Customer Reviews

Samsonite Converter/Adaptor Plug Kit with Pouch

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

To actually convert a 220V sinusoidal waveform into a 110V sinusoidal waveform, you need to use an AC transformer. This method is safe for all low-power appliances. For higher power, however, the AC transformer required is bulky and heavy (around 20 pounds for 1000W), making it impractical as a travel voltage converter.

This item offered here (Samsonite Converter/Adaptor Plug Kit with Pouch) does not contain an AC transformer. Instead, it uses a solid-state switch inside that chops off part of the 220V sinusoidal waveform. This is exactly how an incandescent lamp dimmer works. The resulted waveform, however, is highly distorted and is far from an 110V sinusoidal voltage.

The product description says: "powerful 1600 watt converter that adjusts foreign electrical current to help operate most U.S. travel appliances: i.e. irons, hair dryers, etc.". What is not explained here is that it can only be used with simply HEATING appliances, which work regardless of distorted voltage waveform. If you try to use any electronic appliance (such as DVD player, computer or battery charger) on this "converter", it will probably be fried in an instant!

My advice is to stay away from this potentially destructive product. If you must bring electronic appliances with your oversea trips, make sure they are rated for universal voltage of 100-240V AC. That way, you can safely use them in other countries without the need for a volatge converter.

Power supplies for most portable electronics (laptop, camcorder, cell-phone, electric shavers, etc.) are already designed for universal voltage, although some of them may require you to physically flip a voltage-selection switch. Check the user manual or the AC input plug of your appliance to make sure. If that is the case, all you need is a set of plug adapters, which you can get at much lower price than this Converter/Adapter pulg kit.

I have used this converter in both the UK and Europe and highly recommend it. All of the components fit in a small bag for easy travel. The coded plug adapters can be used with or without the voltage converter. If your appliance is compatible with 240V/50Hz, the plug adapter will directly accept a standard US male plug. If not, the voltage converter plugs into the plug adapter, then you can plug your US appliance directly into the converter. The converter comes with two replacement fuses in case you burn out the original, but you can avoid this by making sure your appliance power rating is no greater than 1600W. The converter is not recommended for use with electronic devices, however most newer computers, cameras, etc. are compatible with European voltage and don't need it. If you use the European plug adapter in front of the converter, it works just fine in newer recessed outlets. I have found some UK outlets to be stubborn, but if you gently rock the adapter it will fit.

I bought this because it came with all adapters and a converter, expecting to be able to plug all of my things in over seas. But when I got it, I read the package which tells me not to plaug in any electronic equipment, such as cameras or battery chargers. Bummer.

This worked great in Italy. Worked everytime, at every hotel. For those writing negative reviews on this product(on vacuums, etc.). It clearly states on the plug/adaptor what items it should NOT be used for. This is for small appliances ONLY.

I bought this kit probably 6+ years ago and the converter never failed. I lived in France for a year, using it with my hair straightner, and never worried about it not working. I have bought other converters and had them blow out on me or even not work when plugged in. The recessed outlets in Europe are fine.. you just need to put an adapter on the end of the converter before you plug it into the wall. I would totally reccomend this converter to anyone traveling abroad.

my travel friend & i just returned from europe. we each brought our own adapters & converter. i paid $30 for this set (samsonite converter/adapter plug kit) and she paid $40 for hers. my set allowed for american plugs that have one leg wider than the other - hers didn't. she ended up using my set the entire time.

i used it on my digital camera battery, cell phone, & ipod recharging with no problems whatsovever!! it even has multiple adapters for almost any country you'd like to travel to!

the only electrical device that i found the kit didn't work for was my ceramic straightening iron (if you don't know, it straightens hair). if my ceramic straightening iron had worked i'd given this kit 5 stars.

i highly recommend this plug kit - and so does my friend.

My daughter moved to England in April and was concerned about using her personal electrical items there. After checking around on the Internet, we chose the Samsonite Converter/Adaptor to send with her. She is very pleased with the performance of the converter and has had no problems.
Thanks Amazon for offering only the best for our selection!

I was just in France and this little adaptor worked just fine. I have a CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) so it was very important that I get an adaptor that I could rely on and this one did the trick! We had no trouble with any of the items we used it with.

Purchased this for a recent trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The power converter has a large plastic case which does not allow it to be plugged into most of the new recessed central European outlets. I had to borrow another converter once I reached my destination and use only those items with a 220 voltage switch. Cheaper, Euro only plugs would have saved me money and worked better.

I am so glad I bought this. The European plug worked in great in Italy on my IPOD.