In this video, we’ll cover all you need to know about power plugs and outlet styles
around the world, for example, how different countries use different voltages and frequencies
what to look for when you’re buying a power adapter, and why all that matters when you travel abroad.
This video is brought to you by Ceptics, a number one brand for travel adapters on Amazon.
And don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel, or ask a question
about travel adapters in the comments below.
Here are our top five recommendations:
NUMBER 5. CHECK THE TYPE OF PLUG FOR YOUR DESTINATION
Just like some countries use miles and others use kilometers, different countries and regions
use different plugs to charge their appliances.
The types of plugs are distinguished by letters.
Here is a list of most areas. See the full list with all information in the description.
Type A and type B are used in North America, some countries in South America, Japan, and the Philippines.
Type C is used in the majority of continental Europe and some parts of Asia,
some parts of Africa, and some parts of South America.
Type D is used, for example, in India.
Types E and F are used in most parts of continental
Europe and parts of Asia, and some parts of Africa.
Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Arabian Peninsula, parts of Africa, Malaysia,
Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Type H is used in Israel
Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina.
Type J: is used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Type K is used in Denmark and Greenland.
Type L is used, for example, in Italy and Chile.
Type M is used in South Africa and Namibia.
Type N is used in South Africa and Brazil.
And type O is used only in Thailand.
So, make sure to always check what outlet system they use in the countries you are traveling to.
For example, if you are traveling to London, Paris, and Rome, you will need three or even
four different plugs, although all these cities are located in Europe.
Check the description for links, or if you use a world adapter kit like this one from
Ceptics, it will usually come with a list of countries.
NUMBER 4. CHECK VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY
Another important thing to know before using
your devices abroad is voltage and frequency.
While most countries in the Americas and Japan
use between 100 and 127 volts and 60 Hz, almost all other countries use twice the voltage,
between 220 and 240 volts and 50 Hz.
So why is that important for you? Your devices must also be compatible with
the voltage and frequency of the country you are traveling to or you can risk damage to
your device or even fire. Most devices we bring to our travels, like
cell phones, laptops, or cameras are usually set up in a way that can be used with different
voltages and frequencies.
However, there are still some appliances that are not.
Hair driers, hair straightness or and steam irons are some examples.
Many of them are designed for a specific voltage only.
Each device should include information about
voltage and frequency compatibility.
Here is how you can find it.
For example, this phone battery charger
is compatible with voltages and frequencies in all regions.
NUMBER 3. WHEN TO GET A TRAVEL ADAPTER
If your device is compatible with the voltage
and frequency of the country you’re traveling to, but the country uses a different outlet
style, you will need a travel adapter.
That is basically a device that adapts to fit your power plug with the country’s power outlet.
Adapters can come in all kinds of shapes and forms, and it’s important to distinguish
between grounded and ungrounded adapters.
Grounded plugs have three prongs instead of two.
The extra prong is used to “ground” or send any extra power into the ground.
Smaller devices such as cell phones don’t need grounding, while some devices, such as
laptops, are designed to be grounded so you should always use a grounded adapter.
NUMBER 2. WHEN TO GET A VOLTAGE CONVERTER
If need to bring a device that uses one voltage or frequency,
like a hair dryer, you should consider using a power converter or transformer instead.
Voltage converters and transformers step up
or step down the voltage and make it safe to use your device.
Some devices that can be used are, for example, hair dryers, or curling irons.
However, voltage converters and transformers are only intended for short-term use, and
they are not suitable for larger devices such as microwaves or mixers.
Don’t forget to unplug your device after use.
NUMBER 1. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING AN ADAPTER?
There is nothing worse than being stuck on your trip
with a low battery and no means to charge your phone or laptop.
If you have already arrived at your destination, buying an adapter can be costly, especially
at the airport, or you might not even have a chance to buy one, so we recommend getting
one before your travel to make your trip easier.
Additionally, your hotel room might be equipped
with only one power outlet, while you might need to charge multiple devices at the same time
so consider buying an adapter with more than one outlet and additional USB and USB-C slots.
If you travel a lot, consider buying an adapter
that comes with multiple outlets styles and you can simply replace it when you arrive
in a different country.
You can also buy an all-in-one international adapter.
Or a set of individual adapters like this one.
It is important to know that not all adapters might fit well.
Some lower quality adapters might be loose, will have trouble staying
in the outlet, or might charge your devices slower, so be sure to always check the reviews
of the adapter you’re buying.
The adapter we use the most is Ceptics Mini Travel Power Strip with multiple attachments.
It allows us to charge up to four devices at once,
since most hotels only have a few outlets.
And we can just take the right attachment with us in a pouch.
So what adapter is right for you?
It all depends on where you travel, how often, how many devices you need to charge, etc.
Keep this in mind when buying one.
In this video, we’re partnering with Ceptics, a number one choice for travelers to and from
the US to the world when it comes to travel adapters.
Check their easy-to-use website to find adapters that fit your needs.
And don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel
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