Electronics : Recoton ADF1650 50/1600W Dual Wattage Travel Converter

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Rating:

- Simple, Cheap, & Functional
I use this converter continuously for a week or so when I travel to the UK about once a month. It does the job well and without issues. I have used it to power up mobile phone chargers, laptops, and battery chargers. I haven't used it to power a hair dryer but I have tested it with a small coffee maker. Note: make sure you select the right wattage or the converter will get really hot. It does its job and is simple. It costs half as much as the competitor's models. It looks like this converter is made by one company and branded different makes.

Rating:

- Voltage Converter
Be very careful on type of devices you plan on using overseas even when plugged into a voltage converter. While theoretically the converter reduces voltage from 230V to 120V, my daughter's hair straightener overheated and melted the adhesive holding the heating elements so the straightener was ruined. My only thought was that 50Hz frequency of the power overseas could cause greater current draw for heating devices such as hair dryers, coffee pots, straighteners. The voltage converter cannot modify frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz. Most battery charging devices for laptops, cellphones, camera battery packs operate on 120/240 50/60 Hz and will not need the converter but you will need the plug adapter for the wall outlet. Look at the rating label on each device to confirm.

Rating:

- Dangerours; be very careful
Took this brand new unit to Switzerland recently. On first use, got very hot, partially melted and blew fuse. Was NOT overloaded. Replaced fuse, plugged into outlet with nothing plugged into it. Overheated and melted the case. If you buy, keep an eye on it whenever it is plugged in.

Rating:

- DANGEROUS ITEM
Took this product to Australia and it worked for about 15 minutes before I smelled burning electronics. The adapter was smoking and when I (without thinking) pulled it out of the wall I got a 2nd degree burn on my thumb and left my thumbprint in the plastic. After it cooled off I examined it and the fuse was intact. Being scientifically inclined I thought perhaps I'd gotten the wattage switch in the wrong position so I switched it and (without plugging anything into it) plugged it back into the wall. The result: shower of sparks.

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.

Rating:

- Didn't work out so good!
I was anxious to be able to use this device to charge my ipod, my rechargeable batteries and to use my blow dryer while on holiday in London. The first time I plugged in the appropriate adapter it blew a fuse in the hotel and burnt out the device. Didn't work out for me!

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