Where to buy voltage converter in london

If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly. Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration hours , whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.

These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below. We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in United Kingdom. Wall sockets have a switch controlling power supply. Adapters are easy to find; if your country uses lower voltage than the UK average of v, you may also need a converter.

UK appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs that can be connected to the UK mains supply through wall sockets. Would you like to add information to this page?

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On average, apartments are much less likely to provide adapters, except for luxury properties. You are always wise to bring your own adapters in order to avoid the hassle of not having one when you need it, or worse, trying to buy one locally.

The easiest way to find the type of adapter you need is to shop online. Here are top-rated European plug adaptors offered online by Amazon for you to use in Paris and elsewhere in France with American or Canadian plugs ad :. US Plugs: A Type A plug has only 2 flat prongs and is ungrounded, while a Type B plug has the same two flat prongs plus a round prong and is grounded. If you're bringing devices with Type B plugs, buy an adapter with a socket for Type B plugs, because Type A plugs will also fit.

French Sockets: A Type C socket has 2 round holes to accept a plug with 2 round prongs, and is ungrounded. A Type E socket has 2 round holes like Type C but also has a round prong, and is grounded. Type E sockets will accept ungrounded 2-prong Type C plugs, which have rounded or pointed ends like the one in the diagram above, as well as 2-prong 1-hole Type E plugs. Although you can buy Type A to Type C adapters, always be sure the ends are rounded or pointed rather than square.

Modern French sockets are recessed you can see this in the above diagram and square-ended adapters will not usually fit into them. If you see square-ended adapters labeled for use in "Europe," they will work in some European countries but possibly not in France.

So before you buy an adapter, make sure its packaging states it will work in France. You can also buy a "universal" adapter - but make sure its labeling states it will work in the countries you plan to visit.

By definition, "universal" should mean it will work everywhere. The Paris store most likely to have whatever type of adapter you need is Relay, but there's a catch - they're located primarily in train stations such as Gare du Nord and Gare Saint-Lazare, and in airports, such as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle you may have to search around a bit for one after you get through Customs - depending on your terminal, you may need to go up or down a floor.

Large Paris electronic stores such as Fnac 74 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, and other locations , neighborhood hardware stores such as Mr Bricolage and Castorama many locations across Paris , and even the hardware section in the basement of the large BHV department store 55 Rue de la Verrerie, in the Marais usually sell adapters.

So be smart: bring adapters with you. You don't want to spend your time in Paris shopping in hardware stores for something you could have easily have bought online before leaving home.

Good news - you may not need to, depending on what you're bringing, even if you live in a country with volt electricity. As long as you have an adapter to let you plug into a local electric outlet, you should be fine. But if in doubt, check on the bottom of your charger. First, virtually all 3-star and higher Paris hotels have hair dryers for you to use during your stay, so no need to bring one.

Many apartments also have them. If you're staying at a 1- or 2-star hotel or a really cheap apartment , check to make sure a hair dryer will be available.