Traveling to Spain, need advice on power adapter?
I have done a ton of research on this topic. I now that the devices that we will be taking (Laptop, Camera, iPhone & Blackberry, wife's curling iron) are all rated at input: 100-240V & 50-60Hz. So, I won't really need a voltage converter, but rather just some adapters. And, as I understand it, I will need the 'Type F' adapter. I'm not really sure if the hotel I will be staying in has grounded plugs or not, but my laptop is the only device that has a ground. All the other devices are ungrounded. Is the grounding issue something I should worry about? Also, do people normally simply buy adapters for each device, and plug them in separately? Or, is there another option? Thanks
Other - Spain - 3 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
If you have done "a ton of research", then you know that there are two types of electrical devices: A VOLTAGE CONVERTER, and a PLUG ADAPTER. If you are SURE that your items are dual voltage (and it looks like they are), then you need plug adapters. Plug adapters are available at any store that sells luggage. They run about $3.00/each. Nope. Most places don't have the same sort of grounding system in Spain. yes, you probably want to have a couple of them. However, if you don't bring enough, you can pick them up at any hardware store in Spain, and there's, like, two on every block, so...not going to be a huge hardship.
Answer 2 :
Most, if not all, hotels in Spain have grounded electrical sockets . The ungrounded ones have two pin holes and are usually sort of rectangular like some shaver sockets. The grounded sockets are round shaped and the round plug or adaptor is pushed inside. The ground connection is via the metal strip on the top and bottom of the adaptor. (If my explanation makes you think of grandmother and egg I apologise!) I sometimes worry about grounding but modern electrical systems have trip switches so I hope that the fear of the ungrounded is unfounded. Don't forget to switch from 110 to 220 on the appliances that need them. I prefer Samsonite adaptors because they are smaller and neater so can go side by side. Some cheaper models have oversize flanges so you can't use two side by side.
Answer 3 :
We use E and F, along with Europlug type C If you're staying in a hotel, look for Europlug Type C You can buy the others, but they'll be larger than needed... --The problem is, for example my cell phone is a Europlug, it isn't designed to be put into an F socket which is recessed... therefore I can't charge my phone from a plug in my bedroom -__- it simply doesn't stay in the wall socket xD blä Like Guiri said, most likely in you're hotel you WON'T have grounded/earthed sockets and so it would be a Europlug type C they are designed for there's not danger mixing the sockets, some things need earth, others don't. - Things like your iPhone, and Blackberry you can charge from your laptop via USB, even your camera. You're laptop, you could look into buying the brand you have for example Dell. But a European plug socket, to plug in. For added piece of mind. and I have no idea what to say about curling-tongs, depending on the value to risk breaking them ?
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