German outlet converter

If the frequency in Germany 50 Hz differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances. But if there is no voltage difference, you could at your own risk try to use the appliance for a short time. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. Devices like this include most laptops and phones, most recently produced battery chargers, and many small, electrical gadgets, especially those designed for world travel.

Germany Travel Adapters You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely while you are abroad. Most plug-adapter kits include what you need, but if you plan on visiting several different countries, make sure you have the right adapters. The older type C plug has two round pins and no ground pin.

The newer type F plug has two round pins with two ground clips on the side. In addition to the type C plug, Switzerland also uses the diamond-shaped type J plug with three round pins.

See photo. All 3 countries have V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug Adapters versus Voltage Converters While it is easy to buy plug adapters that convert the North American-style flat pronged plugs to European round Schuko ones, this only solves half the problem. And — just to keep things interesting — even the more-or-less-standard round pin plugs come in fat-pronged and skinny-pronged versions!

Most adapters sold in the US and Canada will not have the European markings, since they are intended for use in more than one European country. This does not mean they are unsafe. Often in Europe, because of the many electrical variations, some appliances are sold without any electrical cord or plug. You may have to buy that separately. Most modern German electrical sockets are recessed into the wall. Avoid any small voltage converters that have European prongs extending directly from the converter, and thus will not work in a recessed outlet without an additional adapter plug tacked on.

There are two basic kinds of voltage converters. One is for low-wattage devices, such as shavers or radios that use less than about 50 watts. Bigger items that use more power — TVs, irons, refrigerators, etc. Since these transformers can also weigh a lot and are expensive, it may be wiser to simply buy or rent German appliances that are already able to digest the higher voltages, or buy a transformer in Germany.

But, believe it or not, you may save money by buying European-design appliances in the US. The savings over purchasing in Germany can be as much as 50 percent. Household items you bring along to Germany are usually not subject to duties. But if you need to plug it in for recharging, make sure that the charger can handle volts.

The chargers that come with or are built into most modern video cameras, shavers, and other electronic devices are designed to sense the voltage automatically. Both types are used in many countries across Europe, and both can accept any plug type that has only two round pins: Type C, Type E, and Type F.

As in the majority of countries, the electrical grid in Germany operates on a frequency of 50Hz. Its standard voltage is V, which means appliances rated to V to V can be used there without a problem. The round adapters typically have grounding clips, that are designed for Type F outlets — but can still be used with Type C — and are generally safer to use.

We recommend this Universal Adapter that will work throughout Germany and most of Europe. View on Amazon. Germany is known for being a country where everything operates with extreme precision, and the electrical grid is no exception.

While storms and technical accidents have caused blackouts before, both in Berlin and in more rural areas, you are very unlikely to experience one during your trip. Most devices, including laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and cameras are dual voltage and would not require a converter. However, certain American-made devices are only rated to VV, including hairdryers, and curling irons. In addition to your US to Germany power adapter these items will help you on your travels:.

Pickpocketing tends to be a problem in touristy areas around the world, and Germany is no exception. To avoid the pickpockets that lurk around tourist attractions in Berlin, Munich, and elsewhere, use a neck wallet. Packing cubes are the latest innovation to make packing easier and help you stay organized. Fortunately, all you need is a tiny charger that you can easily keep in your purse or daypack. We recommend bringing a compact travel umbrella, so even on those rainy days, you can still be out and about enjoying the sites.