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power converter for South Africa
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Feb 8, 2022 17:20:26   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
Just found out that i need a converter for 240 to 110 us power. This will be a one time use so i don't need a super model. What worked for you?

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Feb 8, 2022 17:31:06   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Is it the same as the two round-prong style they use in Europe?
If so, I just got a three-pack of PLUG adapters at Target. Less than $10 I believe.

The ONLY thing we had that we had to plug in during out trip to Iceland was phone and camera battery chargers.
They were marked dual voltage (120/240) on the charging units.
Look at the charger unit(s) to see what they will acommodate.
We did not take a tablet or laptop.

If ANY device you are taking is marked for 120V only, you will need a "power adapter" which will reduce the 240 to 120 volts. (Otherwise those devices will go POUF.

Are you a member of AAA, check their website for power adapters if needed.

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Feb 8, 2022 17:39:56   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-south-africa/

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/south-africa/

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Feb 9, 2022 07:07:57   #
wireloose
 
There isn’t much you’d travel with now that doesn’t work on 240 as well as 110.. certainly all my electronics, camera gear, chargers, laptop, razor etc just need the plug adapter anywhere in the world. Check but if you do need an adapter make sure it’s power rating matches your device. My son was looking at one, to get the power he needed it was cheaper to just buy a 240v unit instead of the converter.

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Feb 9, 2022 10:17:47   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
does an ipad and iphone work on 240? and battery chargers. those are the only things i will be charging

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Feb 9, 2022 10:20:59   #
wireloose
 
In my experience, the chargers all do (and I have a bunch)

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Feb 9, 2022 10:30:07   #
fetzler Loc: North West PA
 
what you most likely need is the following.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08111LZ2F?tag=sa-sym-new-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&doi=2018-3-14&o=APN12178&p2=%5EEQ%5Efd00us%5E

For USB devices this is good. For AC devices check your power supply to see if it is compatible with both 120 and 240V. Most chargers for cameras and computers are compatible and only need a plug converter.


For hair dryers and the like you need a device that converts 240 to 120v . This is an example of such a device.

https://www.amazon.com/Converter-International-Transformer-Worldwide-Adapters/dp/B07XQS7W2T/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3OIFLBYBQBQJR&keywords=240v+to+120v+adapter&qid=1644420306&s=electronics&sprefix=240+v+to+120+v+%2Celectronics%2C1094&sr=1-7

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Feb 9, 2022 10:31:18   #
JBRIII
 
I don't own any apple products, but I haven't seen a charger, or power block for a computer in yrs that doesn't take either. Hair dryers, contact cleaners, etc. are a different thing.

Best to check everything as you don't get a quick try and see. As stated earlier, poof. Something build for 240 might survive 120, but not the reverse.

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Feb 9, 2022 10:39:29   #
BebuLamar
 
philo wrote:
does an ipad and iphone work on 240? and battery chargers. those are the only things i will be charging


The charger for those would worlk on 240 but you do need an adapter so you can plug it in. The outlet would be different.

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Feb 9, 2022 10:39:48   #
Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada
 
[quote=philo]does an ipad and iphone work on 240? and battery chargers. those are the only things i will be charging[/quote)

Read the label on your Apple device chargers, it clearly states the operating voltage(s) that your device is capable of using safely. My iPhone and my iPad charger use: 100-240 Volt. What you will need is a South African three-pole plug, which is different from the three-pole plug used in the UK, so make certain you get the correct plug. I travel to South Africa several times each year and have never needed a voltage converter, just the appropriate three-prong plug!

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Feb 9, 2022 10:40:00   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
philo wrote:
does an ipad and iphone work on 240? and battery chargers. those are the only things i will be charging

Look at the markings/information on the charger part that plugs into the wall, it should be there.
That's where my phone and battery charger info is located.

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Feb 9, 2022 12:17:29   #
pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs
 
philo wrote:
Just found out that i need a converter for 240 to 110 us power. This will be a one time use so i don't need a super model. What worked for you?


I bought this step down converter for travels. It can be used anywhere in the world.



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Feb 9, 2022 13:54:41   #
wireloose
 
pmorin wrote:
I bought this step down converter for travels. It can be used anywhere in the world.


Looks good with the USB adapters etc but be aware that the 230W limit is not much use if you actually need the 115V- since that is typically for a hair straightener or some such that will be more like 1000W. You can get similar adapters without the downconverter feature that are lighter and less expensive

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Feb 9, 2022 15:12:22   #
vanderhala Loc: Los Angeles, CA
 
Usually anything that rotates will need a transformer i.e. voltage transformer. I had to buy a different waterpik -type model that runs on dial voltage. Most razors, computers and other devices with adapter (USB adapters for iPhones, cameras, computers) usually state clearly 110-240 V and work fine but need plug adapters. Rather than buying many plug adapters which I used to do, I get only 1 or 2 adapter and bring an multi ported extension cord or better a power strip (some the days come even with some USB charging ports) with an extra block type multiport for extra USB ports as needed.

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Feb 9, 2022 17:26:09   #
Raccie
 
You do not need a converter for electronic devices. Your chargers accept the voltage difference and will show : AC100-240 50/60Hz 14VA-23VA
All you need is the South African 3-prong plug that is sold in Walmart to accommodate the USA 2 or 3-prong plugs.
From an Ex South African

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