Question about using extension cord with electrical converter / adapter

Hi,

I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

Thanks!

Mark

On 24 Oct 2003 15:17:17 -0700, (Me) wrote:
I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

Where's the "idea" part?

-- Larry

"Me" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

It should work, provided your (unspecified) US device is rated less than the
permitted load for your converter and extension. It's usually a bad idea to
plug in devices that generate heat, like hair dryer, kettle etc as you can
easily overload the system. Also make sure you plug into the local power
supply at the wall socket, not the one in a bathroom etc. which has a
transformer to limit the wattage.

Alec

In article ,
(Me) wrote:

Hi,

I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

Why not? The only issue is that your power converter has enough
wattage to handle the items you want to use it with.

"Me" wrote in message
...
In article ,
(Me) wrote:

Hi,

I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

Why not? The only issue is that your power converter has enough
wattage to handle the items you want to use it with.

There is one other concern. Don't leave the transformer plugged in. Not
only will it continue to pull power as long as it is plugged in, but if it
is a small one suitable for traveling it will be boiling hot. The only ones
that don't get too hot weigh many pounds and are very big.

Me wrote:

I'm traveling to Spain / Morocco tomorrow and I was wondering if this
idea would work with my 120v American electrical devices?

- Plug a converter with appropriate European adapter into the wall.
- Plug an extension cord into the converter.
- Plug our 120v electrical devices into the extension cord.

You've left already (nothing like waiting 'til the last minute)
but make sure your converter is actually suitable for the
electrical devices you'll plug in. Some 'converters' are
really just resistors to drop voltage, suitable only for
things like irons. You really need a transformer or switching
(electronic) supply, especially for powering electronic equipment.

You will probably run up against the power/current limit of your
converter when you try and plug several devices into it at once.
Generally, forget the transformer types since ones that handle
enough power will take all your luggage weight allowance.

Many modern electronic devices will operate on a wide supply
of input voltage (about 90 to 250 volts). They effectively have
their own adaptable supply built in. Check the specifications for
your device (e.g. camcorder, laptop, camera or cell phone charger)
to see whether you can just plug it in directly with the
appropriate 'mechanical' converter.

--
Ken Tough