Power converter for Spirit of Freedom

[Pillpusher]

I'll be on the Spirit of Freedom 7 day trip next week (Can't wait!!!) and bought a step down power converter for the trip. Their website lists the in-cabin plugs as 240v three prong outlets. Problem is, I apparently bought a 220v converter. A lot of the converters seem to be 220/240 interchangeable, but I wanted to be sure that, electrically speaking, this is the case even though this particular converter doesn't specifically state 240v, and it won't blow something as soon as I plug it in. Also, its plug has two round prongs. I have an adapter that makes the two top prongs what I think is the correct flat, slanted arrangement, but with no third prong. I can't find a three prong, slanted arrangement adapter for the life of me.

First, will this converter work? Second, will the adapter I have work even though it doesn't have a grounding prong? This is my first Aussie trip, so I'm kinda flying blind here, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Kiwi303]

Yes, 220 and 240 are the same actual voltage, just a different way of expressing it. it's all the same spec.

They're just Max and Min values for a variation in current, the actual level is closer to 230 +/- a bit. Just like you sometimes see 110V and 120V referring to US currents.


Remember you loose current to resistance over longer wiring distances, so a house smack dab next to a transformer off the 44KV main lines to house lines may be 240V, while one a few Kms out of town from the substation may only get 230V, and one like us miles away out in the rural boonies a couple of hours travel from anywhere may only get 220V.

The specifications are +/- a bit so manufacturers can make their stuff to work over that range, so the house close to the transformer won't blow stuff up while the ones out in the wopwops don't find that nothing turns on. You don't want only the safe house in the middle to find their stuff working properly.



Edit, as to the plug adaptor, try Buy online and sell with NZ's #1 auction & classifieds site | Trade Me and search for US-NZ travel adaptors... The 3 prong, 2 slanted and 1 vertical is the NZ and Australia plug, and with 1mm longer prongs, the Chinese plug.
Travel plug converts US, Japan, UK to NZ plug $25 | Trade Me

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home decor will also have them in Aussie somewhere. I see you are texas, you could probably have one shipped internationally from NZ or Aust to you and be cheaper than buying one stateside.

 

[Pillpusher]

Thanks. That's what I figured, but just wanted to be sure before adding 12 pounds converter to my luggage. I emailed SOF directly and they got back to me as well telling me the same, and that it will even be fine without the bottom grounding prong. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a fire hazard using the adapter. Thanks again!

 

[Damselfish]

Before you haul along 12 pounds of converter, think about what you actually need to plug in and see if you really need a converter. I've seen people (myself included) just assume a converter is something they will need, but when you step back and look at each individual device you may find you really don't.

For starters, lots of chargers and electronics (including laptops) are dual voltage so you would only need an adapter. They'll have the info stamped on the device or power brick. The SOF FAQ also says "110V outlets are available in the lounge for charging your batteries and laptops." (It is common for a liveaboard to have an area to charge stuff. While it may partly be a convienience for guests, some ask that you do any battery charging in the designated public area they make available and not in your cabin for fire safety reasons.)

Some converters are smaller and lighter than others, but only good for electronics and can't handle stuff that draws a lot like a hair dryer. Note that SOF website also says "we have hair dryers that you can use while you are on board." It's pretty common for local hair dryers to be available in hotels and other places so if you really determine you need a converter, a smaller one might do. (If a need to take and use my own hairdryer was the only reason I was hauling along a heavy converter, I'd buy a small travel hairdryer first. Probably get off lighter.)

 

[Pillpusher]

True. I thought about that as well, but it didn't say how many 110V outlets there are though. My Sealife DC1200 battery only lasts a couple of dives, so I'll likely be charging it, or my backup battery pretty often throughout the day. And with what looks to be a full boat, I didn't want to be a socket hog if there are only a couple. Besides, there are some things (like my laptop, mainly) that I'd prefer not leave in the common areas for an extended period of time. We're also flying to Sydney for a few days after the dive trip, and I don't think our hotel has 110V outlets in the room. I'm a pretty light packer though (other than my dive gear), so I should have room. Thanks for your help.

 

[Damselfish]

But are those things dual voltage? If so they'll work in the cabin, they'll work in the hotel, no converter needed. Multiple adaptors can be handy to have.

Some people take along a power strip if they are concerned about the number of outlets, in case the boat doesn't have them. Even if you are allowed to charge things in your cabin, the number of outlets in cabins usually seems to be very limited, possibly to a single outlet by the sink. So it's yours, but you might be perching your stuff on the edge of the sink.

 

[Pillpusher]

Well, I'll be.... Much to my surprise, EVERY one of my battery chargers, both for my cameras and Apple products, are rated for 100-240V! Guess I'll just need to find a couple of adapters while out running last minute errands today! Thanks!

 

[Kiwi303]

If you can't find adaptors in your last minute runs, look at the racks in the airport on arrival... there are usually "Universal-to-Here" adaptors for last minute purchase by arrivals in nearly all international airports. I know they are there in the shops in Christchurch and Hamilton and Auckland airports here in NZ.

 

[Pillpusher]

That's my game plan... I couldn't find any in stock around here, only for online order and I didn't have time.

 

[recd]

Well, I'll be.... Much to my surprise, EVERY one of my battery chargers, both for my cameras and Apple products, are rated for 100-240V! Guess I'll just need to find a couple of adapters while out running last minute errands today! Thanks!

If you can get to an apple store you can just buy the duckheads for the power bricks. Try looking for the world travel adaptors