Here's a solid travel converter & adaptor set - it handles both power conversion and physical plug differences (for those things that don't need power conversion).

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Product Details

• Color: Charcoal Grey
• Brand: Samsonite
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 5.00" w x 2.75" l,

Features

• Powerful 1600 Watt Converter
• Adjusts To Foreign Electrical Current
• Coded Adaptor Plug Corresponds With Countries Worldwide
• Easy Reference Chart Included

From the Manufacturer
The Samsonite Converter/Adaptor Plug Kit comes complete with a powerful 1600 watt converter that adjusts foreign electrical current to help operate most U.S. travel appliances: i.e. irons, hair dryers, etc. The coded adaptor plugs correspond with countries worldwide with an easy reference chart included. Complete with carrying pouch.

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Customer Reviews

Not really a VOLTAGE converter
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.

Great Converter Kit for UK and Europe
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.

Good, but make sure you research
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.