Thursday, 22 September 2011
New Zealand - power plug adapter, travel gear
I bought a couple of these adaptors for a recent trip to China and couldn't be happier.
Features:
1. Converts almost any power plug to the Type I plug common in China and Australia. [I believe the only exception is the Type M used in South Africa and a few other exotic locations].
2. Accepts grounded (three prong) and non-grounded (two-prong) plugs.
3. The Type I "male" side of the plug includes the ground connection.
4. Solid construction--very well built.
Some notes if you travel 'abroad':
1. These adaptors will only bridge the physical connection between your power cable and the wall outlet. They do not perform voltage conversion. Before using, make sure that whatever you are plugging in will accommodate the local voltage. The US is 120 Volts @ 60 Hz --most of the world is 220-240 Volts @ 50 Hz.
2. Some applicances will require a voltage transformer--which is another product altogether (usually higher wattage devices like hair blowers and soldering irons--but your mileage may vary). Always check the limitations of your devices--the requirements (voltage and frequency) are generally labeled adjacent to the power cord or plug. This is true for laptops, cell phone chargers, electric razors, etc.
3. Always use the 3-prong (grounded connectors). They are safer than the two-prong types and tend to be much better built. I have had the two-prong adaptors disintegrate on me -- leaving the disembodied, bare metal blades stuck in the outlet. Yikes! That's why I love this adapter--very well built.
Happy travels! VCT VP 103 - Universal Plug Adapter For Australia / New Zealand / China / Argentina
We couldn't be happier with this simple product. Worked perfectly with no problems on our US electronics while we were in Australia. The image is exactly what you get and the alignment of the plug inputs is perfect. The shipping was fast via USPS and included a receipt. We saw similar adapters with fewer plug options available for $15+ AU making this a great value and definitely worth buying in advance. If you are traveling from the US you will find one of these gizmos mandatory if you want to charge your camera or computer.
This adapter plug has performed flawlessly. I have standard North American plugs, and this adapts them--and others nationalities' plugs--to New Zealand style plugs. The devices I am using (computer, Camera battery charger) are set up to use the 240V current over here, so a 240 to 120V converter is not necessary.
The quality and workmanship of the unit, although not fancy, is top notch and solid. Don't let the low price fool you; this unit is "the bee's knees", as they say.
WELL WORTH THE MONEY!
My daughters just returned on a trip to Argentina. The converter worked perfectly at every hotel they stayed. They journeyed all over the country and found no difficulties at any time. Great to recharge batteries and electronic devices!
I bought one of these plug adapters plus several cheaper two-prong adapters for New Zealand. This is the only adapter that would make my Nikon Coolpix battery charger work. It is a bit bulky, but it stayed in the wall sockets really well.
If you are traveling down-under (Australia or New Zealand) and you are taking 2 or 3 pronged US plugs with you, such as a laptop, or phone charger, you will find that these adapters work perfectly. These are just ADAPTERS, not voltage converters, so if your electric device only works with 110 volts, you will need a converter to convert the Aussie 230 volts down to 110 volts (US)
As long as your devices can run on 120/220 (and most gadgets can these days, thank gawd), you're good to go.
I got one of these, a power strip to plug into it, and was able to keep my tablet, laptop, phone, and camera happily charged for a week in Australia. Just check all your chargers to make sure they can handle 220. - Power Plug Adapter - Electrical - Travel Adapter - Travel Gear'
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information