Extension Cord Question

When traveling to the UK, does anyone know if I can use a"regular" US extension cord on a 220 volt UK system. I won't be using a transformer - only adapter plugs. My travel CPAP and humidifier are rated, together, at a maximum of 6o watts.

Greyhound

No problem as long as you have a proper adapter. I use my Dutch cpap, rated for 220 volt, 50Hz without any problem in te US, 110 volt 60 Hz.

Henk

Read the electrical lable on your machine. It usually says 110/220. If it says this you are ok.

The question is not about the machine handling it, it is about the extension cord.

If it is one of those slim little 1 to 3 6' or so cords, I wouldn't trust it (I barely trust those on 110). If it is one of the heavier ones, you might do better. However, the best bet would be to pick up an extension cord once your there, and then use your adapter from the extension cord directly to your machine.

greyhound wrote:When traveling to the UK, does anyone know if I can use a"regular" US extension cord on a 220 volt UK system. I won't be using a transformer - only adapter plugs. My travel CPAP and humidifier are rated, together, at a maximum of 6o watts.

I just ran across this, for what it's worth:
North American extension cords can generally handle the 220 v. of European electricity without problems, but beware of using the more elaborate power bars, which have a row of outlets usually with a switch. These often contain a 110 v. fuse to protect against power surges which will blow if you connect them to 220 v. In any case, if you use 110 v. wiring in Europe be careful as you are subjecting it to twice the voltage for which it was designed and the result might be a spectacular firework.
http://www.expat.silvert.org/silvert/cables.htm

I know that people bring lamps from the US over here and use them by simply changing the bulbs. I would guess that'd be true for your extension cord as well; otherwise you could easily buy an extension cord in the UK, couldn't you?

You should be fine using the cord. I travel with a cord with a three way plug at the end, in my case if I were to put the plug adapter at the male end of the cord I would have three US style plugs available for my use at the female end.

If your machine is able to work with the higher voltage everything should be fine.

The point about plug strips is a good one. Don't plan on using plug strips with circuit breakers or fuses, you may encounter problems with these devices due to the higher voltages. Also try to avoid the more expensive extension cords with the glowing lights in the plug, these may cause problems. I would recommend one of those orange extension cords from Home Depot. 25 feet is a good length for traveling, and if possible get one with three outlets on the female end, and avoid those lighted plugs. As far as the size of the wire in the cord, AWG #14 should be more than thick enough for anything you will usei it for. AWG #16 is a little thinner, but should also meet your needs, but I like the thicker #14 wire.

Roadie

North American extension cords can generally handle the 220 v. of European electricity without problems,

I often wonder about these qualifiers - i.e., can generally handle. Are there really exceptions or do lawyers preview all these comments and make sure their clients have minimal risk exposure.

I think I'm going to take a US extension cord with me. It's rated at 1625 watts, which should be more than adequate to handle my 60 watt cpap and humidifier. A 220 volt extension cord I purchased in France last year was rated at 1380 watts.

Aside from the expense (given the weak dollar), I just prefer not having one more cord at home, knowing I won't be able to find it the next time I need it.

You know that Travelocity commercial? Where the gnome plugs and American appliance into a European electrical outlet and gets shot across the room and lays there and says "Am I going to Die?"

I have this image of you putting on your mask, getting electrocuted, shooting across the room, laying there and saying "Am I going to die?"

BTW, anyone know if you need special adapter plugs when travelling in Alabama?

LOL,
B.

Anonymous wrote: BTW, anyone know if you need special adapter plugs when travelling in Alabama?

LOL,
B.

No, but you might need a passport to get back into another state...

along those same lines...

Best T-Shirt I saw last week-end while in WV...

Paddle Faster, I think I hear Banjo Music....

greyhound wrote:A 220 volt extension cord I purchased in France last year was rated at 1380 watts.

If you still have that hanging around, you could always take that... not sure if you're talking about using a universal plug adapter, though, or a specific US-UK model.

After doing 19 days in 7 countries in Europe I found that you should carry at least 2 plug adaptors that are set up for the country being visited. We had a nightmare trying to run CPAP and camera battery charger on 1 adaptor. We were charging 3 batteries a day. If my wife hadn't been taking fluid pills we would have never gotten them all charged.
Unless you are staying at Windsor Palace a 10 ft extension cord is all that you will need (remember the carry on weight restrictions).

zzzzzz!! wrote:If you still have that hanging around, you could always take that... not sure if you're talking about using a universal plug adapter, though, or a specific US-UK model.

D'accord. Merci beaucoup, zzzzz!!

That works, I use a UK plug adapter on the male end of the French extension cord, a French plug adapter on the female end, and plug the cpap into the French adapter. Sounds more complicated than it is. (And, perhaps, excessive, if the US extension cord + adapter would work just as well)

Oceanpearl, I plan on taking additional adapters. Unfortunately, we're not staying at Windsor Palace. With current exchange rates, we'll be staying at extremely modest guest houses.

greyhound wrote:

zzzzzz!! wrote:If you still have that hanging around, you could always take that... not sure if you're talking about using a universal plug adapter, though, or a specific US-UK model.

D'accord. Merci beaucoup, zzzzz!!

That works, I use a UK plug adapter on the male end of the French extension cord, a French plug adapter on the female end, and plug the cpap into the French adapter. Sounds more complicated than it is. (And, perhaps, excessive, if the US extension cord + adapter would work just as well)

Oceanpearl, I plan on taking additional adapters. Unfortunately, we're not staying at Windsor Palace. With current exchange rates, we'll be staying at extremely modest guest houses.

greyhound wrote:I think I'm going to take a US extension cord with me. It's rated at 1625 watts, which should be more than adequate to handle my 60 watt cpap and humidifier. A 220 volt extension cord I purchased in France last year was rated at 1380 watts.

The electrical issue here is not current carrying capacity (which is what the Wattage rating is about), it is about the insulation breakdown rating.

In practice, the insulation breakdown rating on most recent 110V AC power cords is more than adequate for use on any national power system on the globe. The only reason for the most qualifier is the recent issues with product quality control from some factories in China, where it is clear that normally expected Western standards may not always be applied.

Look for a "UL Listed" certfication on any extension cord you intend to take overseas.... they will be fine as far as insulation breakdown rating for use in ~230V countries.

Cheers,

Bill

billbolton wrote:In practice, the insulation beakdown rating on most recent 110V AC power cords is more than adequate for use on any national power system on the globe. The only reason for the most qualifier is the recent issues with product quality control from some factories in China, where it is clear that normally expected Western standards may not always be applied.

Thanks, Bill. Could your comment on recent cords relate to warnings I've seen recently on several lighting fixtures. Essentially the warnings said that pre-1985 supply line wiring could not be used with the fixture because the heat given off by the fixture would break down the supply wire's insulation.

In this regard, would you say a 3-5 year old extension cord is "recent enough"? I guess I should also see where it was manufactured.