RTW trip. Looking for a power converter

[Batesy]

Hello all. Getting closer to our RTW done4 honeymoon.
I am looking for an all in one power adaptor. Travelling from OZ to USA, UK and Singapore. Any suggestions, or websites that might be able to help?

 

[serfty]

May this should be in "Your Questions" ...

There's a thread on this topic here: Travel Adapters

Anyway, Qantas sell a multi adaptor in flight duty free for $35.

You can see more on it by clicking the picture on this page: In Sky Shopping - Travel Goods

 

[simongr]

I have one of those and it works very well. A little bulky sometimes if other people need access to the sockets. If you have multiple items I suggest taking a three/four socket adapter to plug in your Oz items and then plug in the multi socket adpator into the international one.

One thing I have noted was that in US sockets it wasnt as secure a fitting as other sockets.

S

 

[Batesy]

Thanks for the responses, I have now pre-ordered my adaptor from Qantas to be delivered to me in my business class seat on the way SFO!!!

 

[Febs]

simongr - Can I ask, what do you do about three-pronged Australian plugs? I've often seen that adapter (and various iterations of it - Kensington, Travel Pac etc...) but to me, it seems completely useless as it seems to only accept two-pronged Aussie plugs.

Is that the case, or is there a way to remove that small piece of plastic blocking the third prong? I can't even think of a device I own that has a two-pronged plug.

Other than that it looks great, and the USB charger would be excellent for when travelling without a laptop.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[simongr]

You just jam a key (I didnt have an scissors when I bought my replacement at HKG as I left one on my LHR-HKG flight) through the soft plastic where the third slot should be.

I dont have the USB version (at least I cant find a USB shaped hole in mine even though it does "break" into two parts...

I am also cmbining mine with the lightweight Kensington travel/in flight power for laptop (when my new smarttips arrive from the US).

 

[Febs]

Thanks Simon. I suspected that would be the case, but when I asked the guy at Officeworks (first mistake I guess, but they were on special) he said you couldn't remove it.

Will have to pick one up on my flight home.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[serfty]

They actually make this spot quite simple to enhance for the earth pin. It's partially perforated. I guess it for compliance reasons; removing it makes the 3 prong plugs fit well, but obviously, the earth pin on the plug is not connected to anything.

Looking at the left hand adapter you can see this spot as the small oval section between the two lowest sockets.

 

[simongr]

They actually make this spot quite simple to enhance for the earth pin. It's partially perforated.

Interesting use of the word enhance to describe mauling something with a stanley knife/screwdriver/key - perhaps a little bitter about FF enhancements

 

[serfty]

Interesting use of the word enhance to describe mauling something with a stanley knife/screwdriver/key - perhaps a little bitter about FF enhancements

Actually, its more of an action to force the tab off the device (and hope it comes out rather than falls into the adapter body).

I did it with a paper clip.

And yes, it does enhance the device by enabling it to be employed with 3 pin Oz/NZ plugs.

 

[moa999]

Just ensure you are using dual voltage devices!

 

[Mal]

Yep, have the same one. Works well.

One thing I've had happen though is that one of the two prongs attaching the conversion module to the main part of it has snapped. (AA baggage handlers :shock: ) Still is fine, but a bit loose. I may be able to claim it under warranty if I want to post it over to Switzerland... although I might wait until they appoint an Australian agent which is supposed to be soon)

Agree with the other comments here. A little bulky and can be hard to put into some sockets, but quite handy. A little loose in American sockets.

I'm not too sure about the safety/legitimacy aspect of knocking out the earth socket bit tho.

(Mine is a Swiss Travel Products one from BA).

Also keep in mind that it doesn't convert voltage - only changes pins around.

 

[Maca44]

I purchased the Kensington Travel Plug Adapter from Frequency at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney, and it is good for all countries and also good for charging the ipod inflight with the USB attachment. Just be careful connecting if you need to change the top of the adapter that you put it on the right way otherwise you will have problems. Cost $44.95.

Features
* All-in-one plug provides adapters for more than 150 countries
* Easy to use with slide-out power plugs
* Compact, self-contained unit eliminates tangle of adapters
* Adapts power outlets for laptops, chargers and similar devices
* Safety release button and built-in fuse ensure safe operation
System Requirements
Suitable for most consumer electronics. 2.5A; 110V - max 275W; 220V - max 550W. Does not reduce or convert electrical voltage. Not for use with high-watt devices such as hairdryers and irons. Please check electronic device specifications before using.

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