PACKING electronics and gadgets for your vacation is almost as important as remembering your passport.
Here we take a look at which travel adapter you need to take on your trips, whatever your destination.
Do I need an adapter to travel?
If you’re traveling abroad and need to take your electronic devices with you, you’ll likely need a travel adapter.
Since there is a wide variety of outlets used around the world, portable plug converters are very useful.
You will need to check which type of socket is used in the region you are traveling to, the whole range being assigned a letter of the alphabet from A to O.
Why are electrical plugs different around the world?
Different technological advances have been adopted by different nations at different times in their history.
This means the plugs they use have changed over time.
Furthermore, electricians, network planners and engineers around the world have developed their own technologies and network systems independently, so a universal standard has never been established.
What adapter do I need?
Making sure you know which adapter you need to take will ensure all your gadgets can stay fully charged.
Knowing what network and outlet type your destination operates on can protect your devices from damage while ensuring you can capture every moment of your trip.
For example, US appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances run on 220 volts – meaning you could blow a fuse if you use the wrong voltage plug.
Only dual voltage items like laptops can be in both countries without any problems.
We explain which plugs you might need and how they work when traveling abroad.
Europe
Brits going on holiday to Europe will need a Type C travel adapter, which uses 220 volts.
This plug has two round prongs, although some countries have other plug types.
France, Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic typically use type E, which also uses grounding clips.
Type E also accepts type C plugs.
Everywhere else in Europe and Russia, a type F travel adapter is used.
It is similar to type C, with two prongs, but is round and has two grounding clips on each side.
Types E, J, K, and N plugs can also be used in Type C travel adapters.
All of Europe uses two-pin plugs, except the United Kingdom and Ireland, which have three-pin type G plugs.
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US
This destination can confuse even the most cautious traveler, as different states may have different exit options.
The US uses type A and type B plugs in different states.
Type A plugs have two flat prongs and can also be used in Canada and Mexico.
Type B plugs are similar but have a third, rounded prong at the bottom.
However, type B plugs are grounded – which can prevent electric shock if the plug is broken.
Dubai
Good news for Brits heading to Dubai, as the country uses the same travel adapters as the UK – type G.
The three-prong plug is used in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE.
This means no travel adapter is needed as your regular plugs fit into the walls.
Other countries in the world that use type G include Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore.
It is worth noting that many other destinations also use this type of connection, so it is worth checking with your travel operator before planning your trip.
More plug types and voltages from top travel destinations
- Argentina – plugs types C and I, 220V
- Australia – type I plug, 230V
- Bahamas – plug types A and B, 120V
- Barbados – plug types A and B, 115V
- Bolivia – plugs types A and C, 230V
- Brazil – plugs types C and N, 127v and 220V
- China – plugs types A, C and I, 220V
- Cuba – plugs types A, B, C and L, 110V and 220V
- Egypt – plugs types C and F, 220V
- Faroe Islands – plugs types C, E, F and K, 230V
- Greece – plugs types C and F, 230V
- Hong Kong – type G plug, 220V
- India – plugs types C, D and M, 230V
- Jamaica – plug types A and B, 110V
- Japan – type A and B plugs, 100V
- Madagascar – plugs types C and E, 220V
- New Zealand – type I plug, 230V
- Nigeria – plug types D and G, 230V
- South Korea – plugs types C and F, 220V
- Thailand – A, B, C and O, 230V
- Vietnam – plugs types A, C and D, 220V
- Virgin Islands – type A and B plugs, 110V
Can travel adapters go in your suitcase?
Yes, travel adapters can be packed in your suitcase and checked.
This is because there are no dangerous parts in travel adapters, such as batteries.
They do not store electrical energy, so there is no risk of fire as with batteries, which store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy.
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What is a Universal Travel Adapter?
It is a travel adapter that can be used in any country in the world.
A universal travel adapter is the only one you need, no matter where you’re going.
The gadget eliminates the need to maintain multiple adapters for different countries.
Can you use a travel adapter permanently?
Although there are reports online of people using travel adapters for years without problems, it is not advisable to do so.
The Electrical Safety Council, a charity committed to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electricity, advises that they are not a safe or suitable alternative for continued use.
Instead, it is recommended that you convert the plug to that of the region in question or replace the electrical product with one that has a standard plug for that country.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
