Tag: adapter

Cat Links ADVENTURE

Best Travel Adapters 2023 | Essentials for Travel

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

PM: What’s the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?

SD: A power adapter, also known as a travel plug or a travel adapter, is a small device you’ll need when traveling to a country where the electrical plugs aren’t the same as in the US. These adapters plug into the power sockets in other countries on one side and, on the other, you plug in your device made for US power sockets. However, it does not change the voltage of the power coming from the outlet.

A power converter, also known as a voltage converter, is a device that changes the voltage of the power coming from an outlet. Voltage is essentially the power with which electricity is forced into your device. In the US, most devices like hair straighteners or electric razors are 110 volts. However, most newer devices (including most phones and computers, including Apple computers and both Apple and Google phones) are dual voltage, which means you do not need a power converter—just an adapter.

If you plug something in and notice it getting warm, making a slight buzzing noise, or delivering a very tiny shock when handling the cord, you should unplug it immediately and not use it again until you have a converter.

PM: When do you need a travel adapter?

SD: You will need a travel adapter any time you travel to most countries other than the U.S., Mexico, or Canada. In the U.S., electrical devices have either a type A port (two prongs) or a type B port (two prongs with a central round prong below).

A few countries use these same ports (such as Antigua, Panama, and Saudi Arabia), but in general, most other countries use one of a few other combos. There are 15 different

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Cat Links VACATION

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Plug Review

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

I recently spent two weeks in Europe, and I’m the type of person who likes to pack about a week before big trips. I want to make sure I have everything I need and can plan my outfits properly; there’s nothing worse than wanting to pack something and realizing the morning of that it’s dirty or stained and unusable. (Been there, done that.) In my packing, I realized pretty early on that I didn’t have any modern travel adapters, and I was concerned that since I would be traveling to both the UK and the EU, where different plugs are required, I’d have to bring a giant bag full of cords and adapters. However, I found this Epicka Universal Travel Adapter ($23), and it was a game changer for my trip.

What I Like About This Adapter

The adapter itself is fairly compact; it fits in the palm of my hand, so it’s really easy to throw in a carry-on bag. It has one standard plug, with the addition of four USB ports and one USBC port. This means that you can charge up to six devices at once, and it actually works. Every night, I could charge my computer, phone, AirPods, and Oura ring without any issue.

What’s Worth Noting About the Adapter

This one device is usable for outlets in the US, the UK, the EU, and Australia, which is convenient and means I don’t have to carry around a bunch of different adapters. You simply hold down the side button and slide the country toggle that you need, whether it’s EU, UK, or USA/AUS. It’s also worth noting that it’s not meant for large-scale items such as hair dryers that need voltage converters or coffee makers, which could blow a fuse.

Who This Adapter Is Best

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