Which travel adapter?

Where do I need a travel adapter?

Travel adapters are often used when travelling to countries with different socket systems, as different plug types are used in many countries. In Germany, for example, there is the so-called earthing contact plug (type F), while a different type of plug is used in the USA. The correct socket adapter for the country you are travelling to has a socket for the appliance, while the plug shape fits into the socket of the respective country.

Appliances with the so-called Euro plug are unproblematic when travelling within Europe, as this is compatible with the sockets of most European countries. The Euro plug is often used for low-power appliances.

Z. However, a special adapter is required in the United Kingdom, for example, where the plug system corresponds to type G. No Euro plug will fit into the socket there either. It is important to check in advance which countries require an adapter in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at your destination.

Which adapters are available?

There is a wide range of different adapters - but which travel adapter is the right one for which destination and is suitable for plugging in the devices?

Brennenstuhl Reiseadapter für diverse Länder

Safety plug to various sockets

With travel adapters from brennenstuhl® as adapter plugs, you can connect devices with earthing contact plugs in various countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, Japan, India, South Africa, Italy, Great Britain, the USA or Switzerland and many more.

Various plug systems on earthing contact sockets

The reverse case is that various plug systems require a travel plug to use appliances in countries with a protective contact plug system.

When travelling, it should also be noted that a socket adapter only adapts the physical fit, but does not convert the voltage. It is therefore important to check whether the devices are suitable for the voltage of the country in question or whether an additional voltage converter is required.

When do you need a voltage converter?

A voltage converter is required if the voltage in the destination country differs from the voltage in the home country and the appliances are not designed for this voltage. In many countries, especially in North America (110-120 V) and Europe (220-240 V), the mains voltages differ considerably. Without a voltage converter, the use of appliances with a fixed voltage can lead to damage.

A travelling plug alone only adapts the plug shape, but does not change the voltage. A voltage converter is therefore required in such cases to ensure the safe operation of the devices, especially with sensitive electronics such as laptops. Before using a travel plug, it is important to check whether the device is designed for different voltages. Many modern devices are labelled ‘Dual Voltage’ and are designed for multiple voltages. In this case, a travel plug without a voltage converter is sufficient.