Will a European two prong electrical adapter work with U.S. power strip ?
Sep 5th, 2014, 09:34 AM
#21
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now what do you do with a European grounded outlet? Ignore the ground? Not all outlets in Europe are the old 2 prong only type. Scroll down here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets
Do not assume that the 2 prong is the right answer for all outlets in Europe, it isn't. You may well encounter some old 2 prong only outlets but you may also find some 3 prong outlets; 2 male prong/1 female prong outlets; hexagonal 3 prong outlets such as in Switzerland (http://www.geneva.info/facts/switzerland-adapter.jpg)
You need a variety of adapters to best suit all types of outlets. If an outlet is grounded you should be using an adapter that provides you with that grounding as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets
Do not assume that the 2 prong is the right answer for all outlets in Europe, it isn't. You may well encounter some old 2 prong only outlets but you may also find some 3 prong outlets; 2 male prong/1 female prong outlets; hexagonal 3 prong outlets such as in Switzerland (http://www.geneva.info/facts/switzerland-adapter.jpg)
You need a variety of adapters to best suit all types of outlets. If an outlet is grounded you should be using an adapter that provides you with that grounding as well.
Sep 5th, 2014, 10:07 AM
#22
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Look at this one!! 4 USB ports
Product Features
Device Supported: Cellular Phone, iPhone, iPod
Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC
Frequency: 50 Hz, 60 Hz
Output Voltage: 5 V DC
Maximum Output Current: 2.10 A
Height: 1.1"
Width: 2.1"
Depth: 3"
It has either US or European plug [and others] Free shipping and lower cost.
http://tinyurl.com/mgh63km
Product Features
Device Supported: Cellular Phone, iPhone, iPod
Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC
Frequency: 50 Hz, 60 Hz
Output Voltage: 5 V DC
Maximum Output Current: 2.10 A
Height: 1.1"
Width: 2.1"
Depth: 3"
It has either US or European plug [and others] Free shipping and lower cost.
http://tinyurl.com/mgh63km
Sep 5th, 2014, 01:36 PM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DebitNM, that adapter is not grounded.
It is important to understand what can happen when you use an adapter or outlet that is not grounded with a device that is intended to be grounded. Like a laptop for example.
If you plug in a laptop using one of the adapters in yur link and there is no ground, then you risk several things. If a short occurs there is risk of fire. There is risk of a shock when you touch the laptop, there is a risk you will fry your laptop.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job.
It is important to understand what can happen when you use an adapter or outlet that is not grounded with a device that is intended to be grounded. Like a laptop for example.
If you plug in a laptop using one of the adapters in yur link and there is no ground, then you risk several things. If a short occurs there is risk of fire. There is risk of a shock when you touch the laptop, there is a risk you will fry your laptop.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job.
Sep 5th, 2014, 01:36 PM
#24
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DebitNM, that adapter is not grounded.
It is important to understand what can happen when you use an adapter or outlet that is not grounded with a device that is intended to be grounded. Like a laptop for example.
If you plug in a laptop using one of the adapters in yur link and there is no ground, then you risk several things. If a short occurs there is risk of fire. There is risk of a shock when you touch the laptop, there is a risk you will fry your laptop.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job.
It is important to understand what can happen when you use an adapter or outlet that is not grounded with a device that is intended to be grounded. Like a laptop for example.
If you plug in a laptop using one of the adapters in yur link and there is no ground, then you risk several things. If a short occurs there is risk of fire. There is risk of a shock when you touch the laptop, there is a risk you will fry your laptop.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job.
Sep 5th, 2014, 02:08 PM
#25
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am not using it for a lap top. In fact, you cannot charge a laptop via a USB port; therefore there is no concern with what I linked.
The device I linked to is clearly for phones, ipads and that sort of device.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job. (And to read carefully and completely.)
The device I linked to is clearly for phones, ipads and that sort of device.
Once again, it is important to know that the adapter you are using is the right one for the job. (And to read carefully and completely.)
Sep 5th, 2014, 02:21 PM
#26
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We use this grounded mini power strip with a grounded 3 prong-2 prong adapter plus a cheapo non-grounded 2-prong European adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/Enercell%C2%AE...th+Night-Light
We're in Spain at at the moment and have three devices plugged into it. Had confidence until I read this thread. Have also used this system for years all over Asia and Latin America for weeks at a time. Does the non grounded adapter undo the grounding capabilities of the other two adapters? Are we and our devices in danger?
http://www.amazon.com/Enercell%C2%AE...th+Night-Light
We're in Spain at at the moment and have three devices plugged into it. Had confidence until I read this thread. Have also used this system for years all over Asia and Latin America for weeks at a time. Does the non grounded adapter undo the grounding capabilities of the other two adapters? Are we and our devices in danger?
Sep 6th, 2014, 04:13 AM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for all information.
Hetismij2, I am looking into the Allocacoc power cube. I could not find technical information on whether the unit sold in the. U.S.A. has an input rating to handle the 240 v in Europe . How large is the unit you have ? The website did not give dimensions.
Hetismij2, I am looking into the Allocacoc power cube. I could not find technical information on whether the unit sold in the. U.S.A. has an input rating to handle the 240 v in Europe . How large is the unit you have ? The website did not give dimensions.
Sep 6th, 2014, 01:15 PM
#28
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crosscheck, the grounding has to be throughout the chain so to speak. So yes, plugging in your 3 prong grounded travel iron (example) to a grounded power strip using a 2 prong ungrounded adapter even though the outlet is grounded, your iron would not be grounded. The chain would have been broken between the outlet and the 2 prong ungrounded adapter.
So the rule is if the outlet is grounded you should be using a grounded adapter IF the item to be powered requires grounding. You'll know if your device should be grounded as it will have a 3 prong US plug. If it only has a 2 prong US plug it doesn't need to be grounded. If it can be plugged in with a USB connection it doesn't need to be grounded.
Look at these photos:
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/657/7...762657_431.JPG
That is a US to Europe adapter that works in two different kinds of European grounded outlets. It fits the outlets which have a male prong in the outlet that goes into the hole in the adapter. It also fits the outlets which have 2 metal bits that contact the metal strips in the little side slots of the adapter.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/3...-Adapter-b.jpg
That adapter fits a Swiss grounded outlet. The third pin is the ground.
The typical cheapo 2 prong adapters are only designed for low-power (less than 2.5 A) Class II (double-insulated) devices that operate at normal room temperature and do not require a protective-earth connection.
So if you plug any 3 prong US device into a 2 prong like this one, you lose the grounding.
http://mcnaireurope2010.files.wordpr...ter_europe.jpg
Hope that clarifies for you crosscheck.
Yes that device is only for USB DebitNM. I guess it just triggered my 'not grounded' radar without my thinking about it is only for devices that do not require a grounded connection.
So the rule is if the outlet is grounded you should be using a grounded adapter IF the item to be powered requires grounding. You'll know if your device should be grounded as it will have a 3 prong US plug. If it only has a 2 prong US plug it doesn't need to be grounded. If it can be plugged in with a USB connection it doesn't need to be grounded.
Look at these photos:
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/657/7...762657_431.JPG
That is a US to Europe adapter that works in two different kinds of European grounded outlets. It fits the outlets which have a male prong in the outlet that goes into the hole in the adapter. It also fits the outlets which have 2 metal bits that contact the metal strips in the little side slots of the adapter.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/3...-Adapter-b.jpg
That adapter fits a Swiss grounded outlet. The third pin is the ground.
The typical cheapo 2 prong adapters are only designed for low-power (less than 2.5 A) Class II (double-insulated) devices that operate at normal room temperature and do not require a protective-earth connection.
So if you plug any 3 prong US device into a 2 prong like this one, you lose the grounding.
http://mcnaireurope2010.files.wordpr...ter_europe.jpg
Hope that clarifies for you crosscheck.
Yes that device is only for USB DebitNM. I guess it just triggered my 'not grounded' radar without my thinking about it is only for devices that do not require a grounded connection.
Sep 6th, 2014, 02:18 PM
#29
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, thanks, Sojourn. We use the exact cheapo adapter with the strip/female-male adapter for phones, laptops and iPads, mostly in South America, but also in Europe, Asia and Africa. Our son also used the system for all of his devices while studying for 4 months in Florence. Guess we've been living dangerously all these years! I do have a universal adapter (the kind they sell duty free on the plane), but it doesn't work with three devices at once. In Madrid now - Will pick up some proper ones tomorrow.
Sep 7th, 2014, 06:16 AM
#30
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As I wrote, it DEPENDS on whether the device is intended to be grounded or not. A cellphone or iPad doesn't need to be grounded. A laptop may or may not.
Look at the power cord of the device. If it has a 3 prong US plug then it should be grounded. If it has a 2 prong, then it doesn't need grounded.
Look at the power cord of the device. If it has a 3 prong US plug then it should be grounded. If it has a 2 prong, then it doesn't need grounded.
Sep 7th, 2014, 08:20 AM
#31
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My only devise with a 3-prong plug is my laptop (MacBook Air). I've been using it (and a previous Macbook Air) for years with the American power strip and the non-grounded Euro/African/etc. adapter. I just went on the apple chat board and many users say they use also use ungrounded adapters with their Apple laptops without incident.
Sep 10th, 2014, 08:17 AM
#32
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If the plug is 3 pin then you should be using a grounded adapter in a grounded outlet crosscheck. IF you want to be safe.
It will work with the 2 pin and yes, lots of people have no doubt done so without incident. The issue is not will your computer work, the issue is WHAT IF.
Grounding is primarily about preventing you being electrically shocked. It can be FATAL. The question is not can you get away with it 99.9% of the time, the question is what happens if it is that .1% of the time. THOSE people do not go on the Apple chat board to say they died.
Think of it like insurance. You hope you never need it but it's foolish to travel without it.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/ele...nding-info.htm
It will work with the 2 pin and yes, lots of people have no doubt done so without incident. The issue is not will your computer work, the issue is WHAT IF.
Grounding is primarily about preventing you being electrically shocked. It can be FATAL. The question is not can you get away with it 99.9% of the time, the question is what happens if it is that .1% of the time. THOSE people do not go on the Apple chat board to say they died.
Think of it like insurance. You hope you never need it but it's foolish to travel without it.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/ele...nding-info.htm
Sep 11th, 2014, 05:20 PM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since my last post I have decided to see if I could purchase a dual voltage power strip with at least 4 electrical sockets in my town. Unfortunately , after visiting many stores no one carries dual voltage power strips that can be used here and overseas. The Internet is the only place to purchase a dual voltage power strip . I can only hope that what is printed is correct on a website.
I found Voltage Valet has a 3 outlet power strip with dual voltage advertised in their specifications. I really wanted to purchase the Monster Power 4 outlet power strip, but they do not show anywhere that it has a dual voltage capability . The Allocacou Cube outlet is not available at Radio Shack. This also would have been a good choice.
Has anyone used the Voltage Valet products?
I found Voltage Valet has a 3 outlet power strip with dual voltage advertised in their specifications. I really wanted to purchase the Monster Power 4 outlet power strip, but they do not show anywhere that it has a dual voltage capability . The Allocacou Cube outlet is not available at Radio Shack. This also would have been a good choice.
Has anyone used the Voltage Valet products?
Sep 11th, 2014, 05:28 PM
#34
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,021
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
> I really wanted to purchase the Monster Power 4 outlet power strip, but they do not show anywhere that it has a dual voltage capability .
As indicated in the link I provided above, there is some question about whether that particular power strip might actually have dual voltage capability....
As indicated in the link I provided above, there is some question about whether that particular power strip might actually have dual voltage capability....
Sep 11th, 2014, 05:42 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did read your link KJA. Thank you. I would feel more comfortable using a product that actually states dual voltage . I even talked to a local electrical supply house in my town about this and they also recommended finding a dual voltage power strip.
Sep 11th, 2014, 06:00 PM
#36
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the heads up, sojourn. Turns out we had one of these, which we left in Spain with our son. cambee, this is all you'll need with your regular power strip:
/VCT-VP-11B-Grounded-Adapter/dp/B003C1MFYI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1335217286&sr=8-7
/VCT-VP-11B-Grounded-Adapter/dp/B003C1MFYI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1335217286&sr=8-7
Sep 11th, 2014, 06:05 PM
#37
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, here is the correct link: http://www.amazon.com/VCT-VP-11B-Gro...5217286&sr=8-7
Sep 11th, 2014, 06:25 PM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crosscheck, are you using a U.S.A. Power strip that is rated just 110 volts? Or, did you find a dual voltage power strips that has the capability to handle 110 to 240v?
Thanks for the info on the adapter. I have a grounded adapter that we used in other European countries .
Thanks for the info on the adapter. I have a grounded adapter that we used in other European countries .
Sep 11th, 2014, 06:33 PM
#40
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is the strip we have, purchased years ago at Radio Shack.
http://www.amazon.com/Enercell%C2%AE...th+Night-Light
It's a 110 volt power strip, not a converter. It won't work with hairdryers, irons, toothbrush chargers, etc., but fine for laptops, phones and iPads. I have used it all over the world with local adapters. I do have a separate little converter for my toothbrush, but I only need it for very long trips.
I just saw something like this in the Copenhagen airport (sojourn has me obsessed now), but it's too heavy to carry around for my purposes.
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni...BAYNQXCJFWY565
http://www.amazon.com/Enercell%C2%AE...th+Night-Light
It's a 110 volt power strip, not a converter. It won't work with hairdryers, irons, toothbrush chargers, etc., but fine for laptops, phones and iPads. I have used it all over the world with local adapters. I do have a separate little converter for my toothbrush, but I only need it for very long trips.
I just saw something like this in the Copenhagen airport (sojourn has me obsessed now), but it's too heavy to carry around for my purposes.
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Uni...BAYNQXCJFWY565
