How do we know when 120V US socket strip can handle Europe 2

[Jessie Williams]

I plan on visiting Europe (Germany, Italy) this summer where the
Apple iPad US-to-Europe charger adapter is a whopping $40 each kit:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit

Since I have other electronics (e.g., Android phone, camera charger, etc.),
I wonder if I can just bring a single US-to-Europe adapter and then plug
those US chargers that can handle the dual voltage & frequency into that
US power strip?

It's easy to tell if a charger can handle the dual voltage because they
print that stuff on every charger.

But I don't see it printed or molded on *any* power strips I looked at
in the box stores.

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

 

[whit3rd]

On Sunday, May 18, 2014 10:15:59 AM UTC-7, Jessie Williams wrote:

I plan on visiting Europe (Germany, Italy) this summer where the

Apple iPad US-to-Europe charger adapter is a whopping $40 each kit:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit



Since I have other electronics (e.g., Android phone, camera charger, etc.),

I wonder if I can just bring a single US-to-Europe adapter and then plug
those US chargers that can handle the dual voltage & frequency into that
US power strip?

England, Switzerland,and Germany have three different
plug designs; there isn't a single 'Europe' adapter.

But I don't see it printed or molded on *any* power strips I looked at
in the box stores.

.... and even if it WAS printed there, such a power
strip wouldn't be in accord with European safety regulations (which
aren't likely to recognize a US style three-prong socket).

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

Short of disassembling the power strip and examining the ratings
of its components, you wouldn't. Most power strips (all the
good ones) contain a circuit breaker or fuse, and some contain
surge protectors.

Ignore the Apple 'kit'; it has stuff you won't need. Just get
one or two plug adapters, and be careful to use those only
on 240VAC rated gizmos.

 

[Jessie Williams]

Jessie Williams <JessieWilliams@is.invalid> wrote:

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

I don't think I made it clear, but I don't plan on bringing a
'converter' (which is, I think, a step-down device).

I'm hoping to just plug a "dumb" US power strip into European wall
outlets using only a "dumb" US-prong-to-Europe-pin plug adapter.

The question is whether the dumb US power strip will handle the
220 volts without melting or arcing.

 

[Jessie Williams]

"Pete C." <auxReMoVe34@wpnet.us> wrote:

> I have no use for voltage converters or step down transformers.

I don't plan on bringing any of those step-down transformers
because all my US equipment will be what you call 'auto ranging'.

What I did was get one plug adapter so a US 5-15 plug can plug
into a UK receptacle

Yes. That's what I plan on getting. One "dumb" mechanical
prong converter so that the US prongs can plug into a European
wall outlet, mechanically.

> and one US non-surge suppresser power strip.

Interesting that it is a non surge suppressor power strip.
Is this new-to-me detail important when I'm doubling the
expected voltage that the power strip is connecting to?

I tested the power strip on 240V in the US to ensure it had adequate
insulation and whatnot.

That's a good idea!
I don't have the right mechanical converter to plug a US power
strip into a US 240V outlet, but I might be able to alligator clip
it all together.

In the UK I simply plugged my power strip into
240V power with the plug adapter and then plugged my various devices
into the power strip. This of course presumes you know enough to ensure
all your devices are auto-ranging.

Yes. That's exactly what I am asking about.
The question is how I can be sure the US power strip can handle 240 volts.

 

[Jessie Williams]

dpb <none@non.net> wrote:

If it's a transformer to 120V, there's no 240V in sight. If the
question is only on the frequency difference, other than synchronous
devices like a clock or old turntable, it makes no difference at all.

I should have been clearer. I apologize for causing confusion.

It's my fault for not being clear that the US power strip will "see"
the full 240 volts of the European wall outlet.

The only thing between the US power strip and the 240 volt wall outlet
will be a dumb mechanical prong adapter, which itself I would assume
can handle the voltage because they are sold for exactly that purpose.

But, I can't find any power strips at Home Depot or Lowes or Ace that
"says" it can handle the 240 volts.

 

[Jessie Williams]

whit3rd <whit3rd@gmail.com> wrote:

England, Switzerland,and Germany have three different
plug designs; there isn't a single 'Europe' adapter.

Actually, the question is the same with respect to the voltage
that the power strip has to handle no matter what European
country I use, although I agree, the actual dumb mechanical
prong adapter may be different.

However, the two countries I plan on going to are Germany &
Italy, where, I think, the standard two-pin adapter will be
the same (for low current items such as my cellphone charger,
my camera charger, my cpap machine, etc.).

The question is that the US power strip will be "seeing"
twice the voltage it says it's supposed to be used on.

All my "devices" say they can handle both the 110v/60Hz and
the 240v/50Hz power, so I'm not worried about the devices.

I'm trying to figure out how I know whether the power strip
can handle the doubled voltage.

 

[dpb]

On 5/18/2014 12:15 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
....

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

You buy one for the purpose...

<https://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/sm-60-3-universal-

outlet-power-strip-with-surge-protection-for-110v-250v-worldwide-

use.html?gclid=CIqhiov-tb4CFXRo7Aod8i0AOg>

Just the first that popped up; there's bound to be a zillion other
choices as well...

But a standard 110V strip will _not_ work, it'll have 110V
overprotection and you'll blow it w/ a bang! when you plug it in a 240V
outlet. (Don't ask me how I was reminded of this when in random moment
of not thinking... Most embarrassing as was in work room in UK power
plant on a job needing to finish up a report before catching plane back
to the States and just as I did the deed a group of the plant personnel
came in on their break)

--

 

[Ed Pawlowski]

On Sun, 18 May 2014 12:26:10 -0500, dpb <none@non.net> wrote:

On 5/18/2014 12:15 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
...

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

You buy one for the purpose...

https://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/sm-60-3-universal-

outlet-power-strip-with-surge-protection-for-110v-250v-worldwide-

use.html?gclid=CIqhiov-tb4CFXRo7Aod8i0AOg

Just the first that popped up; there's bound to be a zillion other
choices as well...

But a standard 110V strip will _not_ work, it'll have 110V
overprotection and you'll blow it w/ a bang! when you plug it in a 240V
outlet.

He is not planning to do that. He is using an adapter into the 240,
then plugging the power strip into that so it only sees 120V.
If you get a plain vanilla strip, it is merely a collection of copper
wire and strips that hold plugs. It will work on your 6 volt car
battery in the '59 VW and usually up to about 600V in other
situations. Since most are 14 ga. wire they can handle 15 amps.

Just looking at the adapter I use in Europe, it is rated at 50 watts.
That is the controlling factor. They are also available with USP
ports too. Most are not made for hair dryers, but they may be
available.

Beside, the regular US type plug will not fit into European
receptacles.

 

[Pete C.]

Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On Sun, 18 May 2014 12:26:10 -0500, dpb <none@non.net> wrote:

On 5/18/2014 12:15 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
...

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

You buy one for the purpose...

https://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/sm-60-3-universal-

outlet-power-strip-with-surge-protection-for-110v-250v-worldwide-

use.html?gclid=CIqhiov-tb4CFXRo7Aod8i0AOg

Just the first that popped up; there's bound to be a zillion other
choices as well...

But a standard 110V strip will _not_ work, it'll have 110V
overprotection and you'll blow it w/ a bang! when you plug it in a 240V
outlet.

He is not planning to do that. He is using an adapter into the 240,
then plugging the power strip into that so it only sees 120V.
If you get a plain vanilla strip, it is merely a collection of copper
wire and strips that hold plugs. It will work on your 6 volt car
battery in the '59 VW and usually up to about 600V in other
situations. Since most are 14 ga. wire they can handle 15 amps.

Just looking at the adapter I use in Europe, it is rated at 50 watts.
That is the controlling factor. They are also available with USP
ports too. Most are not made for hair dryers, but they may be
available.

Beside, the regular US type plug will not fit into European
receptacles.

Since *every* device I have need to travel with is 120/240V
auto-ranging, I have no use for voltage converters or step down
transformers. What I did was get one plug adapter so a US 5-15 plug can
plug into a UK receptacle, and one US non-surge suppresser power strip.
I tested the power strip on 240V in the US to ensure it had adequate
insulation and whatnot. In the UK I simply plugged my power strip into
240V power with the plug adapter and then plugged my various devices
into the power strip. This of course presumes you know enough to ensure
all your devices are auto-ranging.

 

[Geoffrey S. Mendelson]

Jessie Williams wrote:

I plan on visiting Europe (Germany, Italy) this summer where the
Apple iPad US-to-Europe charger adapter is a whopping $40 each kit:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit

Since I have other electronics (e.g., Android phone, camera charger, etc.),
I wonder if I can just bring a single US-to-Europe adapter and then plug
those US chargers that can handle the dual voltage & frequency into that
US power strip?

I am in Israel and we get all sorts of tourists and immegrants, bringing
all sorts of plugs, outlet strips and devices.

The Israeli standard is 230 volts, 50 Hz single phase. EU standard is
also, but there is enough variaition allowed that the UK 240v power grid
and the continental 220v power grid is within the specified 230 volts.

In my experience, the best thing to do is to what someone else already said,
buy high quality plug adaptors and use them. If you need an outlet strip,
buy one locally.

You should have no trouble finding them, unless you arrive at 3am Sunday
and all of the stores are closed.

Avoid the real cheap slide on 2 pin adaptors that are sold in travel
stores, airports, etc. They have a bad habit of sliding off as you unplug
the plug, leaving 230 volts exposed on the bare metal of your US plug.

The good adaptors look like cubes and will accept many different plugs,
including a US grounded plug. Unfortunately they do not always carry ground.
They need a fair amount of force to remove a plug.

Bring a roll of electrical tape, If you have to buy the slide on adaptors
you can tape them on so they don't slide off. Crude, but a lot safer.

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, N3OWJ/4X1GM/KBUH7245/KBUW5379

 

[dpb]

On 5/18/2014 1:35 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
....

He is not planning to do that. He is using an adapter into the 240,
then plugging the power strip into that so it only sees 120V.

....

Then what was the point of the following question?

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

If it's a transformer to 120V, there's no 240V in sight. If the
question is only on the frequency difference, other than synchronous
devices like a clock or old turntable, it makes no difference at all.

--

 

On Sun, 18 May 2014 17:15:59 +0000 (UTC), Jessie Williams
<JessieWilliams@is.invalid> wrote:

I plan on visiting Europe (Germany, Italy) this summer where the
Apple iPad US-to-Europe charger adapter is a whopping $40 each kit:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit

Since I have other electronics (e.g., Android phone, camera charger, etc.),
I wonder if I can just bring a single US-to-Europe adapter and then plug
those US chargers that can handle the dual voltage & frequency into that
US power strip?

It's easy to tell if a charger can handle the dual voltage because they
print that stuff on every charger.

But I don't see it printed or molded on *any* power strips I looked at
in the box stores.

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

I have done it numerous times. The bar will only run half as much
current on 240, so no problem there, and the insulation is generally
good for 600 volts on virtually all wiring used on 120 volt circuits.
To be safe, use a bar with no pilot light and no surge protector. No
switch removes another possible (but unlikely) problem.

 

On Sun, 18 May 2014 12:26:10 -0500, dpb <none@non.net> wrote:

On 5/18/2014 12:15 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
...

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

You buy one for the purpose...

https://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/sm-60-3-universal-

outlet-power-strip-with-surge-protection-for-110v-250v-worldwide-

use.html?gclid=CIqhiov-tb4CFXRo7Aod8i0AOg

Just the first that popped up; there's bound to be a zillion other
choices as well...

But a standard 110V strip will _not_ work, it'll have 110V
overprotection and you'll blow it w/ a bang! when you plug it in a 240V
outlet. (Don't ask me how I was reminded of this when in random moment
of not thinking... Most embarrassing as was in work room in UK power
plant on a job needing to finish up a report before catching plane back
to the States and just as I did the deed a group of the plant personnel
came in on their break)

Mabee I'm just plain lucky - but I had no problem with a cheap surge
protected power bar. (made in china) - but I would recommens a
non-surgeprotected bar with no pilot light.

 

On Sun, 18 May 2014 14:35:10 -0400, Ed Pawlowski <esp@snet.net> wrote:

On Sun, 18 May 2014 12:26:10 -0500, dpb <none@non.net> wrote:

On 5/18/2014 12:15 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
...

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

You buy one for the purpose...

https://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/sm-60-3-universal-

outlet-power-strip-with-surge-protection-for-110v-250v-worldwide-

use.html?gclid=CIqhiov-tb4CFXRo7Aod8i0AOg

Just the first that popped up; there's bound to be a zillion other
choices as well...

But a standard 110V strip will _not_ work, it'll have 110V
overprotection and you'll blow it w/ a bang! when you plug it in a 240V
outlet.

He is not planning to do that. He is using an adapter into the 240,
then plugging the power strip into that so it only sees 120V.
If you get a plain vanilla strip, it is merely a collection of copper
wire and strips that hold plugs. It will work on your 6 volt car
battery in the '59 VW and usually up to about 600V in other
situations. Since most are 14 ga. wire they can handle 15 amps.

That's not what I read. He's going to use a "plug adapter" to plug
the bar into 240 and run the universal or dual voltage power adapters
and chargers in it - running on 240.

Just looking at the adapter I use in Europe, it is rated at 50 watts.
That is the controlling factor. They are also available with USP
ports too. Most are not made for hair dryers, but they may be
available.

Beside, the regular US type plug will not fit into European
receptacles.

Which is where the "plug adapter" comes in. Used all the time - and in
Japan they use the same plugs we use for 120 on 240 (innlarge parts of
the country - (they have at least 3 different standards)

 

[Jessie Williams]

"Geoffrey S. Mendelson" <gsm@mendelson.com> wrote:

> If you need an outlet strip, buy one locally.

But, a local outlet strip will just multiply the problem in
the wrong direction, won't it?

 

[Liam O'Connor]

On Sun, 18 May 2014 15:30:32 -0400, clare wrote:

> I have done it numerous times.

Good to know!

The bar will only run half as much current on 240,
so no problem there

Interesting. That makes sense (I=V/R where R is constant).

So, from a heat standpoint, you're saying the wires should handle
it even though the power strip doesn't explicitly say so.

and the insulation is generally good for 600 volts on virtually
all wiring used on 120 volt circuits.

This is good to know since the arcing across conductors will
be easier when I double the voltage from 110 to 220.

> To be safe, use a bar with no pilot light and no surge protector.

That makes sense since those might run on 120v and they might
fry at double that. Right?

> No switch removes another possible (but unlikely) problem.

All the ones I saw had a switch, but, I see the advantage of
eliminating the switch as a possible failure point when the
voltage doubles.

 

[dpb]

On 5/18/2014 3:51 PM, Jessie Williams wrote:
....

> The question is how I can be sure the US power strip can handle 240 volts.

The "be sure" answer is what I posted link to -- it has protection for
240V built in.

The other way is if there's a reset button or a it says anything at all
about protection on the wrapping, it won't--it'll do what I described
earlier.

The standard US plugs are UL-listed for 125V but they'll stand 240V
breakdown voltage and the cord is likely rated 600V as that's a common
insulation spec. If look carefully you'll be able to read it on the
cord itself for confirmation.

I'm comfortable as the other poster says; otoh, if you're not certain
and uncomfortable, for $20 or so the link leads you to a rated/listed
solution.

--

 

[Wolfgang Allinger]

On 18 May 14 at group /sci/electronics/repair in article llapsf$ncj$5@solani.org
<JessieWilliams@is.invalid> (Jessie Williams) wrote:

But I don't see it printed or molded on *any* power strips I looked at
in the box stores.

That might be a problem.

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know
whether a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European
power?

I think (unprooved!) that the double voltage at/in your strip will work
but:

1st You never know, maybe after some hours something may burn in the
strip.

2nd Don`t use a strip with pilot light. The light likely explodes and/or
burns. You should see/smell some magic smoke :]

3rd Don`t use a strip with switch. Likely the US switches are specified
for 110/127V. With german 230V you may run in trouble. Badly after some
hours of working aparently well. The firefighters/police will find the
reason! :[

YMMV



Saludos (an alle Vernünftigen, Rest sh. sig)
Wolfgang

--
Wolfgang Allinger, anerkannter Trollallergiker reply Adresse gesetzt!
Ich diskutiere zukünftig weniger mit Idioten, denn sie ziehen mich auf
ihr Niveau herunter und schlagen mich dort mit ihrer Erfahrung!
(lt. alter usenet Weisheit) iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, iRak, iDiot

 

[Wolfgang Allinger]

On 18 May 14 at group /sci/electronics/repair in article Cu5xa4REQoB@allinger-307049.user.uni-berlin
<all2001@spambog.com> (Wolfgang Allinger) wrote:

Ingrid says, look at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country


There you will find voltage, frequency and plug of the IEC world

So Italy and Germany are likely equal. A plug Type C (CCC 7/16 Europlug)
will work in these countries and likely in whole continental Europe.

The british people/power is strange :]

However these C plugs are not polarized and have no earth. So you may
run in trouble with earthed devices from USA, maybe power to the housing


It`s better to use only special isolated devices. They show a double
lined quadratical box.


There is also something written about safety!


Saludos (an alle Vernünftigen, Rest sh. sig)
Wolfgang

--
Wolfgang Allinger, anerkannter Trollallergiker reply Adresse gesetzt!
Ich diskutiere zukünftig weniger mit Idioten, denn sie ziehen mich auf
ihr Niveau herunter und schlagen mich dort mit ihrer Erfahrung!
(lt. alter usenet Weisheit) iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, iRak, iDiot

 

[Michael Black]

On Sun, 18 May 2014, Jessie Williams wrote:

Jessie Williams <JessieWilliams@is.invalid> wrote:

If I go the route of bringing a US power strip, how would I know whether
a US 120V 60Hz power strip could handle the 240V 50Hz European power?

I don't think I made it clear, but I don't plan on bringing a
'converter' (which is, I think, a step-down device).

I'm hoping to just plug a "dumb" US power strip into European wall
outlets using only a "dumb" US-prong-to-Europe-pin plug adapter.

The question is whether the dumb US power strip will handle the
220 volts without melting or arcing.

Change your thinking.

Figure out what you are taking, and instead of AC adapters, get cables for
them. Since at this point most devices take 5V, you need cables with USB
at one end, and whatever at the other end (be it the multipin connector
for the iWhatever or a microUSB for that device or a microUSB for that
other device.

The cables will take up less space.

Once in Europe, get cheap AC adapters that put out 5v into USB at
appropriate amperage. If you don't need to charge them all, then you
don't need an AC adapter for each. Just plug in as needed. You can get
such adapters at the "Dollar stores" or European equivalent, though I'm
not sure i'd take that much of a risk, but you can find them around. IN
North America you can even get power bars wtih USB outlets for this sort
of thing included, though I don't know what kind of current they put out;
so theoretically you could just get a powerbar in Europe and use the USB
ports for charging with your cables.

My Blackberry Playbook Tablet AC adapter had gotten flakey (something
wasn't always making contact, I assume a bad connector), so I just pulled
out some scrap 5v 2amp AC adapter (that is a switching supply) and wired
in a dual-USB connector off a scrap motherboard. So now I have a good USB
charging station, just need cables between it and the various devices.

If I was going to Europe, I might check and see if I had any AC adapters
that worked on 240v, at which point I'd maybe add some more USB connectors
and take that, already for use in Europe except the AC plug is wrong.

Michael