Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:32:35 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.

There are 3 categories of converters

1) plug adapters that are small plastic adapters that only adapt the physical plugs and do nothing to change the voltage. You can use these ONLY for devices that can accept 240V as you noted.

2) adapters that are small transformers that weigh about 2 lbs and resemble a large wall wart. They are rated for about 50 Watts. You should use these for small electronics that need 120V and cannot tolerate 240 V. This is what you need. These are the safest to use on small devices. Do NOT use this for a high wattage appliance like a hair dryer.

3) adapters that use some solid state stuff like a lamp dimmer to reduce the voltage. These are usually rated for many 100s of Watts but should be used ONLY with heaters and incandescent bulbs. DO NOT use these with electronics. I would not even use one of these for anything, too risky.


If you have #1 converter and #2 device be very careful. If you plug in a device that needs #2 into a #1 converter, it will kill the device instantly. There will be no second chances, instant death.


Hope this helps,

Mark

On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


According to this guy, you only need an adapter to fit European sockets
since the European voltage is dual voltage.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ers-converters

I'm uncertain of it's validity.

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

On 1/27/17 11:19 AM, Meanie wrote:
On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


According to this guy, you only need an adapter to fit European
sockets since the European voltage is dual voltage.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ers-converters


I'm uncertain of it's validity.

---


NNNNOOOO...

What he said was the "gadgets" today are dual, NOT the electric supply
lines in Europe !!!

Quote:
"Today's *gadgets* are "dual voltage," which means they work on both
American and European current. "

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:09:48 -0800 (PST), wrote:

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:32:35 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.



There are 3 categories of converters

1) plug adapters that are small plastic adapters that only adapt the
physical plugs and do nothing to change the voltage. You can use these
ONLY for devices that can accept 240V as you noted.

2) adapters that are small transformers that weigh about 2 lbs and
resemble a large wall wart. They are rated for about 50 Watts. You
should use these for small electronics that need 120V and cannot
tolerate 240 V. This is what you need. These are the safest to use on
small devices. Do NOT use this for a high wattage appliance like a hair
dryer.

3) adapters that use some solid state stuff like a lamp dimmer to reduce
the voltage. These are usually rated for many 100s of Watts but should
be used ONLY with heaters and incandescent bulbs. DO NOT use
these with electronics. I would not even use one of these for anything,
too risky.

If you have #1 converter and #2 device be very careful. If you plug in a
device that needs #2 into a #1 converter, it will kill the device instantly.
There will be no second chances, instant death.
Hope this helps,
Mark



Thanks Mark. My earlier searches found only the adaptors or the
big 5 pound transformers - rated for ~ 200 watts - but I went
back online and did find a couple "converters". links below. They
are rated 1600 - 1800 watts - the online description seems to
confirm that they are meant for appliances only -
" most irons, hair dryers, and clothes steamers "
.. not electronics - as you warned.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ma...1905p.html#srp

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/co...8950p.html#srp

http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC200W

John T.

On 1/27/2017 12:01 PM, Retired wrote:
On 1/27/17 11:19 AM, Meanie wrote:
On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


According to this guy, you only need an adapter to fit European
sockets since the European voltage is dual voltage.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ers-converters



I'm uncertain of it's validity.

---


NNNNOOOO...

What he said was the "gadgets" today are dual, NOT the electric supply
lines in Europe !!!

Quote:
"Today's *gadgets* are "dual voltage," which means they work on both
American and European current. "


Yep, that went over my head. Thanks for clarifying.

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

[snip]

What he said was the "gadgets" today are dual, NOT the electric supply
lines in Europe !!!

Quote:
"Today's *gadgets* are "dual voltage," which means they work on both
American and European current. "

I have some (newer, IIRC) power adapters that are marked "Input:
100-240VAC".

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"Reason should be destroyed in all Christians." -- Martin Luther

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:34:53 -0500, wrote:

Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.
One op[tion is a better charger for those items. Switch mode chargers
are more efficient than the old transformer "wall warts" and are
generally pretty well voltage agnostic.

Otherwise you need an autotransformer (which is heavy and generally
speaking "not cheap")

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:08:39 -0500, wrote:

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:09:48 -0800 (PST), wrote:

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:32:35 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.



There are 3 categories of converters

1) plug adapters that are small plastic adapters that only adapt the
physical plugs and do nothing to change the voltage. You can use these
ONLY for devices that can accept 240V as you noted.

2) adapters that are small transformers that weigh about 2 lbs and
resemble a large wall wart. They are rated for about 50 Watts. You
should use these for small electronics that need 120V and cannot
tolerate 240 V. This is what you need. These are the safest to use on
small devices. Do NOT use this for a high wattage appliance like a hair
dryer.

3) adapters that use some solid state stuff like a lamp dimmer to reduce
the voltage. These are usually rated for many 100s of Watts but should
be used ONLY with heaters and incandescent bulbs. DO NOT use
these with electronics. I would not even use one of these for anything,
too risky.

If you have #1 converter and #2 device be very careful. If you plug in a
device that needs #2 into a #1 converter, it will kill the device instantly.
There will be no second chances, instant death.
Hope this helps,
Mark



Thanks Mark. My earlier searches found only the adaptors or the
big 5 pound transformers - rated for ~ 200 watts - but I went
back online and did find a couple "converters". links below. They
are rated 1600 - 1800 watts - the online description seems to
confirm that they are meant for appliances only -
" most irons, hair dryers, and clothes steamers "
.. not electronics - as you warned.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ma...1905p.html#srp

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/co...8950p.html#srp

http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC200W

John T.
The third one on your list is what you want. The "tell" is it can
convert both ways - which means it IS a transformer. Excellent price
too - Again - do NOT use it for hair drier, clothes iron, etc - 200
watts MAXIMUM -so no more than about 1.5 amps @ 120 volts (which is
180 watts)

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 11:19:42 -0500, Meanie wrote:

On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


According to this guy, you only need an adapter to fit European sockets
since the European voltage is dual voltage.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ers-converters

I'm uncertain of it's validity.

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
European voltage is NOT dual voltage.

What he's saying is (he misses the MOST) electronic gadgets are dual
voltage. Hoiwever, if they do not say "dual voltage" or "input
voltage 100-240" they are NOT dual voltage and will toast very quickly
when plugged into a euro socket. Some earlier equipment was dual
voltage but not auto switcdhing - you needed to flip a switch.

Either get a "universal voltage" charger for the devices you need to
use, or buy the transformer. I took a transformer with me when I went
to Zambia in the seventies, and bought universal voltage chargers for
my devices for my travels over the last 25 or more years.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:22:44 -0500, Meanie wrote:

On 1/27/2017 12:01 PM, Retired wrote:
On 1/27/17 11:19 AM, Meanie wrote:
On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


According to this guy, you only need an adapter to fit European
sockets since the European voltage is dual voltage.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ers-converters



I'm uncertain of it's validity.

---


NNNNOOOO...

What he said was the "gadgets" today are dual, NOT the electric supply
lines in Europe !!!

Quote:
"Today's *gadgets* are "dual voltage," which means they work on both
American and European current. "


Yep, that went over my head. Thanks for clarifying.

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
And he forgot to insert that important word "most" or "many" or
"some".

On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


I think you are reading something wrong. There are dozens of them
available from Amazon, Target Staples, etc. Europe has a two pin plug
but half that is the US voltage so it takes the juice off of one side.

You can get 110 from their 220, but when they say it does not change
voltage you cannot get 220 from the USA 110 sockets.

I think I paid $10 for mine some years ago. Newer ones have USB ports
too.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:22:18 -0600, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

[snip]

What he said was the "gadgets" today are dual, NOT the electric supply
lines in Europe !!!

Quote:
"Today's *gadgets* are "dual voltage," which means they work on both
American and European current. "

I have some (newer, IIRC) power adapters that are marked "Input:
100-240VAC".
And I also have some very recent devices that say "input 120 volts
60 hz" which would not work properly even with a trransformer (they
would draw too much current on 50hz)
Virtually all 100-240 devices will work equally well on 50 or 60 hz.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:49:04 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 1/27/2017 10:34 AM, wrote:
Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.


I think you are reading something wrong. There are dozens of them
available from Amazon, Target Staples, etc. Europe has a two pin plug
but half that is the US voltage so it takes the juice off of one side.
You can get 110 from their 220, but when they say it does not change
voltage you cannot get 220 from the USA 110 sockets.
I think I paid $10 for mine some years ago. Newer ones have USB ports
too.


From what I have read online and here Mark's reply
- the most common ones are merely " plug adaptors " -
they come with the warning that they do not convert voltage
- ie they deliver 220 volts to your device.
The ones that convert voltage but are not true, heavy transformers
need to be used with caution - as per these instructions :

http://www.conaircanada.ca/pdf/en/ibs/en_TS702CRC.pdf

... not meant for any device that contains electronics ;
nor devices with ground fault protection; nor power strips ..
John T.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:34:53 -0500, wrote:

Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?
Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.

First be sure that your other chargers are not 120/240. Usually if
they are big clunky things they have a transformer in them and they
are single voltage. The smaller, lighter ones are "wide mouth".
I would also look to see how many of these things charge with 5v or
12v. There are plenty of wide mouth supplies that output 5 or 12v.
When we went to New Zealand I went through all of my chargers and all
of the equipment I was taking and found I could run everything from
230v with something I had.
I left all of the 120 only chargers at home. Then I got the right plug
adapter and I took a couple cube taps so I had plenty of 5-15
receptacles available.

Op, for you 120v camera battery charger, you need #2 type, the transformer
type. There are small 50 watt ones that are like wall warts.
Mark

In alt.home.repair, on Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:34:53 -0500,
wrote:

Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?

How old is that. Are you sure it doesn't work on 240. I just bought
this real cheap battery charger, with two batteries, auto plug, and
european adapter for iirc $14 and it runs on 100-240

Are there better adaptors available that reduce the voltage ?
or some other option ?
John T.

Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?


How old is that. Are you sure it doesn't work on 240. I just bought
this real cheap battery charger, with two batteries, auto plug, and
european adapter for iirc $14 and it runs on 100-240



I have only the nameplate on the devices to go by - these are
chargers for Ni-MH AA AAA batteries - both of my everyday units
were 120 volt - but I dug around the house and found a third one
that is 100 - 240 volt so I'm good, now.
If I were to judge them by apparent "build quality" - I would say
the older 120 volt units are better built - heavier weight, thicker
plastic, stronger metal contacts... probably the reason that they
were my everyday units.
John T.

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 07:45:39 -0500, wrote:


Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?


How old is that. Are you sure it doesn't work on 240. I just bought
this real cheap battery charger, with two batteries, auto plug, and
european adapter for iirc $14 and it runs on 100-240



I have only the nameplate on the devices to go by - these are
chargers for Ni-MH AA AAA batteries - both of my everyday units
were 120 volt - but I dug around the house and found a third one
that is 100 - 240 volt so I'm good, now.
If I were to judge them by apparent "build quality" - I would say
the older 120 volt units are better built - heavier weight, thicker
plastic, stronger metal contacts... probably the reason that they
were my everyday units.
John T.




heavier because they are basically a 60hz transformer while the
"universal" unit runs a small, light, high frequency transformer.

Not likely any better quality.

In alt.home.repair, on Tue, 31 Jan 2017 07:45:39 -0500,
wrote:


Hi all ;
I am planning a vacation to Ireland and shopping for a travel adaptor.
All the ones that I find online state that they do not convert the
voltage - which is OK for the laptop converter - which will accept
240 volts 50 - 60 hertz ; and OK for USB charging ;
- but what about other 120 volt devices like my camera battery
charger - that are 120 volt input ?


How old is that. Are you sure it doesn't work on 240. I just bought
this real cheap battery charger, with two batteries, auto plug, and
european adapter for iirc $14 and it runs on 100-240



I have only the nameplate on the devices to go by - these are
chargers for Ni-MH AA AAA batteries - both of my everyday units
were 120 volt - but I dug around the house and found a third one
that is 100 - 240 volt so I'm good, now.
If I were to judge them by apparent "build quality" - I would say
the older 120 volt units are better built - heavier weight, thicker
plastic, stronger metal contacts...

Of course. They're made by Americans for Americans. Not for pointy
headed liberals who think it's cool to leave America, the land of the
free and the home of the brave.

If you're going to Ireland, you're probably some pointy headed liberal
too.

probably the reason that they
were my everyday units.
John T.