European Power Adapter

The standard voltage of US is 110 volts but the European power supply seems to be coming out at 230-240 volts through the electrical outlets. In case your electrical shaver is plugged into a French socket, it would burn out unless not rated to function between 110 volts and 240 volts.

Any electrical equipment that you carry should be supportive of certain voltages that you must be aware of. A voltage converter is a small device and is also called a voltage transformer that can convert 110 volts of current into 9-12 volt current. In case the equipment supports converter, ensure that you check the input voltage of your device. The clear indication of the voltage it accepts should be known with the help of label. If it states 110 volts, you may burn both the converter and the appliance in case you plug them in an electrical outlet overseas since the amount of voltage is not enough.

Hence it is wise to carry only those appliances that operate with in the range of 110-240 volt power band or at a low voltage such as 9-12 volts while coming along with a transformer.

For laptop computers, the transformers operate at 100-240 volts. It is always better to check the flexibility of your appliance to the input voltage. In case your laptop functions at 110 volts, it is wise to buy a suitable multi-voltage converter from a Radio Shack store for your particular model.

Similarly, digital cameras and cell phones have battery chargers that need to be checked. Certain battery chargers don't accept higher 240 volt current while some others will accept. The labels on your battery chargers and on the transformer are indicative of the amount of voltage current. The transformer usually comes along with the battery chargers.

Differences in Plug

The electrodes (terminals) on a US plug and French plug are flat and cylindrical respectively. French electrical outlets accept only cylindrical plugs. Hence it is not possible to insert the US flat plug into the French electrical outlet.

It is better to buy an adapter or that comes in various shapes and forms. Go in for a sophisticated adapter or in case you need to plug your devices anywhere in the world. You can easily find cheap adapt ors at your local hardware store. Travel adapt ors are found at the airport.

You should understand that transformers are not adapt ors. The characteristics of the current which is input in your appliance is modified with the us of transformers and adapt ors.

The simple devices that allows your connectivity of US plug in a European or French outlet is called an adapter or.

A converter is heavier since it has a metal coil inside it whereas an adapter or is usually light it is plastic with few metallic parts.

At times when a transformer operates as an adapter or, the shape of the male terminals will be changed to match the receiving socket.