Socket Travel Adaptor

Posted June 21, 2011 By admin

Socket Travel Adaptor

Electricity Worldwide

Flip a switch, and you have electricity worldwide... the lights come on. Plug in an appliance, and it will go on too... right? Not necessarily. There are different voltages and currents all around the world... not to mention the shape of plugs. Electricity worldwide is always there.... it's just delivered differently, and you need to know about it.

If you're planning to take something electronic with you (and who isn't these days?) you should check the voltage requirements on the gadgetry you plan to take abroad... and compare it to what is available in the country you're visiting.

There are two basic standard wall currents in electricty worldwide.... 100-120 versus 220-240 volts. You'll need to read the guidebook or look up what is used in the country you're visiting. When you're traveling, it's important to know if you need to "step up" or "step down" your voltage with a transformer or converter so you don't damage your appliance.

If your shaver or curling iron isn't dual voltage, you'll probably need a voltage transformer or converter so it will work, and you won't burn it up.

Dual voltage appliances are great for travel. They don't require a transformer or converter. Some accommodate automatically. On other appliances you may need to flip a switch. You might want to change that setting as you pack so you don't forget to change it once you arrive.

So now you've got the voltage figured out... whether it's dual voltage or if you need a converter. But you're not ready yet... Now what about the socket shape?

Huh?

Electrical socket shapes differ from country to country. Some countries have more than one socket shape! Even if you have a dual voltage appliance or that transformer, you'll probably need an adaptor so that you can plug it into the wall socket.

Most modern electronic equipment like laptops are multi-voltage, meaning they will operate on voltages ranging from 100-240 volts. So you will be OK with just an adaptor... You can go ahead and charge your computer, cameras, and camera batteries and even your MP3 player.

If you're worried about power surges, spikes or dips for your laptop, plug your laptop in only to charge it and operate it on battery power. If you really want to be safe, get a surge protector designed to operate with the power system in the country you're visiting. In the U.S that's a 110-120 volt surge protector; in most of the rest of the world you'll need a 220-240 volt surge protector.

Even off in jungle camps and safari lodges, we've found that our computer and cameras charge just fine.... when they turn on the generators. So for travelers, electricity world wide is almost always on... at least some of the time.

One last thought about electricity worldwide... and shopping this time.... If you see an electronic item that you wish to bring home as a souvenir, check it's voltage requirements... you may need a transformer to operate it at home!!! This business about electricity around the world being different works both ways!

About the Author

Stuart has been collecting and writing articles online for around 5 years. Not only does this author specialise in NSW Central Coast travel accommodation, you can also check out his latest website on choosing a Personal Injury Attorney which can provide assistance when choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer .

Going to Portugal on Sunday but I have a query ...?

Do I need a travel adaptor to allow me to put an english plug into their wall sockets??

yes. you can get european adaptors easily. try woolworths, superdrug, boots, comet etc