Universal Country Power Adapters

[Matt_01]

I need to get a new universal power adapter, my old one has been left in a lounge, hotel or plane . I am looking for a replacement that covers EU, UK, USA, JP and use a couple of USB ports. A travel store advised that due to AUS regulations they are not sold here.

Looking online there seems to be only a few 3 pole options (skross) with USB but lots of 2 pole with USB options available.

My question is that if I plug an AU 3 pole (laptop) plug into an adapter that is only 2 pole will it short as it is not earthed, damage the computer or just blow the fuse in the adapter.

I would prefer some type of small all-in-one option as I tend to lose or forget to pack individual adapters.

Any help or recommendations appreciated I am no sparky.

 

[SeatBackForward]

How about something like this, $70 off eBay:

 

[Matt_01]

Thanks, I have seen this type of device and they are usually a bit on the bigger and heavier side. The one is lost was by Tumi and the connectors just pushed out rather than interconnectors like these, these are the bits I lose and end up having to purchase a new one.

I would just get another Tumi but they do not have in built USBs.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Thanks, I have seen this type of device and they are usually a bit on the bigger and heavier side. The one is lost was by Tumi and the connectors just pushed out rather than interconnectors like these, these are the bits I lose and end up having to purchase a new one.

I would just get another Tumi but they do not have in built USBs.

There's also this type:



I've tried the above in the past, and always have the issue that the adapter unit + anything plugged in makes it too heavy for the pins. and is never plugged in securely.

or this



I've gone back to simply having multiple plugs similar to these as they seem to work best (and carry an Australian power board with USB ports if i want multiple devices connected)

 

[theblank]

i bought one for about 20 bucks at Bunnings , it has 5 usb chaarging ports and about 4-5 adaptors.
The one thing to be careful of, is that many multi port chargers dont have the capacity to use all at once at the maximum. ie might have 4 x 2amp ports, but maximum output of 4amp

 

[Himeno]

There's also this type:

View attachment 105185

I've tried the above in the past, and always have the issue that the adapter unit + anything plugged in makes it too heavy for the pins. and is never plugged in securely.

I got one like this last year in Soeul after my UK plug adapter decided not to work in the South Korean UK style plugs (and did work both before and after in SIN and HKG).
Don't remember having any "too heavy" issues, but it did tend to overheat and cut off if all 3 ports (both USB and the plug) were in use.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I got one like this last year in Soeul after my UK plug adapter decided not to work in the South Korean UK style plugs (and did work both before and after in SIN and HKG).
Don't remember having any "too heavy" issues, but it did tend to overheat and cut off if all 3 ports (both USB and the plug) were in use.

The UK style plug has the best grip with three pins, that may explain why it didn't fall out? But yes had the overheating issue also, an earlier version I had even came with a spare fuse inside it!