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I use a dual USB European charger, but the easy solution to leaving an adapter behind is to tape it to the charger. Yes, I have left an adapter behind in an outlet!When using a 2 piece solution (standard US charger + Euro plug adapter) you run the risk of leaving in the morning, having pulled out your charger, only to leave your little adapter in the plug. This has happened to me like 5 times maybe, I know, I am a slow learner. (
Good choice! Tape seems like a lot of effort. I mean you can get them for cheap. If you plan in advance.I use a dual USB European charger, but the easy solution to leaving an adapter behind is to tape it to the charger. Yes, I have left an adapter behind in an outlet!
Tape is less effort than going to a store to buy a new adapter or charger!Good choice! Tape seems like a lot of effort. I mean you can get them for cheap. If you plan in advance.
Really? I personally, don't typically to stores anymore. https://www.amazon.com/European-Cha...l-Compatible/dp/B07H3R4JHM/?tag=casaivar02-20Tape is less effort than going to a store to buy a new adapter or charger!
Yah, like I said, I found that one in 20 seconds. But... those ones work, at least better than ones purchased at the china shops. Those work too, btw, just have some glue in year 3. In my experience.My own preference is for a slightly bulkier travel adaptor with four USB ports. The latest versions now have a USB-C port for fast charging and three standard USB ports. This makes sense for me because I usually end my camino by visiting family in the UK, where there is a completely different pin/socket profile,
Recently I used a power supply with a European (CEE7) plug, but only because I was returning to stay in Portugal. The one I used had two USB ports, a standard port and a USB-C port, but there are some with four ports available online.*
I would also say that quality matters, and costs. Some of this has to do with electrical safety, some with the 'clean-ness' of the power delivery and its conformance to the USB standards, and some to do with just plain materials quality. Looking for the European compliance C is a start, alongside any markings used by your own national standards authorities. If you have a concern about any of those being counterfeited, there are web-sites that can help you identify fake markings.
* or even five ports, like this one.
I too, have left the adapter in the outlet, and now use the taping method before I leave home.I use a dual USB European charger, but the easy solution to leaving an adapter behind is to tape it to the charger. Yes, I have left an adapter behind in an outlet!
Yep, easy peasy!Really? I personally, don't typically to stores anymore.
That took me like 20 seconds.
So glad it's not just a me thing!oo, have left the adapter in the outlet
Indeed, it isn't. There's an adaptor in the albergue I stayed at in Sarria from my first Camino. I hope someone has been able to put it to good use.So glad it's not just a me thing!
Good point.People have long recommended duct taping the adaptor to the plug. For me, an advantage of this, over the EU charger, is that if I am stopping over anywhere in Canada en route to Spain, I still have my North American charger available.
Hahah! I have forgotten so many of those things, I should buy stock in the company that produces them!Indeed, it isn't. There's an adaptor in the albergue I stayed at in Sarria from my first Camino. I hope someone has been able to put it to good use.
“Pay it forwardThis may seem like a no brainer, but for Americans, there are considerations...
1) They don't use the same plugs in Spain. They don't even use the same voltage (220 v. 110)
2) The beautiful thing about your standard home charger, even with US style plugs, is that they typically handle the difference in voltage well. Just double check by looking at the back of the charger, wearing your reading glasses (well, sadly, I have to).
3) The not so beautiful thing about your American style charger is you will need to get a plug adapter. Since most chargers accept multiple voltage levels, the adapter can be simple. The ones at the airport suck because they are HUGE (and relatively expensive)! The cheap little ones on Amazon work just as well... but...
4) When using a 2 piece solution (standard US charger + Euro plug adapter) you run the risk of leaving in the morning, having pulled out your charger, only to leave your little adapter in the plug. This has happened to me like 5 times maybe, I know, I am a slow learner. (On the bright side, every once in a while, settling into a bunk, I've found a little adapter still plugged in! I figure its like a pay it forward thing)
5) A preferred method: go ahead and get a European style multiple port charger. Doesn't require an adapter. Works perfect. 1 piece. I like the multiple ports, because, well, I have multiple devices.
This may seem like a no brainer, but for Americans, there are considerations...
1) They don't use the same plugs in Spain. They don't even use the same voltage (220 v. 110)
2) The beautiful thing about your standard home charger, even with US style plugs, is that they typically handle the difference in voltage well. Just double check by looking at the back of the charger, wearing your reading glasses (well, sadly, I have to).
3) The not so beautiful thing about your American style charger is you will need to get a plug adapter. Since most chargers accept multiple voltage levels, the adapter can be simple. The ones at the airport suck because they are HUGE (and relatively expensive)! The cheap little ones on Amazon work just as well... but...
4) When using a 2 piece solution (standard US charger + Euro plug adapter) you run the risk of leaving in the morning, having pulled out your charger, only to leave your little adapter in the plug. This has happened to me like 5 times maybe, I know, I am a slow learner. (On the bright side, every once in a while, settling into a bunk, I've found a little adapter still plugged in! I figure its like a pay it forward thing)
5) A preferred method: go ahead and get a European style multiple port charger. Doesn't require an adapter. Works perfect. 1 piece. I like the multiple ports, because, well, I have multiple devices.
Ok, to that point. Have you ever unplugged a single port charger left unattended with a phone attached, then plugged in your multiport, then plugged their phone into your charger along with your own? I have, once (i was desperate) but I felt really uncomfortable doing it. I put their charger under their phone. Is this considered poor etiquette? The person ended up being cool with it.I definitely prefer multi-port chargers for those albergues that don't have an outlet for every bed where outlets need to be shared between pilgrims.
I'm not sure if I have, but I have shared my charger with fellow pilgrims.Ok, to that point. Have you ever unplugged a single port charger left unattended with a phone attached, then plugged in your multiport, then plugged their phone into your charger along with your own? I have, once (i was desperate) but I felt really uncomfortable doing it. I put their charger under their phone. Is this considered poor etiquette? The person ended up being cool with it.
If the phone were attended, I would ask, but if unattended, I think it is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.Have you ever unplugged a single port charger left unattended with a phone attached, then plugged in your multiport, then plugged their phone into your charger along with your own? I have, once (i was desperate) but I felt really uncomfortable doing it. I put their charger under their phone. Is this considered poor etiquette?
Just released a big breath. I'd hate to offend.If the phone were attended, I would ask, but if unattended, I think it is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
Hi DougMy own preference is for a slightly bulkier travel adaptor with four USB ports. The latest versions now have a USB-C port for fast charging and three standard USB ports. This makes sense for me because I usually end my camino by visiting family in the UK, where there is a completely different pin/socket profile,
Recently I used a power supply with a European (CEE7) plug, but only because I was returning to stay in Portugal. The one I used had two USB ports, a standard port and a USB-C port, but there are some with four ports available online.*
I would also say that quality matters, and costs. Some of this has to do with electrical safety, some with the 'clean-ness' of the power delivery and its conformance to the USB standards, and some to do with just plain materials quality. Looking for the European compliance C is a start, alongside any markings used by your own national standards authorities. If you have a concern about any of those being counterfeited, there are web-sites that can help you identify fake markings.
* or even five ports, like this one.
@OzAnnieHi Doug
I’m rather lost in the explanations .
I’m trying to ensure I’m carrying safe plugs with me but also want to be able to charge quickly if needed and keep weight down.
I’ve got a few pics below. Would you be kind enough to let me know whether you think they are the right type.
The light one (single USB port ) with euro plug / I’ve used before. I don’t remember if it was fast though. It weighs 27 g
The heavier clunky type / I purchased yesterday locally from JB hi fi . It weighs 111 g - My connections fit the 2 top ports. I’m not sure if they are the A’s or the C’s
I saw the pic you included in your post with 4 ports. It looks much less clunky.
My thoughts. Should I take the light ., or the new clunky - or get one in Madrid on day I arrive. I’ll be staying overnight . I thought ones purchased in Madrid might be less clunky (like your pic ).
Ps. I’ll have a small power bank x 1.2 to charge., as well as IPhone 13 and Fitbit
The Fitbit is pretty new and can go 4-5 days without needing a charge
I’d really appreciate your opinion Doug.
Annie
yes - the smaller one with the single USB port...has the CE symbol. I bought that in Madrid some years ago and have used it before. / I can't see the symbol on the clunky Ozzie one.either device is whether they have EU compliance marks, the CE symbol,
yes- spot on, re reducing weight if I can. (I'm treading carefully with pack for first time since shoulder dislocation last November )... though I am prepared to have pack transported if necessary., I would rather carry my pack., so this will be my lightest pack so far.which might reduce the overall weight a little if that is your main concern
I am buying these for my husband for Christmas- he carries not only adapter, but power conversion pack- very, very heavy. These will be perfect as he has to lighten his pack for future caminos (at least for the time being) due to a shoulder replacement. Now, I just have to convince him that these will work just fine.I’ve found the easiest solution is to buy a Euro style plug that only has two usb ports. No taping, cheap, can share a usb port.
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Just let him know that Europeans charge their phones just fineI am buying these for my husband for Christmas- he carries not only adapter, but power conversion pack- very, very heavy. These will be perfect as he has to lighten his pack for future caminos (at least for the time being) due to a shoulder replacement. Now, I just have to convince him that these will work just fine.
I am curious. What devices is he carrying that need a 110 V supply? I can imagine that there are many electrical devices that might, but none that I would contemplate carrying on the camino.I am buying these for my husband for Christmas- he carries not only adapter, but power conversion pack- very, very heavy. These will be perfect as he has to lighten his pack for future caminos (at least for the time being) due to a shoulder replacement. Now, I just have to convince him that these will work just fine.
My assumption was that his concern was regarding the normal mobile devicesI am curious. What devices is he carrying that need a 110 V supply? I can imagine that there are many electrical devices that might, but none that I would contemplate carrying on the camino.
He does not carry a phone- he brings a tablet and insists that it charges faster with the converter. He also carries a battery just in case. I now have to convince him to give the adapters a try.Just let him know that Europeans charge their phones just fine. And to further ease his mind if his main concern is the 110 vs 220 power thing is that euro adapters are designed for it so they’re safe and light!
Some chargers using older USB standards would have only had about 500mA outputs, much less than would be required to charge a tablet in a reasonable time. Chargers I have with just USB-A outputs can deliver up to 2.4A from one port, and a total of 3.5A over the four - more than enough for a tablet. The one I have with a USB-C standard port, can deliver up to 20W if required, but up to 15W or 3A charging at 5V, the typical charging voltage for phones and tablets. I suspect that these more modern devices will do be more than adequate for charging a tablet quite quickly, even faster if it supports fast charging using a USB-C port.He does not carry a phone- he brings a tablet and insists that it charges faster with the converter. He also carries a battery just in case. I now have to convince him to give the adapters a try.
Of course! The standard advice is NOT to leave a valuable device unattended. Ever. You might leave a less expensive battery/power bank charging unattended, and use it later to charge your phone.On a different note: I'm always apprehensive, leaving my phone plugged into a communal socket, unattended. Nobody lost the phone this way?
This is a very good point. If you use an old charger you’ve had for years it may not be up to the task. It’s one reason I upgraded to my uGreen 65w GaN charger. It has the juice to push multiple ports.Some chargers using older USB standards would have only had about 500mA outputs, much less than would be required to charge a tablet in a reasonable time. Chargers I have with just USB-A outputs can deliver up to 2.4A from one port, and a total of 3.5A over the four - more than enough for a tablet. The one I have with a USB-C standard port, can deliver up to 20W if required, but up to 15W or 3A charging at 5V, the typical charging voltage for phones and tablets. I suspect that these more modern devices will do be more than adequate for charging a tablet quite quickly, even faster if it supports fast charging using a USB-C port.
He has grudgingly agreed to leave the converter home on our next trip!!Some chargers using older USB standards would have only had about 500mA outputs, much less than would be required to charge a tablet in a reasonable time. Chargers I have with just USB-A outputs can deliver up to 2.4A from one port, and a total of 3.5A over the four - more than enough for a tablet. The one I have with a USB-C standard port, can deliver up to 20W if required, but up to 15W or 3A charging at 5V, the typical charging voltage for phones and tablets. I suspect that these more modern devices will do be more than adequate for charging a tablet quite quickly, even faster if it supports fast charging using a USB-C port.
I never leave my phone unattended. It's definitely a risk. I bring a ten foot charging cord which is usually long enough to reach my bunk in an albergue. On the couple of occasions that it didn't I charged up my small power bank and used that to charge my phone.On a different note: I'm always apprehensive, leaving my phone plugged into a communal socket, unattended. Nobody lost the phone this way?
This is a very good point. If you use an old charger you’ve had for years it may not be up to the task. It’s one reason I upgraded to my uGreen 65w GaN charger. It has the juice to push multiple ports.
He told me today that he is changing his entire approach to traveling: no converter, one extra pair of pants, two unders, two pairs of socks, and two shirts. I will believe it when I see it- ie- large battery to charge my phone or his tablet just in case. FYI- this is still progress as he usually has to have Plan A-Z when we travel. This will give me a remarkable lightness to travel with less. Even here at home our car always seems to have more when we travel than when our sons were small. Looking forward to lighter travel!Some chargers using older USB standards would have only had about 500mA outputs, much less than would be required to charge a tablet in a reasonable time. Chargers I have with just USB-A outputs can deliver up to 2.4A from one port, and a total of 3.5A over the four - more than enough for a tablet. The one I have with a USB-C standard port, can deliver up to 20W if required, but up to 15W or 3A charging at 5V, the typical charging voltage for phones and tablets. I suspect that these more modern devices will do be more than adequate for charging a tablet quite quickly, even faster if it supports fast charging using a USB-C port.
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