When you are on your first visit to Europe, you may be puzzled by the unfamiliar electrical system in the country you visit. You might even be astounded by the size of the wall outlets as you attempt to plug-in your cell phone charger or laptop. This can be a problem especially if you are not prepared. You will need a travel adapter to be able to connect your appliance to the country's electrical system.
Another possible problem you may encounter when you visit European countries is the incompatibility of the power input of your appliance with the power supplied by the wall outlet. The voltage used in most European countries is 220 volts. If your camera, cell phone, or laptop charger uses 110 volts to make it work, you have an even bigger problem.
What's the use of a travel adapter?
You need a power or travel adapter to be able to get power from the outlet. Travel adapters contain the input plugs with the right shape and number of prongs to be able to connect to the wall outlet. It also contains the exact shape and number of holes where you can connect the power cord of your appliance and get power from the power supply.
But adapters could only allow you to connect your power cord to a 'foreign' outlet. It can not convert electricity from 220 volts to 110 volts. If the power supply of the place is different from the power input of your appliance, do not ever attempt to connect it to the power source even if you have an adapter. It will certainly get busted. If you do, your appliance will get busted, and it's more difficult for you to retrieve information from them.
With this in mind, you should be able to prepare what you need on your visit to any European country. Here are a few things that you need to consider when planning to visit Europe:
1. Identify the country you will be visiting.
You should identify the country that you are going to visit in order to know the type of electrical outlets it uses as well as the type of voltage it supplies. You will know these by making a simple research on the Internet. Once you have the idea of your target country's electrical system, you should buy the proper adapter or transformer you will need to make your appliances work.
Most electronic gadgets now have multi-voltage capabilities. But you still need to check the voltage requirement of your appliances so that you will be able to buy the right power gadget for them in your destination.
2. Determine if you need just a travel adapter or a power transformer.
Remember, if the voltage of your target country is the same as the power input of your appliances, and only the type of electrical outlet is not compatible, you only need to use a travel adapter. But if the voltage is different, you should use a voltage transformer or converter to prevent your gadgets from getting damaged.
Travel adapters and power transformers are available in hardware, electrical and electronic supplies stores. They are also available online for your convenience. Electrical adapters are not expensive. The cost of portable appliances is a bit higher, but they are very affordable.
