Will a European two prong electrical adapter work with U.S. power strip ?
Sep 4th, 2014, 05:31 PM
#1
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Will a European two prong electrical adapter work with U.S. power strip ?
Has anyone ever tried using a U.S power strip plugged into a European two prong electrical adapter to accommodate charging 4 electronic devices at one time? I have 4 devices that I need to charge every day while touring France.. I am thinking that there may not be 4 electrical outlets in the hotel rooms to accommodate charging all the devices at one time .Thanks for any advice.
Sep 4th, 2014, 05:56 PM
#2
The issue will be, not the adaptor, but is the strip made for dual or 220-240 voltage. Your devices will be on their own but make sure the strip is also.
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni...ge+power+strip
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni...ge+power+strip
Sep 4th, 2014, 05:56 PM
#3
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A US power strip will function properly at 220vac as long as the power strip has no on/off switch, LEDs or surge protection.
On the other hand, never plug a 220vac power strip into a 110vac source.
On the other hand, never plug a 220vac power strip into a 110vac source.
Sep 4th, 2014, 06:28 PM
#4
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Do these devices have a USB that plugs into their charger? IF so, get a multiple USB charges that will plug in to an adapter and then into outlet:
http://www.amazon.com/Anker%C2%AE-4-.../ref=pd_cp_e_2
http://www.amazon.com/Anker%C2%AE-4-.../ref=pd_cp_e_2
Sep 4th, 2014, 08:02 PM
#5
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>I have 4 devices that I need to charge every day while touring France.< Have you thought about buying the typical EU adaptor for each of your units. If you are using an Apple product, plug adaptors are available before you leave home or once you arrive in France. I have half a dozen Apple made plugs for all of my devices, most purchased in Madrid or Paris.
Sep 4th, 2014, 08:04 PM
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>I have 4 devices that I need to charge every day while touring France.< Have you thought about buying the typical EU adaptor for each of your units. If you are using an Apple product, plug adaptors are available before you leave home or once you arrive in France. I have half a dozen Apple made plugs for all of my devices, most purchased in Madrid or Paris.
Sep 4th, 2014, 08:47 PM
#7
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Yes, I have done exactly this several times. Just be sure the strip is rated for 220v. (Obviously you would need to be sure the individual devices were rated for 220 as well.)
Sarastro - not sure why you exclude strips w on/off switch or surge protection, as I have used one without problem. See, e.g., http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni.../dp/B0036ZE6V0 and several related items
Sarastro - not sure why you exclude strips w on/off switch or surge protection, as I have used one without problem. See, e.g., http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni.../dp/B0036ZE6V0 and several related items
Sep 4th, 2014, 09:04 PM
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Seamus - cambee is asking about using a US power strip plugged into a 220vac source. The wiring on 110vac circuits is much heavier than what is used on 220vac circuits and if someone plugged a 110vac strip into a 220vac source it should work fine. However, any device included on the strip such as switches, LEDs, or surge protectors not rated for a 220vac input that has the potential to burnout; can and probably will be damaged.
I personally use a device just as you have shown, rated at 120vac to 240vac but I don´t think that was what cambee was asking about but it is what is really should be using.
I personally use a device just as you have shown, rated at 120vac to 240vac but I don´t think that was what cambee was asking about but it is what is really should be using.
Sep 4th, 2014, 11:12 PM
#9
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You might find some helpful info in this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...owerstrips.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...owerstrips.cfm
Sep 5th, 2014, 06:11 AM
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>>Anything NOT geared for 220V ON the power strip, including itself, will burn out, won't it?
YES, most rechargable devices (phones, cameras, ipods) are dual voltage but rechargeable toothbrushes are not. It is easy to forget and plug it in, especially if the lodging has a 120 v plug in the toilet.
YES, most rechargable devices (phones, cameras, ipods) are dual voltage but rechargeable toothbrushes are not. It is easy to forget and plug it in, especially if the lodging has a 120 v plug in the toilet.
Sep 5th, 2014, 06:20 AM
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Firstly, let me be clear that I advise anyone to use products in the manner for which they are designed.
However, there is probably little danger in plugging a 110vac power strip into a 220vac source. There is nothing to burn out assuming there are no switches, LEDs or surge protection. On the other hand, the relatively small gage wire used on 220vac circuits could be overloaded when the increased current of a 110vac source is applied.
If there is a danger, I should think that plugging a 220vac designed power strip into a 110vac source would be it.
However, there is probably little danger in plugging a 110vac power strip into a 220vac source. There is nothing to burn out assuming there are no switches, LEDs or surge protection. On the other hand, the relatively small gage wire used on 220vac circuits could be overloaded when the increased current of a 110vac source is applied.
If there is a danger, I should think that plugging a 220vac designed power strip into a 110vac source would be it.
Sep 5th, 2014, 06:29 AM
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Thank you for all the information. All of my U.S. Recharging devices are rated with input 100- 240 v --50-60Hz. I have several European two prong adapters, but not enough to charge all devices at the same time. For that reason as well as not having enough outlets in hotel rooms in France, are why I am looking for a safe way to recharge all devices everyday . I also have two larger two prong adapters that look to each have a converter built in. One indicates max 10A ,220-240 AC. The other 16-250 ,max 1500w.
My thinking is to use one of these two larger adapters with a universal power strip.
I looked over the VCT USP 600 universal strip 6 outlets recommended by others in this forum. It seems to be a good choice. It does seem large, but does the job. Their was one review saying it was not safe, but I will research further to see if any more safety concerns with product.
Thanks again!
My thinking is to use one of these two larger adapters with a universal power strip.
I looked over the VCT USP 600 universal strip 6 outlets recommended by others in this forum. It seems to be a good choice. It does seem large, but does the job. Their was one review saying it was not safe, but I will research further to see if any more safety concerns with product.
Thanks again!
Sep 5th, 2014, 07:17 AM
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cambee - you have made the right decision in purchasing a product specially designed for the use you have in mind. I travel with a power strip made by Wonpro which I believe is the manufacturer of the strip in the link provided by Seamus. French hotel rooms have very few power receptacles and what few are available are quickly taken by cameras, lap tops, mobile phones, iPads, etc. A power strip is the logical solution.
Sep 5th, 2014, 08:15 AM
#16
Let me clarify, the item I linked at the top was used only as illustration of what I was talking about in general, not as a recommendation for that one in particular. I don't use a strip as I usually have only 2 devices to charge so just use plug adaptors. Do use others' advice for particular brands or refer to the reviews.
Sep 5th, 2014, 08:16 AM
#17
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We use a Powercube.
http://www.allocacoc.com/product-pag...ercube-family/
Obviously ours for European plugs, but they have them for US and UK plugs.
You can buy the optional adapters to plug it straight into a socket, but we use the cables that came with a laptop charger. The laptop came with all three types of plug cable, so we didn't need to buy another one.
Ours also has USB outlets, but you can get them with all sockets.
http://www.allocacoc.com/product-pag...ercube-family/
Obviously ours for European plugs, but they have them for US and UK plugs.
You can buy the optional adapters to plug it straight into a socket, but we use the cables that came with a laptop charger. The laptop came with all three types of plug cable, so we didn't need to buy another one.
Ours also has USB outlets, but you can get them with all sockets.
Sep 5th, 2014, 08:29 AM
#18
I have used the Monster Compact Power Strip as you intend with success in Spain. Have given them as gifts to my travelling kids, as well.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9YN2M/
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9YN2M/
Sep 5th, 2014, 09:10 AM
#19
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Didn't say that I used an adapter like this which is easier than carrying a power strip http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/gr...carolina.html?
Sep 5th, 2014, 09:13 AM
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Oops, wrong link http://www.lowes.com/pd_409869-89916...7C1&facetInfo=
