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AC Power Adapters - Do I Really Need Them?
By: Tara Pearce, Mon Aug 21st, 2006
By now you have decided where you want to go and if you have
read my ac adapter article you know whether or not you need to
bring along some ac power adapters. Unfortunately, like many
things in life, there are no exact rules governing travel
adapters.
I recommend bringing power adapters even if you know your
destination uses the same kind of ac plug. Many tropical
vacation destinations only have power outlets without a ground.
Therefore if you have a grounded plug (like on your laptop) you
will need an ac power adapter to convert it for a non-grounded
outlet. North Americans please remember that many of your
appliances with non-grounded plugs are polarized. (ie. They can
only fit in one way). You may need an ac wall adapter in many
countries as their outlets will not accept polarized plugs.
If you are traveling to Great Britain you should be extra
careful about which ac adapters you bring. Britain doesn’t have
a standardized system for ac adaptors and actually have several
different kinds of wall outlets, so you may need to purchase a
travel adapter once you reach your hotel. If you do, you can
find foreign plug adapters at the local hardware store.
These ac wall adapters are relatively cheap and I recommend
bringing several with you. Power adapters are easy to lose and
fellow travelers will want to borrow an adapter from you. Always
carry at least one ac adapter with you at all times – maybe in
your backpack - because you don’t want to be caught without a
power adapter when you need it. And please don’t forget these
electrical adapter plugs do NOT convert electricity. Please take
a look at my Power Converter page for more information.
About the author:
Tara Pearce is the publisher and webmaster of a1-travel-accessories.com
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