Power Strip for Europe
I'm a Canadian citizen travelling to Europe for the first time and was worried about the difference in voltage between the 2 countries. Currently, I plan to bring a travel adapter (not a voltage converter) and a power strip which I bought recently. The power strip is marketed as something without surge protection, but at the same time it has overcharge protection and overvoltage protection. As well, I am confused by the power rating which states 125V, when I'm planning to use it with 220V, is this a potential hazard? Would this power strip + adapter combination be alright for Europe? Sorry for my bad physics knowledge and thank you so much in advance.
Specifications of the Power Strip: Power rating: 1250W (125V 10A), USB power rating: 15W (5V 3A), USB port input: AC 100-240V 50/60HZ.
P.S. The power strip in question can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073ZCG3JR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
europe power
New contributor
add a comment |
I'm a Canadian citizen travelling to Europe for the first time and was worried about the difference in voltage between the 2 countries. Currently, I plan to bring a travel adapter (not a voltage converter) and a power strip which I bought recently. The power strip is marketed as something without surge protection, but at the same time it has overcharge protection and overvoltage protection. As well, I am confused by the power rating which states 125V, when I'm planning to use it with 220V, is this a potential hazard? Would this power strip + adapter combination be alright for Europe? Sorry for my bad physics knowledge and thank you so much in advance.
Specifications of the Power Strip: Power rating: 1250W (125V 10A), USB power rating: 15W (5V 3A), USB port input: AC 100-240V 50/60HZ.
P.S. The power strip in question can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073ZCG3JR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
europe power
New contributor
Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago
add a comment |
I'm a Canadian citizen travelling to Europe for the first time and was worried about the difference in voltage between the 2 countries. Currently, I plan to bring a travel adapter (not a voltage converter) and a power strip which I bought recently. The power strip is marketed as something without surge protection, but at the same time it has overcharge protection and overvoltage protection. As well, I am confused by the power rating which states 125V, when I'm planning to use it with 220V, is this a potential hazard? Would this power strip + adapter combination be alright for Europe? Sorry for my bad physics knowledge and thank you so much in advance.
Specifications of the Power Strip: Power rating: 1250W (125V 10A), USB power rating: 15W (5V 3A), USB port input: AC 100-240V 50/60HZ.
P.S. The power strip in question can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073ZCG3JR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
europe power
New contributor
I'm a Canadian citizen travelling to Europe for the first time and was worried about the difference in voltage between the 2 countries. Currently, I plan to bring a travel adapter (not a voltage converter) and a power strip which I bought recently. The power strip is marketed as something without surge protection, but at the same time it has overcharge protection and overvoltage protection. As well, I am confused by the power rating which states 125V, when I'm planning to use it with 220V, is this a potential hazard? Would this power strip + adapter combination be alright for Europe? Sorry for my bad physics knowledge and thank you so much in advance.
Specifications of the Power Strip: Power rating: 1250W (125V 10A), USB power rating: 15W (5V 3A), USB port input: AC 100-240V 50/60HZ.
P.S. The power strip in question can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073ZCG3JR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
europe power
europe power
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked 4 hours ago
user264985user264985
1262
1262
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New contributor
Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago
add a comment |
Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago
Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
It's worth treating this as 2 separate devices - a USB charger, and a power board.
The USB charger is simple - it'll work fine in Europe. It specifically states that it'll handle 100-240 volts, which means that it's designed to work in all European countries (plus all other countries around the world!)
The power board itself is a different story. It states that it's rated for "1250W (125V 10A)". Power in European countries is ~220 volts, not 125 volts, so the question becomes can I use a power board designed for 125 volts in a country that uses 220 volts, and the answer is 'maybe'.
Without getting too deep into electrical theory, the difference between a piece of wire (which is basically what this is) that is designed to handle 125 volts and one that is designed to handle 240 volts is the thickness of the insulation around the wired. Google will tell you why this is the case, but simply put the higher the voltage passing through a piece of wire, the thicker the insulation around the wire needs to be.
Given the types of loads you will likely be using with this board, odds are that the insulation it includes is "good enough", although it may or may not actually meet the European legal requirements for 240 volt insulation.
Presuming you only intend to use low-power devices like mobile chargers and laptops then I would not expect you to have any issues with this device, but technically it may not meet the legal requirements to use it in Europe, and could potentially be a safely risk as a result.
The question of why would it states that the USB charger in the device supports working on 240 volts when the board itself is only rated at 125 volts is something you would need to ask the manufacturer...
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
add a comment |
It is basically a complete unknown whether that would work with 240V AC or not, for example it has a switch, who knows what's that rated for. There are any number of power strips on Amazon (example there's a table for related devices, look at those too) rated for 240V, go with those.
However, if you don't need a ground (which very often you don't) then the MOGICS Bagel / Donut and its spiritual successor (and licensee), the upcoming Maru (& Masa) Kickstarter is vastly superior to these devices because of their size and international adapter.
add a comment |
For a product like this with conversion to USB, switches and protection I would not use it outside its rated input. Much simpler to buy a product rated for 240V.
If all your chargers are 240V input rated then the easiest way is to buy enough plug adapters for the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously. One charger with multiple USB outputs and a travel adapter for it, and a second for a laptop charger (assuming that charger is 240V rated).
add a comment |
You don't need that much hardware for regular electronic gadgets.
I (canadian) only bring a couple of plug adapters and a couple of cables (usb and apple).
All my gadgets (phone, watch, kindle, laptop, camera chargers) are all rated 110-220v.
I've been (recently) to France, Italy and Spain and did not have any problems.
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
It's worth treating this as 2 separate devices - a USB charger, and a power board.
The USB charger is simple - it'll work fine in Europe. It specifically states that it'll handle 100-240 volts, which means that it's designed to work in all European countries (plus all other countries around the world!)
The power board itself is a different story. It states that it's rated for "1250W (125V 10A)". Power in European countries is ~220 volts, not 125 volts, so the question becomes can I use a power board designed for 125 volts in a country that uses 220 volts, and the answer is 'maybe'.
Without getting too deep into electrical theory, the difference between a piece of wire (which is basically what this is) that is designed to handle 125 volts and one that is designed to handle 240 volts is the thickness of the insulation around the wired. Google will tell you why this is the case, but simply put the higher the voltage passing through a piece of wire, the thicker the insulation around the wire needs to be.
Given the types of loads you will likely be using with this board, odds are that the insulation it includes is "good enough", although it may or may not actually meet the European legal requirements for 240 volt insulation.
Presuming you only intend to use low-power devices like mobile chargers and laptops then I would not expect you to have any issues with this device, but technically it may not meet the legal requirements to use it in Europe, and could potentially be a safely risk as a result.
The question of why would it states that the USB charger in the device supports working on 240 volts when the board itself is only rated at 125 volts is something you would need to ask the manufacturer...
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
add a comment |
It's worth treating this as 2 separate devices - a USB charger, and a power board.
The USB charger is simple - it'll work fine in Europe. It specifically states that it'll handle 100-240 volts, which means that it's designed to work in all European countries (plus all other countries around the world!)
The power board itself is a different story. It states that it's rated for "1250W (125V 10A)". Power in European countries is ~220 volts, not 125 volts, so the question becomes can I use a power board designed for 125 volts in a country that uses 220 volts, and the answer is 'maybe'.
Without getting too deep into electrical theory, the difference between a piece of wire (which is basically what this is) that is designed to handle 125 volts and one that is designed to handle 240 volts is the thickness of the insulation around the wired. Google will tell you why this is the case, but simply put the higher the voltage passing through a piece of wire, the thicker the insulation around the wire needs to be.
Given the types of loads you will likely be using with this board, odds are that the insulation it includes is "good enough", although it may or may not actually meet the European legal requirements for 240 volt insulation.
Presuming you only intend to use low-power devices like mobile chargers and laptops then I would not expect you to have any issues with this device, but technically it may not meet the legal requirements to use it in Europe, and could potentially be a safely risk as a result.
The question of why would it states that the USB charger in the device supports working on 240 volts when the board itself is only rated at 125 volts is something you would need to ask the manufacturer...
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
add a comment |
It's worth treating this as 2 separate devices - a USB charger, and a power board.
The USB charger is simple - it'll work fine in Europe. It specifically states that it'll handle 100-240 volts, which means that it's designed to work in all European countries (plus all other countries around the world!)
The power board itself is a different story. It states that it's rated for "1250W (125V 10A)". Power in European countries is ~220 volts, not 125 volts, so the question becomes can I use a power board designed for 125 volts in a country that uses 220 volts, and the answer is 'maybe'.
Without getting too deep into electrical theory, the difference between a piece of wire (which is basically what this is) that is designed to handle 125 volts and one that is designed to handle 240 volts is the thickness of the insulation around the wired. Google will tell you why this is the case, but simply put the higher the voltage passing through a piece of wire, the thicker the insulation around the wire needs to be.
Given the types of loads you will likely be using with this board, odds are that the insulation it includes is "good enough", although it may or may not actually meet the European legal requirements for 240 volt insulation.
Presuming you only intend to use low-power devices like mobile chargers and laptops then I would not expect you to have any issues with this device, but technically it may not meet the legal requirements to use it in Europe, and could potentially be a safely risk as a result.
The question of why would it states that the USB charger in the device supports working on 240 volts when the board itself is only rated at 125 volts is something you would need to ask the manufacturer...
It's worth treating this as 2 separate devices - a USB charger, and a power board.
The USB charger is simple - it'll work fine in Europe. It specifically states that it'll handle 100-240 volts, which means that it's designed to work in all European countries (plus all other countries around the world!)
The power board itself is a different story. It states that it's rated for "1250W (125V 10A)". Power in European countries is ~220 volts, not 125 volts, so the question becomes can I use a power board designed for 125 volts in a country that uses 220 volts, and the answer is 'maybe'.
Without getting too deep into electrical theory, the difference between a piece of wire (which is basically what this is) that is designed to handle 125 volts and one that is designed to handle 240 volts is the thickness of the insulation around the wired. Google will tell you why this is the case, but simply put the higher the voltage passing through a piece of wire, the thicker the insulation around the wire needs to be.
Given the types of loads you will likely be using with this board, odds are that the insulation it includes is "good enough", although it may or may not actually meet the European legal requirements for 240 volt insulation.
Presuming you only intend to use low-power devices like mobile chargers and laptops then I would not expect you to have any issues with this device, but technically it may not meet the legal requirements to use it in Europe, and could potentially be a safely risk as a result.
The question of why would it states that the USB charger in the device supports working on 240 volts when the board itself is only rated at 125 volts is something you would need to ask the manufacturer...
answered 3 hours ago
DocDoc
76k5177281
76k5177281
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
add a comment |
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
3
3
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
The problem is that the fuses, PTCs and varistors may not be rated for 240VAC. It could mean, for example, that the fuse cannot properly stop an over-current @240VAC, which is quite dangerous.
– gstorto
2 hours ago
add a comment |
It is basically a complete unknown whether that would work with 240V AC or not, for example it has a switch, who knows what's that rated for. There are any number of power strips on Amazon (example there's a table for related devices, look at those too) rated for 240V, go with those.
However, if you don't need a ground (which very often you don't) then the MOGICS Bagel / Donut and its spiritual successor (and licensee), the upcoming Maru (& Masa) Kickstarter is vastly superior to these devices because of their size and international adapter.
add a comment |
It is basically a complete unknown whether that would work with 240V AC or not, for example it has a switch, who knows what's that rated for. There are any number of power strips on Amazon (example there's a table for related devices, look at those too) rated for 240V, go with those.
However, if you don't need a ground (which very often you don't) then the MOGICS Bagel / Donut and its spiritual successor (and licensee), the upcoming Maru (& Masa) Kickstarter is vastly superior to these devices because of their size and international adapter.
add a comment |
It is basically a complete unknown whether that would work with 240V AC or not, for example it has a switch, who knows what's that rated for. There are any number of power strips on Amazon (example there's a table for related devices, look at those too) rated for 240V, go with those.
However, if you don't need a ground (which very often you don't) then the MOGICS Bagel / Donut and its spiritual successor (and licensee), the upcoming Maru (& Masa) Kickstarter is vastly superior to these devices because of their size and international adapter.
It is basically a complete unknown whether that would work with 240V AC or not, for example it has a switch, who knows what's that rated for. There are any number of power strips on Amazon (example there's a table for related devices, look at those too) rated for 240V, go with those.
However, if you don't need a ground (which very often you don't) then the MOGICS Bagel / Donut and its spiritual successor (and licensee), the upcoming Maru (& Masa) Kickstarter is vastly superior to these devices because of their size and international adapter.
answered 4 hours ago
chxchx
37.9k482188
37.9k482188
add a comment |
add a comment |
For a product like this with conversion to USB, switches and protection I would not use it outside its rated input. Much simpler to buy a product rated for 240V.
If all your chargers are 240V input rated then the easiest way is to buy enough plug adapters for the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously. One charger with multiple USB outputs and a travel adapter for it, and a second for a laptop charger (assuming that charger is 240V rated).
add a comment |
For a product like this with conversion to USB, switches and protection I would not use it outside its rated input. Much simpler to buy a product rated for 240V.
If all your chargers are 240V input rated then the easiest way is to buy enough plug adapters for the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously. One charger with multiple USB outputs and a travel adapter for it, and a second for a laptop charger (assuming that charger is 240V rated).
add a comment |
For a product like this with conversion to USB, switches and protection I would not use it outside its rated input. Much simpler to buy a product rated for 240V.
If all your chargers are 240V input rated then the easiest way is to buy enough plug adapters for the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously. One charger with multiple USB outputs and a travel adapter for it, and a second for a laptop charger (assuming that charger is 240V rated).
For a product like this with conversion to USB, switches and protection I would not use it outside its rated input. Much simpler to buy a product rated for 240V.
If all your chargers are 240V input rated then the easiest way is to buy enough plug adapters for the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously. One charger with multiple USB outputs and a travel adapter for it, and a second for a laptop charger (assuming that charger is 240V rated).
answered 3 hours ago
DJClayworthDJClayworth
35.5k794132
35.5k794132
add a comment |
add a comment |
You don't need that much hardware for regular electronic gadgets.
I (canadian) only bring a couple of plug adapters and a couple of cables (usb and apple).
All my gadgets (phone, watch, kindle, laptop, camera chargers) are all rated 110-220v.
I've been (recently) to France, Italy and Spain and did not have any problems.
add a comment |
You don't need that much hardware for regular electronic gadgets.
I (canadian) only bring a couple of plug adapters and a couple of cables (usb and apple).
All my gadgets (phone, watch, kindle, laptop, camera chargers) are all rated 110-220v.
I've been (recently) to France, Italy and Spain and did not have any problems.
add a comment |
You don't need that much hardware for regular electronic gadgets.
I (canadian) only bring a couple of plug adapters and a couple of cables (usb and apple).
All my gadgets (phone, watch, kindle, laptop, camera chargers) are all rated 110-220v.
I've been (recently) to France, Italy and Spain and did not have any problems.
You don't need that much hardware for regular electronic gadgets.
I (canadian) only bring a couple of plug adapters and a couple of cables (usb and apple).
All my gadgets (phone, watch, kindle, laptop, camera chargers) are all rated 110-220v.
I've been (recently) to France, Italy and Spain and did not have any problems.
answered 3 hours ago
MaxMax
9,31111833
9,31111833
add a comment |
add a comment |
user264985 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user264985 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user264985 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user264985 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Note that won't plug into a UK mains power socket.
– Weather Vane
3 hours ago
What are you going to be plugging in? Is it all chargers for mobile devices/computers, or is there something else you are planning on plugging in?
– DJClayworth
3 hours ago
@DJClayworth just chargers, mobile devices and laptops rated for 100-240V
– user264985
3 hours ago