USA Electricity?

Bouncy_2

I promice, this is my last pre-holiday question!

I'm flying on thursday to the USA, and suddenly had a panic about charging my camera. Generally, a full battery will last 2 or so days of heavy holiday use, and I have two batteries - so, on a 6 day holiday, I MAY end up without juice for my camera if I take them both fully charged

According to 'tinternet I should be ok plugging my charger for the battery into a USA socket, with the right adaptor - but in my head, my panicing brain is convinced it is going to go horribly wrong

the technical specs on the back of the charger make it clear it's a multi-current charger, which is what I understand you need to check (it says 100-240v, 50-60Hz, 6-10VA)

I am just hoping for someone to be able to stop me spinning. the alternative it I buy a couple of extra batteries and take them full too - but that's £40 a pop, as opposed to £5 for a travel-plug!

Ich_2

Just buy a Travel Plug the USA voltage is 110volts 60Hz, I've never had a problem with these multi voltage chargers (unlike a friend who tried to use a US hairdryer in the UK - instant frizz)

ferf1223

you will be fine with a multi-current charger with those specs...we charge our camera battery (similar to yours) all the time with no issues...also laptop, tablet, phones, mp3 players, etc.

Someone on the Vegas thread shared a brilliant idea - take a UK power strip with 3 or 4 sockets and one converter...plug that in, and voila, multiple charging points in one.

Bouncy_2

my partner is a worrier, and this holiday it's rubbing off on me!

just need to pop out tomorrow and buy a couple of spare SD cards - unexpectedly, for the high street, maplins offers the best rate!

Archergirl

You may find SD cards cheaper in the USA if you don't need them right away.

Bouncy_2

I'm loading one of them up with video files to go on my tablet for on the flight!

Enterprise_1701C

It is generally OK for travel items rated at 240V to be plugged into 110V, they just run at lower power, of toothbrush took ages to charge there. It is when it is the other way round (110V to 240V) that the problem occurs, electronics are inclined to blow up when too much voltage is put through them!!

Things like camera battery chargers are made to travel and therefore you should be able to use them anywhere in the world with absolutely no problem. You just need a travel adaptor for your plug.

Relax and enjoy the holiday

skint_chick

I've always charged my camera while in North America and never had an issue with the regular travel adaptors you get in Arg*s/supermarket/airport. The only electrical issues I've ever had have been with hair straighteners not heating up enough so now I have a set I bought in a US drugstore for $15.

If you still want to get a spare battery once you're home then maybe check them out while you're away as they might be slightly cheaper in the US. Have a great holiday

alhermette

Just an adaptor will do.

Starrystarrynight

I second the comment about UK hairdryers being pretty useless in the States. After our first trip, I stopped bothering to take mine and just used the one in the hotel bathroom. Renting a house this year, so gonna have to buy one, but it will be useful for future trips.
Have a good time, OP!

dickydonkin

skint_chick wrote: »

I've always charged my camera while in North America and never had an issue with the regular travel adaptors you get in Arg*s/supermarket/airport. The only electrical issues I've ever had have been with hair straighteners not heating up enough so now I have a set I bought in a US drugstore for $15.

If you still want to get a spare battery once you're home then maybe check them out while you're away as they might be slightly cheaper in the US. Have a great holiday

You beat me to it.

Your charger will be fine with an adaptor - but anything that requires a lot of power (irons/hair straighteners etc) will be found wanting and will not generate a lot of heat.

She did the same as you and bought some hair things in Target if I remember correctly, which were cheap enough and now she always takes them with her when we travel over there.

Mrs DD informs me that is the case by the way - I don't use irons or hair straighteners - at home or on holiday!:)

Enjoy your trip OP.