Customer Reviews

Proctor-Silex 10082 Foreign Travel Voltage Converter and Adaptor Set

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

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.

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.

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 !!!

This product is being unfairly maligned by many reviewers simply because they are not using it for the purpose for which it was intended. A converter is NOT for electronic products (DVD players, microwaves, etc.). It is for small devices that will be used for short amounts of time. For other equipment a transformer is required. Please do some research before you buy! This site provides an excellent overview of international electricity. [...]

The converter is fine if you are using it for a hair dryer or some other appliance that consumes more than 50 watts. This means you cannot recharge your shaver or camera battery. Check the manual before you buy.

This unit is not suitable for low current/wattage items. My wife plugged our cell phone charger into it...and that was the end of the cell phone. If you plan on charging devices, you probably will have the same reslts...buy something rated for 0 to 50 watts!

This converter and adaptor set is a great price, but you get what you pay for.... I was very happy with the product for the first few days of my recent trip to Europe. On the 5th day, however, I pulled out the voltage converter so that I could blow dry my hair, and I was dismayed to find the two prongs that plug into the wall had completely snapped off! Wet hair for the rest of the vacation. Don't buy this product.

Packaging states not for use with electronics. If your intent is to use for anything except hair dryer or curling keep looking.

I recently bought this item for an American DVD player used in Europe. It broke the fuse on the DVD three times (so each time we had to replace it). We finally checked what the problem was: it's that the converter only reduces voltage to 168-180 volts instead of the 110 the DVD requires. What a headache!! I'll be contacting the company because this is unacceptable.

The voltage converter is not functioning as it should, convert 220V to 110V. The 110V is not uniform so the appliances are not working normally.