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267 of 272 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Battery charge might not be a concern!, January 26, 2005
This review is from: Proctor-Silex 10082 Foreign Travel Voltage Converter and Adaptor Set (Kitchen)
Many folks warn purchasers that the converters may not be used for "battery chargers". This may be true since many chargers pull less than the 50 watt minimum on these converters. However, almost ALL battery chargers that come with digital cameras, DVD recorders, etc are made in Asia, and are DUAL use appliances. This means the products can be used (safely) in any country where outlets are rated from 110V (North America) to 220V (most everywhere else). These products are designed to work anywhere in the world, and all you need is a much cheaper outlet PLUG adapter (i.e., an adaptor that changes your two-prong US plug to a 2-prong slanted Aussie plug). In some cases, the charger itself may work on 100-240V, but the line cord supplied (the part that goes from the outlet to the unit) may be rated for 120V only. The voltage for the line cord is typically listed on the end of the cord that plugs into the unit. This is a tougher situation, since line cords are harder to find than the plug adapters.
Look on the faceplate of your device. If the INPUT section of this plate indicates 100-240V, you don't need a voltage converter, just a plug adaptor. Similarly, if your device, such as a hairdryer, has a toggle switch that says 110V on one setting, and 240V as the other, all you require is the plug adapter.
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89 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Product - convenient, February 24, 2002
This review is from: Proctor-Silex 10082 Foreign Travel Voltage Converter and Adaptor Set (Kitchen)
This is a nice product with good value. It contains all the plug-ins needed for using 110v appliances (within the prescribed wattage range) overseas.The travel pouch is handy and the instructions are very clear for the first-time user of this type of product. The only criticism is that this converter uses a built-in fuse to protect against overload rather than a circuit breaker; if you blow the fuse and have no spare, you're out of business. One might consider spending just a few dollars more and buying a similar product with circuit breaker technology. For the price, however, this product works well and is a good value.
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35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best Price - And It Works, September 2, 2004
This review is from: Proctor-Silex 10082 Foreign Travel Voltage Converter and Adaptor Set (Kitchen)
A few reviews below state a concern about the instructions indicating that the converter is for greater than 50watts. Just be aware that the 50watt threshold is stated by all manufacturers sold here at Amazon and elsewhere...and in all I have ever owned.
I have been able not only to run larger applicances (hair dryers)...but even smaller appliance (electric razor and camera battery recharger) which draw less than 50watts. No problem either with my electrical device or with the converter. (Of course...if you run major heavy duty appliances such as a microwave you might have problems....but how many of us pack a microwave on trips!!!).
Checking with some wirehead electrical engineers...they assure me that the unit will function perfectly well and no harm will result.
As for the fuse versus circuit breaker. Not many are sold with a circuit breaker...good luck in finding one. (By the way...I have never blown a fuse in my multiple travels. I also carry three extra fuses with my unit just in case I do blow one).
GFCI grounding issue stated...same as all other manufacturers. No difference.
Voltage converters are generic. They all work the same. Therefore price is the key driver in a decision making process.
A suggestion as a traveler. Buy two...as there is always a potential for loss luggage (of course pack the two units in separate cases) or that you have multiple devices needing power (As an example...while my wife is curling her hair...I am in need of power for my razor, hairdryer, or battery charger. Just don't run a microwave oven.).
The upside of this unit .... PRICE ... for an item manufactured in the USA !!!
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