Help! ISO Outlet Converters

[m 'n c]

Hey guys! I am in search of (ISO) electronic converters to be able to use US electronics in the United Kingdom (Dad took the job over there). I found one on Sharper Image but its $40 and he's going to need more than one. I was hoping to find them a tad cheaper so I could get him a few for Christmas.

So what search terms would you use? Anyone have experience buying these things?

[JillyFish]

I just did a product search of "foreign outlet adapters" and Radio Shack came up with a set of 4 or 5 for $16.99. I didn't go any farther than that. Hope that helps!

[m 'n c]

Thanks I'll check them out. I just didn't know what search terms to use. Apparently outlet converter doesn't get you too far.

[Hedy]

Radio shack's where I got mine.

[cglaura]

Try searching travel converter on SR.

The least one I could find was from Circuit city for 19.99

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Franzus-All-In-One-Adapter-Plug-TSM237AP/sem/rpsm/oid/187010/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

and eBags
http://www.ebags.com/travel_accessories/electronics/adapters_converters/category_search/index.cfm?Ne=100&N=4001+20013818

Hope everyone is handling the change well, I know it's been stress filled.

[m 'n c]

We are all doing a little better now. Thanks for asking. My mom is still upset but not as bad. We are just trying to figure out when we can go visit.

My dad actually found out he'd be working with another guy he knows that has been over working in The Netherlands for a while so he's getting excited. :)

[mollyeilis]

I don't know if you ever watch the PBS show, but if you visit the "graffiti wall" on ricksteves.com, you can find out all sorts of stuff about this sort of question! Even while using one of those things I managed to blow a fuse at the B&B, and it's because I somehow used it wrong...so getting real life experience and explanations before buying or using something is good!

However, if this converter is for your dad, and you're talking about bringing DVD players and such there, all I can say (as a former Electronics store CS rep for Amazon.com) is DON'T. If something goes wrong with the electronic device, you're toast. The warranty will NOT cover it (which is why amazon won't ship US electronics anywhere overseas, or even to Canada, which is also why amazon opened other stores to sell things made in/for those countries directly IN those countries) and you'll have to replace it.

I know it's expensive, but then so is shipping all that stuff, but I'd just urge them to replace what they feel they absolutely need, with electronics that don't need converters.

All that is if they are planning on bringing their own stuff like DVD players...if your'e just talking about something so you can use your hair dryer while visiting, disregard. :p

[m 'n c]

Thanks Molly. I am thinking that my parents are thinking about both (bringing a small tv over there as well as something like a hairdryer). I'll have to tell my dad to ask around because there is also the laptop/computer issue and trying to figure out how to get that to work over there. hmm...

[mollyeilis]

He could try to convince his company (I don't know what this job is, I haven't read anything about it!) that if they REALLY want him there, they can certainly provide a certain amount to replace things like that, along with getting PAL DVDs and such. ;) Conveniently, there's amazon.co.uk to help with that. :p

(sorry, I love the company, I've missed it since I quit, and since DH was hired back in Oct I'm even more evangelical about everything-amazon, lol)

[Kycha]

Word of caution, just make sure that you are searching for the right thing. A converter is different from an adaptor. What you want is a step down converter. This converts the 220/240 volts in the UK down to 110 volts for your American electronics. If you don't use this, your electronic items will have a major meltdown. You will need the adaptor as well. But, you can usually find a converter/adaptor kit that has both.

Your Dad may not need a converter. If you look at the power cord for the device he is taking, it will tell you the voltage it can accomodate. For example, my laptop power cord has an input of 100-230v(dual voltage). So, I wouldn't need a converter for my laptop. I would just need the adaptor. Same thing for my battery charger for my digital camera. But, my husbands electric razor is not dual voltage(input of 110 only). So, that would require a converter and adaptor.

Here is a website that explains it better than I can. It tells you exactly what you may need and shows you what the Uk plug adaptor looks like.
http://www.travelproducts.com/store/electric.htm

Looks like Radio Shack is a good place to find what you want. And believe it or not, I found one at Shoebuy.com too.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2426137&siteID=wfhQUf5qWdI-zyY4qqZ.y35w4xduBfk2vA
http://www.shoebuy.com/eagle-creek-auto-dual-wattage-international-converter-set/131727

[m 'n c]

Thanks yall.

I'll see if I can get my mom to look at the hair dryer and electric razor.

Mollyellis- he's getting a shipping allowance and a "moving" allowance but its pretty small and they already warned him he might want to buy here and bring it over due to the horrible exchange rate between the pound and the dollar. Basically he's going overseas for less than a year so its not a permanent thing and therefore the company is paying a little in relocation since its longer than say 3 months but less than a year. With that in mind its also why my parents would prefer american electronics to european since they will be coming back to the US with my dad when he returns.

[Kycha]

If he is taking a dvd player or computer, I would also look into finding a 220v surge protector. When does your Dad leave?

[m 'n c]

If he is taking a dvd player or computer, I would also look into finding a 220v surge protector. When does your Dad leave?

I think officially the project starts in March over there but he'll be working on it over here and some over there before then. Its still a little fuzzy so I have some time but I wanted to at least get one as a Christmas gift since he's so tough to shop for and its one less thing my parents have to worry about or balk at the price about.