help! the voltage differences between NA and EU

[hivemind]

Hi all,

I'll be travelling to France this week from Canada and was wondering if anyone can advise me on using my 110~120V devices in Europe's 220~240V outlets. It seems that I should buy some sort of voltage converter, but I'm not sure which ones are best, or what I should be looking for in terms of specifications.

I plan to be running a few Boss guitar pedals (although batteries can be used here), hardware looper (110V plug adapter only), and a SansAmp that also uses a 110V plug adapter. I was thinking that I would plug all these devices into my power strip/power bar, and that I would plug the power strip into a converter. Does that make sense?

I'm just not sure if a power converter is the only (correct) option, and what sort of needs I have.. should I be counting all the power consumption (I don't really know how to do this beyond adding the wattage numbers, i suppose) in order to find a suitable conversion device? Is there a reliable brand of said device?

I appreciate any kind of insight into this matter.

Thanks,

[Guff Tong]

You need a 'Step Down Voltage Converter'

I'd recommend KRK or Genelec brand...

[hivemind]

You need a 'Step Down Voltage Converter'

I'd recommend KRK or Genelec brand...

Ok, thanks for the info! I'll look into this. Is there a wattage range that is realistic? If I go for a big number, am I taking some kind of risk?

Thanks!

[vicz]

Who knew? http://www.voltageconverters.com/voltag ... rters.html

[Rave]

Step down Ftw. Calculate how many watts (power) u need if you want to bundle.


FYI there is always a risk

[vicz]

Power (Watts) = Volts multiplied by Amps. So multiply each of your adapter's current rating in Amps by the output voltage then add them all together, thats the minimum wattage needed for the converter - round up to the next available size that gives you some margin.

eg a typical 500ma adapter x 9v = .5x9 = 4.5 Watts

[Khazul]

Its a form of defence we have over here - plugging in american gadgets makes them fizz and pop.

Not tried it on americans yet tho...

[hivemind]

thanks everyone,

I ended up borrowing a step down converter from a friend, finally. it was a german brand.. voltcraft maybe?

peace

[twisted-space]

Its a form of defence we have over here - plugging in american gadgets makes them fizz and pop.

Not tried it on americans yet tho...

If you make 'em stand in a puddle first it'll definately work.