Extra Sockets

[rolshuk]

Ok not too sure how to explain this...we will need a lot of sockets for various things like mobiles chargers etc.
Do I take a uk adapter(3 or four plugs in a row that you just plug one in) and use the travel adapter in the one that goes in the socket or do I have to buy one in the USA and use a travel adapter in each socket.
Not sure that is very clear :rolleyes1 .
Does anyone know the answer for my discription :)

[CoralCayTownhome]

Yeah - I know what you mean as my DH is a total gadget freak and doesn't go anywhere without his 4 socket adapter :rotfl:

We bring one with us and just hook it up with a travel adapter - never had any problems.

Tracey :goodvibes

[Goofyish]

You could take a UK distribution board and then plug that into the US wall socket using a travel adapter. I doubt that chargers would exceed the socket rating.

I find US sockets are not very good at holding heavy adapters though - ours kept falling out! We had to prop it up with a Gideons bible to keep it in the wall LOL

[CoralCayTownhome]

When I say 4 socket adapter it is the one like an extension cable with the 4 plugs in a row - so not heavy in the socket. I know what you mean about the US sockets nothing ever seems very secure in them :)

[DISWolves]

:thumbsup2 I always take a 4 gang UK extention lead. This year I got a USA plug from Walmart. I have now fixed this in place of the UK plug on the extention lead, so this now is my USA extention lead :thumbsup2

[CoralCayTownhome]

:thumbsup2 I always take a 4 gang UK extention lead. This year I got a USA plug from Walmart. I have now fixed this in place of the UK plug on the extention lead, so this now is my USA extention lead :thumbsup2


I like that idea........must tell DH that one (he will be impressed) :rotfl:

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I find US sockets are not very good at holding heavy adapters though - ours kept falling out! We had to prop it up with a Gideons bible to keep it in the wall LOL

The Lord works in Mysterious ways.:lmao:

[wayneg]

I find US sockets are not very good at holding heavy adapters though - ours kept falling out! We had to prop it up with a Gideons bible to keep it in the wall LOL

Thats what its for, I always wondered:lmao: :rotfl2:

We took 4 socket adapter with us this time worked great.
We just take so much electrical stuff, 2 laptops, 2 cameras, camcorder, 3 phones, MP3 player, gameboy, PDA. Sure I missed something:goodvibes

[Sid74]

Please forgive me if this is a daft question, but don't you need some sort of voltage converter for charging uk stuff with us voltage?:confused3

We go for our first trip in about 6 weeks and I have been trying to figure out what to do about charging my camera batteries, and thought we would need a converter.:confused3

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Please forgive me if this is a daft question, but don't you need some sort of voltage converter for charging uk stuff with us voltage?:confused3

We go for our first trip in about 6 weeks and I have been trying to figure out what to do about charging my camera batteries, and thought we would need a converter.:confused3

You need to look on the back of your charger. If it says 220-240V only then you will need a converter.
Normally however they say 100-240V then you will be fine, you just need a three opin to two flat pin adapter

[wayneg]

Please forgive me if this is a daft question, but don't you need some sort of voltage converter for charging uk stuff with us voltage?:confused3

We go for our first trip in about 6 weeks and I have been trying to figure out what to do about charging my camera batteries, and thought we would need a converter.:confused3

No you dont need any voltage converter. If you look on your camcorder charger(or in the destruction manual specs) it will say something like input 100-240v which means they can be charged anywhere between these values.
Only problem I ever had was a motorola v220 mobile phone it was input 220-240v

[Winkster]

What is it with US sockets anyway?

They're completely useless at holding anything in - even US plugs for things like the TV.

And they never appear safe either. The inset bit is often lose or the socket is coming away from the wall.

If UK hotels had electrics like that the hotel would be closed down in an instant!

Are UK Health and Safetly rules that much tighter than those in the US?

[Claire L]

What is it with US sockets anyway?

They're completely useless at holding anything in - even US plugs for things like the TV.

And they never appear safe either. The inset bit is often lose or the socket is coming away from the wall.

If UK hotels had electrics like that the hotel would be closed down in an instant!

Are UK Health and Safetly rules that much tighter than those in the US?

I think it may be due to the fact we have 240v power supply and they have 110v power supply, I am led to believe (maybe wrong) an electric shock form 110v is not as bad as 240v, although still not very nice to get :(

Claire ;)

[Sid74]

Thanks for the replies.

Have had a look at my charger and it says 220-240v, so will have to either get a voltage converter or a new battery charger, any suggestions as to where I should start looking?

[Jakey Rowling]

I think it may be due to the fact we have 240v power supply and they have 110v power supply, I am led to believe (maybe wrong) an electric shock form 110v is not as bad as 240v, although still not very nice to get :(

Claire ;)

You have been mislead on this occasion Claire, it's current that kills you, not voltage hence either is regarded as a hazardous voltage.

That's why RCDs (residual current devices) are used for safety.

Sorry to get technical. :)

[Jakey Rowling]

Thanks for the replies.

Have had a look at my charger and it says 220-240v, so will have to either get a voltage converter or a new battery charger, any suggestions as to where I should start looking?

You need to look at the device you currently have and see it's wattage, it should be somewhere beside the voltage details. It may be described as VA.

Your voltage converter that you buy should have this value +20% for derating as a minimum. The are sometime referred to as step up transformers.

Here are 45W ones, maybe not enough power but you'll get the idea.
http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/USA-Voltage-Converters-c-280.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Voltage-Convertor-Step-Transformer/dp/B000UPEWLI/ref=sr_1_3/026-9329761-6622824?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1188832964&sr=1-3

Maplin have 100VA ones here for £24.99
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=UP90X&DOY=3m9