"You're Going Where?

Buying your Transformers and Adapters

Nine times out of ten, you are going to be smarter than the salesperson. Be patient with them, for they know not of what you speak. I sometimes wonder if they even have a clue that other countries exist, let alone have different power supplies.

Stores where you can reasonably expect to find transformers/adapters:

• Best Buy
• Circuit City
• Staples
• Office Depot
• Fry’s Electronics
• Walgreens (believe it or not)
• CompUSA
• Ace Hardware
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• The Sharper Image

Online retailers who also carry transformers/adapters:

• Amazon.com
• Outpost.com (via Fry’s Electronics)
• Walgreens.com
• Bestbuy.com

Obviously, this list isn't all-inclusive. You may find that the corner family-owned hardware store has exactly the transformer you've been looking for.

You may also find that your new country has plenty of adapters (and maybe even transformers) in the local markets for purchase. However, this isn't something you should exactly count on, and in my (admittedly short) experience, it's better to buy at least a few adapters and transformers before you go overseas.

Okay, so what am I looking for again? Well, here's a quick refresher:

Adapters are used to change the plug on your appliance. They can ONLY be used with dual voltage items or in conjunction with a transformer.

Transformers change the voltage from the wall so that your appliance will work correctly. They can be used with any appliance.

(If that doesn't completely answer your questions, read the electronics page for a longer explanation.)

Here are some descriptions and links of various transformers and adapters I've used, as well as pictures:

Adapters:

TravelSmart All-in-One Adapter with Surge Protection

• up to 15A
• works with dual voltage computers
• works with all five plug types

TravelSmart Grounded Adapter Plug

• one of the few grounded plugs I’ve found on the market – most work only with the US 2-plug version
• accepts different plug types
• you have to know what plug you need, because each adapter works with only one plug type

transformers:

TravelSmart Dual Wattage International Converter Set

• Similar to the TravelSmart Adapter Plugs, except this has the whole set of plugs, as well as a converter. I actually don’t much like this converter; it tends to be wiggly and unstable, and I’m always nervous that it will fall off the wall before I’m finished.
• Despite being rated up to 2000W, it carries a warning not to use to it with anything rated above 25W. And it’s not to be used with computers, TVs, or fax machines. I have used it for blenders and mixers and other appliances in the 300-400W range, however, and didn't set off any smoke alarms.

Recoton transformer

• The main drawback of this transformer is that it's only rated up to 50W. It has a replaceable fuse, but I have been unable to locate the fuses here. As well, the device blew its fuse the first time my husband tried to use it - whether that's because he didn't read the warning label about wattage, or just because it's not a good transformer, I can't say for certain.

Online retailers where you can purchase adapters and transformers are listed here. If you have used any of these items, and would like to put in your two cents, please email me to tell me about your experience.

Ace Harware

• A small but fairly complete selection of adapters at reasonable prices.
• Do a search for "plug adapter".

American Tourister

• Your basic all-in-one packages, either for straight-up adapters or for transformers. They're about the same price as other packages I've seen on the market.
• Do a search for "adapter".

Amazon.com

• The king of online shopping, Amazon has plenty of converters on their site. Except about half of them seem to be unavailable. Still, what's there is reasonably priced.
• Do a search for "voltage converters".

Best Buy

• One would think Best Buy would have a better selection, but all they've got is the Recoton transformer I don't like.
• Do a search for "Recoton transformer".

Outpost.com

• An extremely good selection with very good prices, and should be one-stop shopping. But navigation is practically impossible unless you have infinite amounts of patience or know exactly what you're looking for.
• Do a search for "Franzus", which is the name of a good transformer and adapter company. Also try a search for "voltage converter". Any other kind of search will leave you tearing your hair out.

Well, that about covers it. Have a good trip...and don't blow anything up! If you've learned something about electricity you'd like to share - let me know!

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