Electricity 201 - Types of Converters and Where to Buy Them

[Steve_YYZ]

Ok, so you've read the Traveller's Electricity 101 thread and have decided that you need to buy a Voltage Converter for your trip. Now you're trying to figure out what to buy, and where. So here's your list of suppliers. If you find one that's not on the list, let me know and I'll try and research the specs and add it to the listing.

Which means you're now going to ask me, which is the best. Well the Lewis n Clark models EK121 and EK111 available from the CAA are definately the most usefull as they are the only Voltage Converters that are dual use simply by the throw of a switch. But they might also be more than your needs and higher than you wish to pay.

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First off, this little graphic shows just how things go together once you get to your hotel room.



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Walmart

$19.93
American Tourister 1600 Watt Converter
Model AM0030WH

Converts: 220/240V AC to 110/120 V AC, Rated 50-1600 watts.
Good for Blow Dryers and High Wattage Appliances, Travel Irons, Steamers, etc.
NOT for use with Electronics or Chargers
NOT for Continuous Use

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The Source by Circuit City (formerly Radio Shack)

$36.99
50-WATT FOREIGN TRAVEL AC CONVERTER
Catalog Number:  2731412

50-watt foreign travel AC converter. Converts foreign 220/240V AC to standard 110/120V AC. Built-in adapters fit most outlets found in Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong and more.
Good for Electronic Devices and Battery Chargers
NOT for use with Dryers and High Wattage Appliances
NOT for Continuous Use

$42.99
1600W FOREIGN TRAVEL AC CONVERTER
Catalog Number:  2731413

1600W foreign travel AC converter. Converts foreign 220/240V AC to standard 110/120V AC. Built-in adapters fit most outlets found in Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong and more.
Good for Blow Dryers and High Wattage Appliances, Travel Irons, Steamers, etc.
NOT for use with Electronics or Chargers
NOT for Continuous Use

$42.99
85-WATT FOREIGN AC CONVERTER FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Catalog Number:  2738028

Stepdown continuous use foreign travel AC power converters for overseas travel. Allows you to run 110VAC electronic products in foreign countries that have 240VAC power. Maximum 85-watts.
Good for Electronic Devices and Battery Chargers
NOT for use with Dryers and High Wattage Appliances
Good for Continuous Use

$32.99
50-WATT FOREIGN AC CONVERTER FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Catalog Number:  2731401

50-watt foreign AC converter.
Good for Electronic Devices and Battery Chargers
NOT for use with Dryers and High Wattage Appliances
NOT for Continuous Use

$39.99
1600-WATT FOREIGN TRAVEL AC CONVERTER
Catalog Number:  2731404

1600-watt foreign travel AC converter.
Good for Blow Dryers and High Wattage Appliances, Travel Irons, Steamers, etc.
NOT for use with Electronics or Chargers
NOT for Continuous Use

$69.99
200W STEP-DOWN TRAVEL CONVERTER
Catalog Number:  2731415

Allows North American products-up to 200W to be used overseas.  Fuse protected. Converts from 220/240 volts to standard 110/220 VAC.
Good for Continuous Use with Ungrounded Products
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PLUG ADAPTORS ONLY

$22.99
NEXXTECH UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER PLUG WITH SURGE PROTECTION
Catalog Number:  2731445

This travel plug adapter with surge protector is perfect for use in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and many Asian Pacific Countries. The adapter is equipped with 3 sets of plug blades–use what you need and store the rest away. Blades fold down and retract for easy packing and storage. The surge protector has a lighted surge indicator. Rated 10A/250V AC and 15A/125V AC. Please note that this adapter doesn't convert voltage.

$9.99
FOREIGN TRAVEL ADAPTER - CONTINENTAL EUROPE

Foreign Travel adapter Type B. For Continental Europe and is generally the type of plug found in Cuban Hotels with 220 Volts.

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Canadian Tire

$24.99
CONAIR TK952C INTERNATIONAL CONVERTER KIT
Catalog Number:  6319544

Use your electrical appliances anywhere in the world with the Conair International Converter Kit. The kit includes a voltage convert that converts 220/240V to 110/120V and three different plug adapters. It is rated for use in appliances from 50 to 1875 watts and suitable for use in most outlets outside North America.
Good for Blow Dryers and High Wattage Appliances, Travel Irons, Steamers, etc.
NOT for use with Electronics or Chargers
NOT for Continuous Use

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CAA Travel Stores (Canadian Automobile Association)

*note: MP = Members Price and NMP = Non-Members Price

Lewis N Clark products.
http://www.lewisnclark.com/products/portfolio.asp?CatID=459

Lewis n Clark
MP $17.99   NMP $22.99
E109 - 50 Watt Transformer

Use with 110V electric or electronic appliances up to 50 watts in countries operating on 220V. European 2-pin plug fits most European outlets. Constructed of durable polycarbonate casing. Includes travel pouch.
Reduces 220V to 110V - for use in countries operating on 220V
For use with 110V electric or electronic appliances up to 50 watts
European 2-pin plug fits most European outlets
Includes travel pouch
Good for Electronic Devices and Battery Chargers
NOT for use with Dryers and High Wattage Appliances
NOT for Continuous Use
E109 Instruction Manual PDF

Lewis n Clark
EK121:Dual Converter Kit
MP $38.99   NMP $48.99

Use with 110V electric or electronic appliances up to 50 watts in countries operating on 220V. Use with electric appliances between 50 and 2000 watts. Constructed of durable polycarbonate casing. Includes travel pouch.
Reduces 220V to 110V - for use in countries operating on 220V
For use with 110V electric heating appliances up to 2000 watts, and electronic appliances up to 50 watts.
European 2-pin plug fits most European outlets
Auto-reset fuse
Includes four international adapter plugs and travel pouch
IMPORTANT: Check the wattage of your appliance before operation to determine appropriate switch setting. Do not use with any appliances equipped with timers or automatic functions. Read instructions carefully before operation.

Also available as Model E111 which is the same voltage converter, but without the adaptor plugs.


Good for Electronic Devices and Battery Chargers
Good for Blow Dryers and High Wattage Appliances, Travel Irons, Steamers, etc.
NOT for Continuous Use
EK121 Instruction Manual PDF