Voltage Valet

[l33tminion]

One of the things on the packing list for IES is power converters for electronics. While Japan uses similar outlets to the US, they run at 100V, as opposed to the 110V US standard. I'm bringing my laptop and external hard drive, so today I tried to figure out what sort of converters to buy.

I found the product I thought I needed at Voltage Valet, but I called them to ask if it handled grounded (3-prong) outlets. They responded to my message with the following (paraphrased):

"A laptop? You don't need anything! Check the specs on your AC adapter."

Indeed, when I examined the label on my AC adapters, they were rated for 100-240V. So, props to Voltage Valet for being very helpful and for giving excellent advice even at the cost of a sale.

Comments

[kihou.livejournal.com]

I've never had a problem using American electronics in Japan (or vice versa... silly DVD player). I think most things with transformer blocks are tolerant enough, and the battery chargers I've used have also been fine.

[kihou.livejournal.com]

Though, actually, since you mentioned grounded outlets, it's been my experience in Japan that there are very few 3-prong outlets, and that most outlets are the polarized 2-prong type. I used dangerous!adapters. My apartment didn't burn down.

[l33tminion]

Where can you get 3-prong to 2-prong adapters? I haven't seen those around...

[kihou.livejournal.com]

Don't you just get them at hardware stores? You won't find them at computer stores because they're notionally not supposed to be used the way everyone uses them. I know my parents got a boatload of cheap flimsy ones somewhere recently, if you want to ask them.

[vitalycherno.livejournal.com]

I had this exact same thing happen to be when I moved to London. Generally things with adapters are safe, all you really need to do is make sure you've got a device that will make the holes fit properly (more of an issue in Europe) Things like hairdryers you're better off buying in the country you are visiting rather than getting an adapter for, the voltage sometimes is just too big a difference to be bothered with (again, more of a European problem.)

[chiaki777.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I have the same deal with a lot of appliaces. My gameboy, my camera charger, and computer are all universal :D