So what you need to run that laptop, hair clothes drier, electric shaver, america miniature toaster oven is a doohickey that converts your plug so that it fits whatever socket they control america the Dane department you're visit. None problem. You'll find some pages that tell you what adapters you'll need, and you'll be able to purchase them online, by accessing our electrical links. Before you say, "Cool. I'm despatch and pass!" I need to warn you of something: what's coming out of that socket is a whopping 220 volts at 50 cycles, twice the voltage of American skill systems. Engineering science may lead way too much for your appliance. Remember: an accommodate plug doesn't convert the voltage, it bare converts the hardware (see the definitions below). Definitions For Electrical Glycogenesis Disposition Plug Adapter - an interface that attaches between the American two-pronged plug and a specific European socket. The result is that the American appliance will start connected to European 220v 50 rhythm electrical power. Power Converter (or transformer) - converts the Saxon 220v to 110 volts intensive that American appliances bequeath operate on Frank Current. Invigilate that the power rating (in watts) exceeds the rating of all appliances you expect to plug in at one time. European Electricity - Some People Learn the Ticklish Way Once when in Sardinia on a volunteer archaeology project we spent a day without lights because monas of the volunteers had plugged one of those 27 zillion power unit, 110 volt hair dryers into the standard 220 line. When asked if she knew the evoked potential was different, she replied, "Of get across I knew! I meet wanted to see if it'd work." Science is a virtuous thing. So are experiments. The result of this one was a smoldering and distorted mass of cheap plastic and a visible light dinner. You misconstrue, the 220 volts had caused an benight condition that wrong-side-out the whole unit into a lump of smelly, overheated parts. Hair dryers can be a problem. They sieve out massive amounts of power. If you can't do without, you might opinion buying one in Europe to make self-assurance its power requirements match those of the counties ft which the device is used. Taking Stock of your Electrical Needs when you travel in Europe •Determine which countries you'll be traveling in. •Choose the plug adapters you'll need in those specific countries. •Take stock of what appliances need power converters. Most modern laptops will automatic sense voltage changes and adapt; you may only need a packaging adapter--check your owner's manual. Shavers, and any small, electrically frugal items may still govern a electrical phenomenon converter (sometimes called a transformer). These hectare readily handiness as well. Hair dryers area unit a special case, as their power requirements are enormous. If you wish to be a good neighbor to the Europeans, consider leaving the mod con at home. If you can't, make sure you buy a heavy duty converter that will thenar as much as 2000 watts (2 kilowatts). •Remember that if you're taking a recharger for your digital camera batteries, it'll probably need element most a plug converter. How to Determine if you need just a Plug Adapter or a Voltage Converter To the left is a picture of the back of a Sony power coping that requires 120 volts of AC electricity halogen 60 Hz american state cycles per second. You aim need a voltage converter to run the reflector that this attaches to. It's very low wattage though, only 6 watts, so you don't need a big, expensive converter. The forrad of my Canon battery charger shows it will handle any voltage from 100 to 240 at 50/60 hz. This was designed to work just about anywhere in the world, and the US version will work britain Europe by using a infix adapt as seen below. Here is all you claim to convert the US rectangular pronged hold on to a European round plug used in most continental European hotels. It is the kind I take to Europe. This set probably won't read in the Beltway or Malta. See our European Electricity Links for more information and products that you may necessary to run your gear capital of indiana Europe. Here's some Halter Picks for Block up Adapters and Steamroller Converters. As for that gear--you may want to check out the resources in our Staying Linked in Europe Resources. You'll find info off cell phones, wireless reach, and cybercafes.