You would think that as electricity is measured the same globally by voltage and frequency that the utilization of electricity would work the same in every country; however, it doesn’t. Many nations use different outlet and plug designs that aren’t compatible with other countries. If you travel abroad with the expectation that your laptop or other electronic device can be readily accessible, you may be in for a rude awakening come time to plug it in. The only way to overcome this issue is by using a power adapter specific to the country visited. Below is a convenient link to power adapters by country listing residential specific applications:
If you skim the list, you will see that most countries outside the U.S. use 220-230 volt standards. 220 volt systems were once the norm, but EU standards have introduced the 230 volt system and many countries are making the conversion. The voltage standard in the United States is 120V. This means if you are visiting a country outside of the U.S. you will need an adapter in order your appliance to work. Without one, you risk serious damage to your electronics or other appliances as the variant in current is too much for 120 volt devices to withstand. This works both ways. A 220 volt device will not function properly on a 120 volt outlet.
While voltage is the obvious immediate factor determining the need for a power adaptor, frequency is also key. Frequency, measured in hertz, determines measures the flow of electricity (voltage: 220 volts or 120 volts) in cycles per second. Standard hertz measurement in the U.S. is 60Hz, while abroad it is lower, around 50Hz. Power adapters can’t control the number of cycles however, so it is important to find one with the correct hertz.
While it isn’t practical to buy an adapter for every country you may visit, there is a solution that can limit the need for multiple adapters: Universal power adapters. These devices easily convert to fit almost any electrical outlet, allowing you to plug in your devices. The only downside is that most of them don’t convert voltage levels, so there is still risk of damage. Below is one device that does everything you need for power conversion abroad.
Tripshell International TR-Adap-BK Travel Plug Adapter With Surge Protection, Retail Package (Black)
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Technical Details
One piece design, meaning no individual parts
It has built in 6A fuse
110/230 VAC voltage indicators
Power rating: 2.5A Max. 100 240 Vac. – 100 Vac max. 575W – 230 Vac max. 1380W
L-N (line to neutral) Surge Protection
Supports outlets over 150 countries including the U.S., Europe, Greece, Asia, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK with standard 120v 2 prongs, rounded 220-240v 2 prongs as well as the 3 angular prongs
Allows use for many electronic devices (laptop, cell charger, phone battery charger)
Children safety shutters.
Note: This device is NOT compatible with Indian plugs
Comes with a 1-yr warranty From Tripshell
The important thing to note here is that this device is indeed a 220/240V surge protector. Using a U.S. designed 120V surge protector will compromise personal safety as well as product safety. The great thing about this inexpensive power adapter is that you will not need a separate electric converter to use your consumer electronics device.
So before you waste your time and money trying to find the right power adapter by country, invest the few dollars into this device. There aren’t many that have surge protection installed on them and this particular device will protect your equipment from the constant fluctuations associated with foreign power supplies.
