Chapter 11
of
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Internet edition. Without photos.
A page from
enjoy-europe.com
with
John Bermont
Don't blow their fuses.
THE DIFFERENCE
The voltage throughout Europe is 220. American voltage is only 110. Changing European
electricity so that it can be safely used in your appliances and electronic gizmos
is a significant nuisance for travelers.
Deciding which electrical equipment and accessories to bring will be a major
consideration as you make your
packing list. This chapter will get you up to speed.
If you have any lingering questions see
"Note to Readers" in the last paragraph below. I am happy to answer any email
on the subject, and any other travel inquiry if I can. I learn a lot from my email questions
and continually update this chapter based on them. Before you write please show some evidence
that you have read this entire chapter. I do not write the same stuff twice despite many emails
asking me to do so. If you are technically challenged please read this chapter a second time.
This is all in the English language and easier to understand than a cookie recipe.
By the way, I bake and
if you have a good cookie recipe I would appreciate it.
What is Electricity?
Electricity, in the nearly abstract, is a form of energy
consisting of a flow of electrons. The flow can be continuous in
one direction (direct current electricity, DC) or it can be reversing on a
fixed frequency (alternating current electricity, AC).
Electricity is measured in terms of quantity (amperes, amps, A) and
force (voltage, volts, V). The energy used is electrical power (watts, W). In
household electrical circuits, power is equal to the product of quantity
and force. In other words, volts multiplied by amps equals watts. VxA=W. Instead of
mentioning watts, the nameplate on many electrical devices uses the term volt amps,
abbreviated VA.
The quantity of electricity available at any outlet is determined by the size
of the wires furnishing it. The fuse or circuit breaker at the main electrical panel
is designed to limit the flow of electricity according to the size of the
wire. When too much electricity passes through a wire it becomes hot. In the extreme case
the wire can become so hot that it melts, starts sparking, and sets the place on fire.
Before the wire gets that hot the fuse blows or the circuit breaker opens and prevents
damage.
The "Hz" you see on electrical appliances indicates the frequency. That is the number of
times per second that AC current reverses polarity from positive to negative. It is
not an abrupt change. The voltage follows a sine wave, gently rising to a peak and then reversing
to a valley. Hz is the abbreviation for Hertz, a German physicist.
I hope this little bit of electrical know-how won't make you dangerous.
Electricity in America
In the United States household electricity is normally supplied by your
local power company or municipal utility at 110 or 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz.
Any device rated between 100 volts and 130 volts works fine.
The quantity available in American homes is generally 15 to 20
amps at a single outlet or for the total of all outlets served by
a single fused circuit. Thus, one circuit may provide from 1650 to
2400 watts of power. One circuit usually supplies more than one
outlet. Many people use a doubler plug or power strip so they can use more lights or
appliances from a single outlet. This can cause blown fuses. Instead of fuses,
circuit breakers (CBs) are used in most homes built in the last few decades.
Electricity in Europe
The European version of electricity is generally supplied at 220 volts and a
frequency of 50 Hz. Officially it is 230 volts plus or minus 10%. Any device rated
between 200 volts and 250 volts works fine.
Some localities may have 110 volts but I haven't seen this in many years. A
frequency of 50 cycles
is the standard frequency regardless of the voltage throughout France, Italy,
Germany, England, Spain, and the rest of
Europe. The quantity available depends on the hotel or home where
you are staying. You might be able to use a 1,000 watt hair blower
or travel iron. If the lights start to flicker, shut it off
immediately. I once blew a fuse in an old French hotel as I was drying my hair with a 600
watt hair blower. It seems that Tim Allen has prompted hair dryer makers to boost
the power up to 1,875 watts. Vrooom! Vrooooom! This much power would
trip a circuit breaker in many hotels. That might be why almost all European hotels, hostels,
B&Bs, and dorms have a hair dryer wired in for each room.
APPLIANCES
To use electrical appliances in Europe, some hardware is needed
in order to plug in without electrocuting your machine, and maybe
yourself. Since the hotel keeper or desk clerk probably knows less
about electricity than you do, don't bother asking if you can plug
in your appliances — you may scare the desk clerk. Just make sure to unplug
everything after use. Especially do not leave anything plugged
in while you are out sightseeing.
In conjunction with this chapter I urge you to read the Electrical Gadgets
section of my chapter 6,
Your Packing List for Europe:
Travel Short List. It has critical information about hair blowers
and similar items. There is no need to repeat that information here. Further information
can be found in the Household Items section of my chapter 22,
Moving to Europe:
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate.
Dual Voltage
While it is feasible to transform European electricity from 220 volts to 110 volts
for some appliances,
it is safer and far simpler to use dual voltage appliances. Some of these have a 110-220 switch
while many are "smart" and can use either voltage with no operator settings to make.
You may not be able to get full power out of a dual voltage item. My hair blower would only
go up to the 50% setting at 220 volts, but it worked. A reader has told me that
her straightening iron cut out at the half way point also. Neither device was
damaged. Note that many hotels in Europe, even the two star places, B&Bs, and
dorms that I use, normally have a hair blower hard-wired in the room. If you are
making advance reservations ask the hotel if it has hair blowers before you pack your own.
Low Wattage Devices
Small 110 volt electrical appliances like radios and razors can
normally operate with a 50 watt 220 to 110 volt step down transformer. This is a heavy little
package of steel plates and copper wires. If your appliance is marked only 60 Hz, and not 50/60
Hz, you run the risk of burning up something inside even when using
a transformer if you use it for an extended period of time.
Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras, Cell Phones, and Similar Devices
These are electronic devices that more and more people are bringing on their trips. I'll
use the generic term gizmo here because all of these devices have similar
electrical requirements. I carried four gizmos on my last few trips.
These gizmos are usually powered by custom designed rechargeable batteries.
Some of the gizmos work on AA or AAA batteries. Most of the gizmos with rechargeable
batteries come with a little black "brick" in the line cord. The brick is a combination
transformer and rectifier especially designed to charge the battery for that
particular gizmo. The transformer part changes the input voltage to the voltage required by the
gizmo's battery. The rectifier part changes the electricity from AC to DC.
Batteries operate only on DC. See the top of this page for a refresher on AC and DC.
The black bricks always have their electrical specifications embossed or printed
on the back side. For example, my digital camera brick says
"Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.18-0.105A 18-25.2VA." The only part of this that you
really need to know is Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz. This tells you that it works on both
American (110 volt 60 Hz) and European (220 volt 50 Hz) electricity.
If the line cord does not have a black brick then the electrical specifications are on
the gizmo. Get out your magnifying glass.
If your gizmo or charger has
this Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz electrical specification printed on it then all you need in
order to use it in Europe is a
plug adapter for the country you are visiting. You do not need a transformer. You do not need a converter. In fact, a
converter will destroy your gizmo, momentarily light up the room, blow the breakers, and put you in candle mode,
as discussed below. You will need to go to the front desk to get your lights working again, assuming the desk clerk
knows how to change a fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
The numbers
for A tell you how many amps are used and VA (equivalent to watts, W) tells you
how much power is consumed. In the case of my camera battery charger that is in the neighborhood of a 25 watt
light bulb. That tells you something else you should be aware of — the brick
is going to generate some heat. It won't be much heat but it would be wise to
lay the brick out in open air to dissipate the heat and not wrap the brick in a
T-shirt where it could get hot.
The bricks for my other three gizmos have similar "Input" statements.
The net result is that all I need for powering these gizmos in Europe is a plug
adapter for each one. A plug adapter does not change anything electrically.
It only changes the prongs on your plugs. For details of the different plugs in
use see the section below on plug adapters.
If you have several gizmos, then instead
of a plug adapter for each gizmo it would be better to have a 250 volt power surge
strip with a European plug on the
cord. Outlets in European hotels are scarce. See the power surge strips in the Amazon advert column
on the left. The first one has a Continental Schucko plug. If you are
going to Britain or Ireland you will also need the Continental to UK plug adapter listed just below
the power surge strip. In Italy and some other southern and eastern countries, especially older hotels,
the Schucko plug does not fit. Adapters are available in Europe at hardware stores or probably
from the desk clerk.
The advertised three outlet power surge strip has an American three wire grounded
plug. You will need a plug adapter for the country you are visiting.
Each of the black bricks also has an "Output" statement. These specifications
are all different. I can't use one simple brick. I need all four. The output
statement of each brick matches the input requirement of its associated gizmo or
battery charger in terms of DC voltage and power, VA.
Be aware that not all bricks are good for 100-240V~50/60Hz. When I bought my Nikon
camera I just happened to look closely at the brick before I left the store
and it said only 110v~60Hz. The camera store owner looked in another box and found a brick
good for 100-240V~50/60Hz. You almost need a microscope to read those electrical specifications.
Higher Power Electric Appliances
Do not bother bringing a plug-in electric clock or clock radio to
Europe. These devices, which generally operate on AC motors, will
run at only 5/6 of the speed for which they were designed because
the speed is determined by the electric frequency. If you bring
your electric alarm clock, assuming that it
works on 240 volts, and set it at 6 pm
when you check into the hotel, it will read only 11 pm when it is
midnight, and only 4 am when it is 6 am. You will probably miss
breakfast. You need a battery powered travel alarm.
If your electrical device has a transformer in it, you probably
should not bring it to Europe. Lower frequencies require thicker
transformers. Transformers designed for 60 Hz operation can
overheat and sometimes burn up when used in 50 Hz circuits. Make
sure that your stereo receiver is rated for both 50 and 60 cycles
before moving it to Europe. We used to have a tape deck which
apparently suffered untimely death due to 50 Hz burnout.
If your hair blower starts running at a very high speed you have probably
plugged in a 110 volt hair dryer. If you leave it running on 220 volts it will burn
up in a few seconds and your room will smell putrid for a long time.
TV
If you are relocating to Europe for an extended period, don't
bother bringing a TV. Not only because of the differences in
electricity, but because the broadcast signals in Europe are
different. It won't work. An American TV will have a constant roll, snow, and static.
Radios work fine, provided you transform the voltage. See chapter 22,
Living in Europe,
for more information on television.
DVDs
The producers of DVDs have introduced a "zone" system for all DVDs. There are
six geographical zones in the world. The USA is #1, Europe and some
other areas are #2, etc. DVD players will only play DVDs manufactured
for a specific zone. The reason they do this is to control the sales and make
more money. So if you intend to buy a DVD in Europe make sure that it will
play in your zone #1 player, but it probably won't. Or buy a zone #2 player
while you are in Europe so you can watch those French movies. But check the
electrical nameplate for 110/220 volts and 50/60 Hz. Multi-zone DVD players are
available in Europe.
EXCEPTIONS AND CAUTIONS
110/220 Volts
Although European electricity is generally 220 volts, there are
a few places where you might find 110 volts. On entering a hotel
room, inspect a light bulb. It will be marked with the voltage as
at home. Then you know. You can also find the voltage stamped on
the back of the radio or TV if your room has one or the other. But
there are exceptions. On a visit to Stockholm, I found that
the hotel room was 220 volts, except for the shaver outlet in the
bathroom. It was 110 volts only. It is more common to find both 110
and 220 volts available in bathroom shaver outlets of the better
hotels.
Old Wires
There are still a few cheap hotels in Europe warning
against the use of any electric appliances in the rooms. Even though
some of these places are recommended in popular budget guidebooks,
do not stay there. The warning signs in the lobby indicate that the hotel wiring
is archaic and that they have had trouble before. Someday some
tourist is going to plug in all his electrical machines and fry the wiring. If
you are lucky, all you will lose is the lights. About one hotel in
Europe goes up in smoke every year or so. See chapter 14,
European Hotels, Hostels, B&Bs, Private Homes for more
information on safety in hotels.
Direct Current Electricity, DC
DC electricity is produced by batteries. DC is used to power
cameras, flashlights, camera flash units, portable radios, portable
recorders and CDs, calculators, camcorders, laptop computers, etc..
Each appliance has its own unique requirements for batteries. This
is stated in the operating instructions and in the battery housing.
It is reported that some parts of Europe are wired for DC
electricity in the homes, though I suspect that this is a legend.
I've never seen it. But if you find yourself in one of these areas, do
not attempt to use AC electrical appliances.
TRAVELING ELECTRICAL KIT
When bringing electrical appliances to Europe, some or all of
the following list must also be carried:
Plug adapters
Power surge strip
Transformer
Converter (Not recommended. See below.)
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Battery charger
The following sections describe these devices and what they can be used for. Note especially
the section on "converters."
Plug Adapters
Definition: A plug adapter is a small item into which you plug your American
plug. On the other side it has a plug which will fit in a foreign outlet. A plug adapter does
not change the electricity. To use one in Europe your gizmo or appliance must be rated for
240 volts and 50 Hz.
European electrical outlets come in different sizes and shapes.
On the Continent, outlets normally require a plug with two round
prongs about 0.19 inch (4.8 mm) in diameter and 0.72 inch (19 mm) apart. This is
known as the the Schuko plug. Outlets in
some older hotels accept a plug with slightly smaller prongs, 0.15" (4 mm) in diameter.
This is known as the Europlug. The Schuko plug
does not fit in these outlets. Neither plug works in Britain and Ireland.
If you are bringing a laptop computer or other device which has an American
three prong grounded plug you will need a grounded plug adapter. The Continental grounded plug
has only two prongs on it but it has ground connections on the perimeter of the plug.
This is the legal standard throughout most of Europe, although older hotels and those in the east
may still be using the Europlug outlets. As said, the standard Schucko grounded plug
will not fit in the slightly smaller holes of the old hotel
outlets. If you run up against that problem, go out to a local hardware store
and buy an additional adapter when you get there.
Most British and Irish facilities use a three prong plug, with two flat
prongs in line and one perpendicular. See the photo of the advertised UK
plug adapter in the left column. Many UK/Irish electrical outlets have an on/off switch
and a fuse.
Newer facilities in
Switzerland have another kind of plug. This one has three round
prongs in a triangular pattern. Again, there is an image in the left column.
The Italians have two types of plugs. There is an ungrounded version with two round prongs
and a grounded version with three round prongs in line. These have the narrow Europlug prongs,
0.15" (4 mm) in diameter. The Shucko plug does not fit.
In Eastern Europe it is more likely
that you will find the old style Europlug, at least until the time when all those
countries adopt and implement EU (European Union) standards.
Many plug adapters now use "universal" receptors. This is a strange looking arrangement of
various holes that accept virtually any plug on earth. You can see an example of a universal
plug receptor in the image of the Italian plug adapter in the left column.
Most plug adapters accept the American "polarized" plug. This is the plug in which one of the
prongs is slightly wider than the other. Most electronic gizmos do not use polarized plugs. But if
yours does make sure the plug fits in the plug adapter you buy before going to Europe.
Plug adapters for the American double flat prongs are
virtually impossible to buy in Europe. My recommendation is to buy
plug adapters for each gizmo and appliance you are bringing or a 250 volt power surge
strip before departure. Carry an extra plug adapter in case
your's gets lost or permanently borrowed.
See images in the green column on the left and order direct from Amazon.com.
Power Strips and Power Surge Strips
Definition: A power strip is an item with a power cord and a rank of outlets, normally
three to six. This allows you to plug in multiple gizmos in your hotel room. European
hotels rarely have a spare outlet. The cord may have an American, European Schucko, or UK/Irish
plug. Depending on the plug and the countries you are visiting, you may need a
plug adapter in order to use it.
Most Americans have a few power strips in the house. These are commonly used to
plug computers, monitors, printers, and other devices into a single wall outlet.
Power strips usually have built-in surge protection, power overload protection,
on/off indicator light, and a shut off switch. Surge protection helps protect your gizmos against
voltage spikes, e.g. lightning hitting the power line.
My email lately indicates that many travelers pack multiple gizmos that use
rechargeable batteries. I do too. See the section above, "Laptop Computers,
Digital Cameras, Cell Phones, and Similar Devices." It is nice to be
able to charge them all overnight and start every day with your batteries fully
loaded. You could have a crisis by mid afternoon otherwise. Typically there is
only one wall outlet in your hotel room. In fact, sometimes the only outlets
in the room are being used by lamps and the TV and there isn't a spare outlet for your
equipment. This is when a power strip comes to the rescue.
A power strip with "universal" outlets is most useful. Then you can unplug a lamp
in your room, plug in your power strip, plug the hotel lamp into the power strip,
and plug in your American bricks and gizmos. The "universal" outlet looks like
nothing you have ever seen before. In a T arrangement, it has a number of various shaped holes.
It accepts everything — American, British, Irish, and all the Continental plugs.
American power strips can physically be connected to a plug adapter and plugged
in to any European wall outlet. This results in 240 volts rushing through your
American 110 volt power strip. Then you might have sparks and smoke. If you burn
down the hotel you are responsible, if you are still alive. I recommend that any
power strip you use be rated for 220 volts minimum. There are a couple of them in the green
Amazon advert column on the left. One has a continental European Schucko plug on the cord
so you do not need a plug adapter to plug it in for most countries. Both have universal
outlets which accept virtually any plug on the planet.
Do not plug your high power hair blower into a power surge strip. Use a
separate plug adapter. A high
power hair blower could pop the circuit breaker. But you probably don't need to bring a hair blower anyway since
most hotel rooms have one as standard equipment. This became common in the last 20 years.
I suspect that hotels do this to help avoid getting burned down when uninformed guests
plug in their 110 volt American hair blowers. The 220 volts of Europe immediately shorts
out the hairblower, resulting in a wild fireworks display and the end of electricity
in your room. Never plug in anything that is
not rated for 240 volts. I recommend that you not plug anything other than electronic gizmos and battery
chargers into your power strip. The capacity of a power strip is limited. This is a
redundant statement (see above) but one that needs
to be emphasized. Get out your magnifying glass and look at the bottom of
your gizmos and bricks!
Transformers
Definition: A transformer is a device which can change any alternating current
from one voltage to another. The most common transformers are those large gray cans you see mounted on
electric power poles. They convert the high voltage transmission current down to voltage for
household use. Travelers to Europe may need a small transformer to change the 220 volts over
there to 110 volts for American electrical appliances. If your appliances are dual voltage
you do not need a transformer.
A transformer can be used to change European electricity so that it can be used
in American specification devices. Transformers come in all sizes. The common
travelers transformer is 50 watts and can be used for small electrical devices.
Larger transformers can be used for bigger devices like kitchen appliances and power tools.
Look at the electrical nameplate on your equipment to find out how much power it requires.
That is measured in watts.
If you load a transformer to the max it will get hot and maybe start to humm.
Get a bigger transformer if it is too hot to hold your hand on it.
If you are going to leave your electrical appliances plugged in and running for hours and hours get
a transformer rated for at least twice the wattage of your appliances. If you are going to use your
appliance for only 10 or 20 minutes you can get by with a transformer rated at the
wattage of your appliance.
Converter
Definition: A "converter" is an electronic device designed to reduce 220 volts to 110 volts.
It does this by cutting off half of the sine wave. Thus, the electricity varies from
zero to plus 110 volts and does not go to negative 110 volts. It stays at zero for half
of the sine wave so what comes out is on-off power at 50 Hz frequency.
Converters may be used on
hair dryers, irons, and other high wattage heating devices.
If your high wattage equipment doesn't have a dual voltage
switch, you might be able to use a converter. It is much lighter and smaller
than a transformer of equal capacity, and it is definitely not a transformer
(see above). If it is used with something like a 400 watt slide projector, the lamp will
burn out in a few seconds. Yup, I know — I did that. I've read that
the 1,600 watt converters can also fry a 1,200 watt item.
Further, because of the way that converters work they may toast
your equipment no matter what. Alternating current electricity changes from plus
to minus as it alternates in a sine wave pattern. The electrons are rushing in one
direction and then half way through the wave in 1/120th of a second they suddenly start
rushing in the other direction. Since converters work by refusing to allow
the electrons to reverse direction, the result is that the net voltage is half
of the input voltage. The electrical output of a converter is
just half of the sine wave. That's how it chops the voltage down to 110.
So the output is an on-off single polarity pulse with zero voltage for half of each
sine wave. Many normal electrical appliances
these days include a chip in the control crcuit. Half a sine wave is OK for a pure
heating element but the go-stop-go-stop of a converter can shake the shorts off a
silicon chip right now.
I urge you to absolutely avoid using devices called "converters."
They are potentially hazardous to your equipment. I receive
a couple of emails a month from people who used a converter and were immediately blessed with
an amazing light show from the device or their gizmo, followed by blackout in their hotel room.
Unfortunately some merchants who sell electrical devices don't know a transformer from a converter.
They use the words interchangeably. This is really stupid. Read the product description carefully.
If you need a hair dryer, iron, or similar item you would be much better
off buying a 220-110 volt dual voltage unit. See the appliances in the left hand column
on this page.
Batteries
Definition: A battery is an item containing chemicals which react to produce direct
current electricity. Dry cell batteries typically produce 1½ volts.
They come in various sizes. The most common are identified as AAA, AA, C, and D.
The most common wet cell batteries are those used in automobiles. They contain a series of
cells filled with extremely hazardous sulfuric acid, lead, and lead oxide. They typically produce 12
volts, in the USA and Europe.
Bring spare batteries for your flashlight and gizmos. If you buy batteries
in Europe, do not expect much. Cheap off-brands are widely
available, and probably dead on arrival when you get back to your
hotel room. Even some Duracell batteries I have bought in Europe
were completely dead when I tried to use them a few hours after
purchase.
Camera batteries are a special subject. See chapter 12,
Photography in Europe
for information.
Rechargeable Batteries
Definition: A rechargeable battery is one which can be renewed by passing electricity
through it by use of a specially designed charger. The chemical reaction which produces electricity
is reversed so the battery can be used again and again.
Nickel metal hydride, Ni-MH, rechargeable batteries made by Sanyo, Eveready, Sony, Panasonic,
and others are expensive but pay for
themselves in a hurry, especially in Europe. If you are packing anything that uses AA
batteries, rechargeables are worth considering.
Battery charger
Definition: A battery charger is an electronic device which changes wall outlet
alternating current to low voltage direct current suited for your rechargeable bateries. The
guts of a charger include a transformer to change the voltage and a rectifier to change the AC
to DC.
If you are using rechargeable batteries, carry a dual voltage charger. Use a charger made by
the same company as your rechargeable batteries. Battery chargers rated for 220 volts are
available in Europe.
SOURCES
Home Town
Individual plug adapters, transformers, and multi piece kits are
sold in some department stores (try the wallet section) and by
several electrical specialty companies. Better luggage retailers also carry a
selection of electrical devices and other widgets for travelers. Do not be
talked into buying a *converter*. Retail clerks know how to ring up
a sale but most do not necessarily know anything about what they are selling.
Airports
The duty free shops in international airports carry many
electrical appliances. If you didn't have the opportunity to buy
what you need before leaving home, browse through the duty free
shop before getting on the plane. When you see the prices you'll wish that you
had taken care of this earlier.
After you land in Europe you will again see duty free shops in the airport. But you
cannot buy anything in a duty free shop when you land. You can only shop
duty free on departure.
Over There
American-to-European plug adapters are nearly impossible to find in
Europe so you'd better get these before you go. It is possible
to buy transformers in Europe, but it may be difficult to find a small one
suitable for traveling. They are also very expensive in Europe. If you
really need one, shop in stores selling hardware, electrical goods,
computers, or electronics.
The Internet
If you do a search for these electrical devices on the internet you will find
many manufacturers, models, and vendors. I've saved you some trouble by locating
what you need at the Amazon.com store. See the items in my green advertising column
at the left. Most of these items can be delivered in a few days direct to your door.
Save gas and shop in your shorts.
SUMMARY REFERENCE TABLE
This table answers 99% of the questions I receive. Please read it before you write to
save me the trouble of sending you a link that will just take you back here.
|
Your device says: |
Action |
|
Voltage |
Frequency * |
Watts, Amps |
What to do?
|
|
110 volts |
60 Hz |
25 watts or less,
¼ amps or less |
Bring a 50 to 60 watt transformer with European plug. |
|
110 volts |
60 Hz |
26 watts or more,
¼ amps or more |
Leave your appliance at home and buy a dual voltage
item for your trip. |
|
110-220 volts |
50/60 Hz |
200 watts or less
(2 amps or less). |
Bring it with a plug adapter or a 250 volt surge strip. |
|
110-220 volts |
50/60 Hz |
200 watts or more
(2 amps or more). |
Bring it with an individual plug adapter. Do not use a surge strip. |
Voltages are approximate.
110 volts applies to 100 to 125 volts.
220 volts applies to 200 to 250 volts.
* Motorized devices rated for 60 Hz will run at only 5/6 of their normal speed
on the 50 Hz frequency of Europe. See the Motorized Appliances section of chapter 22
for more information.
Moving to Europe: Travel to the Max as an Expatriate.
|
NOTE TO READERS
I welcome questions and comments. If you have any concerns about your trip to
Europe that have not been covered well enough in this section please do not hesitate to write and ask.
When you write please include as much detail as possible.
ATTENTION, PLEASE!!!
If you are seeking advice on whether or not
to use your electrical gizmos in Europe
please send the electrical specifications for your gizmos. This data is on the electrical
nameplate of the gizmo or on the black brick as discussed above.
Include the following information in your email:
INPUT
- volts, V or VAC,
- frequency, Hz, and
- watts, W or amps, A or volt-amps, VA.
If you do not send this basic information for your specific devices I can not give you any advice
— period, period, period.
There are a zillion electrical gizmos on the market. I own five of them. I know
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about your tool or toy. I do not have time to look
up your gizmo's specifications. If you
do not look at your own gizmo or brick (yes, the information is there) and you do
not include the input electrical specifications
my reply will be very simple — a reference to this paragraph.
I don't want you to fry your computer or camera,
not to mention burn down your hotel, hostel, B&B, or dorm. Electricity has no conscience. I do not assume anything.
I am happy to reply personally to everyone who writes
and who provides the information that I need in order to respond accurately.
There are about 50 countries in Europe and they're not all the same like Kansas and Nebraska. There are at
least four types of electical outlets in use in Europe. Each one requires a unique plug adapter.
It will help me answer your questions if you mention the countries and/or cities you plan to visit.
I receive a LOT of questions on electricity. Before you write please look at the
SUMMARY REFERENCE TABLE
again. It answers virtually all
of the questions I receive. Many emails are from people who obviously have not even read this chapter. I have been
a high school and university teacher so I'll tell you what I always told the students — do your homework,
or flunk.
I do not open attachments. Please include all of your data in the body of your email.
I will reply in a day or two.
My email address is
johnbermont@enjoy-europe.com.
Sometimes email gets lost or squashed by my
spam filter. If you have not heard back from me within three days please write
again. I answer all. Your privacy is protected. Your email address and contents of your email are secure and confidential.
Don't forget to scroll through the Table of Contents below. The other 29 chapters of
HOW TO EUROPE:
The Complete Travelers Handbook
are also available, free to read on line. In addition, the Google search box below can locate specific subjects
in any chapter or page on site.
For a check-off punchlist of everything go to The Finale,
Packing List and Last Call:
For Travel in Europe
.
If you know of someone else who would appreciate reading this web page please send
the URL link to him or her. To easily do that, click your "File" tab in the tool bar and scroll down to
"Send" or "Send Link." Your friend will thank you, and I thank you.
To bookmark this page type Ctrl D.
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Shop in your shorts!
You will need one or more of these plug adapters to use your electrical devices in Europe. The first
item works just about everywhere on the Continent.
Plug Adapter
Universal to Continental Europe "Europlug."
4.0 mm prongs. Ungrounded.
This plug adapter does not fit in many outlets of Italy and Switzerland. It is the standard plug in France, Germany,
and northern Europe.
SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER
Adapts grounded USA plugs to European grounded "Shucko" plug.
4.8 mm prongs
This is a universal plug adapter for the UK and Ireland.
Grounded Adaptor Plug for Britain and Ireland
The holes of many Italian outlets are too small for the Schucko plug. One of these will probably fit.
If you have the Europlug (above) you do not need this plug.
Italy Adapter Plug B
Ungrounded
4.0 mm prongs
Plug Adapter for Italy
Universal to Grounded 3 pin
To use this with American plugs you'll also need the USA to Continental Europe adapter.
Grounded Adapter
Europe to Switzerland
For charging the batteries of more than one gizmo at a time use this 250 volt universal
power strip. It comes with a grounded Continental plug so it does not need an adapter plug for Europe.
See the next item if you are going to the British Isles.
Surge Protector
Power Strip
6 Universal Outlets
220/240 Volt 50/60Hz
To use the surge strip in Britain and Ireland you will need one of these plug adapters. It adapts the
Schucko plug to the UK/Irish plug.
Grounded Adapter
Europe to
Britain and Ireland
Here is a smaller power surge strip with three universal outlets. It is wired with an American grounded plug so it needs a plug adapter for the countries you are visiting.
SM-60 Universal 3 Outlet Power Strip / Surge Protector for Worldwide Travel. 110V-250V with Overload Protection.
If your gizmos charge through a USB port this can keep you going. European cars have the same
12 volt system as American cars.
Scosche Dual USB
Car Charger
This transformer rated for 200 watts will power many of your appliances if they are only rated for 120 volts.
Transformer - 200 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty
OK, this is the 1,000 pound gorilla. If you are moving over and taking your electric saw, planer, drill, etc. I recommend it.
Transformer - 1,000 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty
Here is the elephant.You can operate most of your kitchen appliances with this. Remember that motorized
devices will run at only 5/6 of their USA speed.
Power Bright VC2000W Voltage Transformer 2,000 Watt Step Up/Down 110-220 Volt
Here is the whale of transformers, 3,000 watts. With this you can bring your power tools and
all of your small appliances, but not your TV, to Europe.
Power Bright VC3000W Voltage Transformer 3,000 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt - 220 Volt
This digital volt-ohm meter can answer a lot of questions when you have electrical problems.
Sinometer MAS345 PC-Interfaced Digital Multimeter
Wear a money belt under your shirt to protect your passport and valuables, especially if you are staying in hostels or dorms.
Victorinox Deluxe Concealed Security Belt
An RFID blocking wallet protects your passport and credit cards from identity theft in public places.
Travelon RFID Blocking Passport Case
Shopping easy at
The
links in this green field take you directly to a page at Amazon.com.
That page details the item, and in some cases includes candid and critical comments
from others who have bought the item.
Amazon.com pays my site a
small commission when you click and order an item, if you put it in your shopping
cart within 24 hours based on the cookie they set on your computer. If you don't
want to make a quick decision just put it in your shopping cart, think it over,
and come back later. You benefit when buying here because Amazon.com
has a 20% to 30% discount on many items plus a free shipping
deal. The third bonus is that there is no sales tax on internet purchases in
most states. Delivery is fast
even when it is free, and returns are easy if you are not happy with the product.
You win we win. Thanks for your support!!
Have a good trip in life,
John Bermont
Note: Italicized notations by the author.
Absolutely the best battery for digital cameras which use AA batteries.
Energizer
AA Lithium Batteries
4 Pack
Rechargeable batteries are expensive but pay for themselves over and over.
This charger is good for worldwide voltage and comes with 4 pre-charged batteries.
It requires a plug adapter for the countries you are visiting.
Sanyo Eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries
w/ Worldwide Charger
This kit includes a pair of rechargeable batteries with a USB powered charger.
SANYO NEW 1500 eneloop 2-AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
w/ USB Charger
Make sure that your electrical appliances are 110-220 dual voltage so they will work in Europe.
Note:
These appliances require a plug adapter(s), NOT a converter, for the countries you are visiting.
Vagabond Compact Styler
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer
Conair Flat Iron 2" Ceramic Straightener
Dual Voltage
Conair TS63R MiniPro Ceramic Curling Iron
Dual Voltage
Travel Hair Setter
Dual Voltage
Remington H-1015
SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)
Braun Series 1 150 Men's Shaver with Automatic Worldwide Voltage Adjustment
For light sleepers here is an international "white noise" machine. Includes a Continental
plug adapter.
Marsona TSCi-330 White Noise Travel Sound Conditioner For both USA and International Use
This CPAP machine is specified for 110-240 dual voltage. All you need is a plug adapter to use this in Europe
RemRest Tier 3 CPAP Machine by Evo Medical
Casio Auto Calendar Thermometer Travel Clock #PQ15-1KP
This will come in very handy once in a while.
Victorinox AA LED Flashlight
This is my book, available at Amazon.com. The last edition was published in 2003.
Critical up-dates are on this web site.
How To Europe
The Complete
Travelers Handbook
by John Bermont
The best travel guide to all of Europe.
Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet
The essential timetable and handbook for rail travelers.
European Rail Timetable
Summer 2011
Thomas Cook
Weather protection is important. This is a great lightweight water repellent windbreaker.
The Stormbreaker
by Turfer Sport
Turfer Women's Featherweight Jacket
Look sharp and be comfortable.
Three Dots Women's Longsleeve Turtleneck Tee
Jones New York Womens Double Breasted Rain Jacket
Clarks Women's Wave.Run Slip-On
Tilley Endurables TH9 Women's Hemp Hat
Wear a scarf for comfort and style. Nobody will ever suspect that you are an American.
Very soft houndstooth neck scarf, Kanye West style, different colors available
This is my "standard" shirt for most of the year in Europe.
Men's Combed Cotton Euro Design Ski Turtleneck
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