry's/Radio Shack all have prongs that are too short? None of them will fit in the recessed sockets.

I bought a 1600 watt for heated appliances, and it seems as though I need the European adapter plug on top of the 1600 watt converter. Will this 1. blow out my curling iron and 2. does anyone know where to find this online? Thanks!
iHEARTtoTravel is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:33 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
That's because it is a converter....you need also an adaptor to the European outlts. A lot of people take dual voltage accesories to Europe/overseas and think they are all set. Not so. Converters and adaptors are two different things.
Viajero2 is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:34 AM
  #3  
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
I should add that a ggod set has both; a converter and different adaptors (for diverse outlet configuration Europe/Asia/South America, etc...)
Viajero2 is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:37 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,525
Likes: 0
Walmart sells both at a decent price. Back by the luggage grouping.
dutyfree is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:38 AM
  #5  
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,260
Likes: 0
Whether or not size matters is a multi-centuries old ongoing discussion.
I don't think there is a ultimate answer.
lobo_mau is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 08:44 AM
  #6  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,523
Likes: 0
Ditto. Combine transformer and adpator for plugging in. The
transformer is generic for changing the voltage, the adaptor(s)specific to your destination(s)' outlet.
Michel_Paris is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 09:06 AM
  #7  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Are you asking if the AC adapter will blow out your curling iron when used with a converter? Answer is no, it will not.

You can buy adapters just about anywhere. My local hardware store carries them.
adrienne is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 09:10 AM
  #8  
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Why don't you just buy a cheap curling iron when you get to Europe?

It'll be the right voltage and have the right plugs.
alanRow is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 09:34 AM
  #9  
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Buying a cheap curling iron seems too easy for some, but very logical. Beats carrying around all the converters and adapters.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 09:43 AM
  #10  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,576
Likes: 6
You didn't say where you are going to travel. I've been to France, Italy, and Switzerland many times and all I used for my curling iron was a 2 round prong adapter.
TPAYT is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 09:48 AM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
A dual voltage curling iron is even better.
djkbooks is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 11:05 AM
  #12  
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
<<< all I used for my curling iron was a 2 round prong adapter. >>>

You are VERY lucky
alanRow is offline  
Old Jun 5th, 2008 | 12:04 PM
  #13  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 0
I've run into this problem even with appliances that don't really need either the converter or the adapter. The prong adapter fits into the recessed socket, but then the appliance has a circuit breaker thingy that keeps it from fitting well.

I've also run into the problem of a 3 prong (grounded) plug needing to go into an adapter that goes into the recessed socket.

Just ran into this problem in Japan--right pins and voltage, but wall had two pin outlet but I had 3 pin plug. Hotel came to the rescue. I had forgotten my 3 to 2 adapter. Will be sure to put is on my list for trip to Europe this month.
Kay2 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
EMLJPL
Europe
4
Sep 14th, 2007 10:34 AM
travelbug05
Europe
22
Apr 15th, 2007 03:05 PM
neglex
Europe
20
Mar 26th, 2007 06:06 PM
mdtravel
Europe
21
Apr 18th, 2006 12:09 PM
Mae
Europe
7
Dec 1st, 2002 02:04 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 -