Recharging batteries overseas

[spaz]

Will I be able to use my recharger (with an outlet adaptor) on a 230V 50Hz power system (we have 240V 50Hz in Australia). Will this just slow recharging times or will it be incompatible?

[Blackspear]

It will be incompatible unless you are in a hotel that has a shaver 240v outlet, or your device is 240/110v, in which case you only require an adapter available from Dick Smith or similar stores.

Cheers

[Yi-P]

My main concern is the plug... nothing much to worry about.


Are you using Nikon charger?

On the backplate of any charger it must have a plate stating its operating range.

On my Nikon charger, it clearly states its operational from AC 100V-240V @ 50-60Hz.. That is, you can use the charger from Japan (AC100V) or America (AC110V), china (AC220V), Aust (AC240V) without a problem.

Main concern is that your plug in Aust is the 3 way triangular plug, it may be different in other countries. I'd suggest you get a univeral plug adapter to suit your need. Do a research on the type of plug they use in the country you are travelling to, then buy the adapter as needed.

Have fun for your trip

[gstark]

It will actually be fine.

I've recharged batteries in the USA, Italy, France and GB with no issues at all.

The key elements that you need to watch are that you have a compatible charger, and a compatible plug interface.

Most charges sold in Oz rill run 110 - 250VAC input, and if your's follows that sort of a specification, you should be ok.

[Antsl]

Hi Spaz,

Two things to look for when you travel.... make sure that the charger you take away with you will work in a mix of voltage ranges (100-240 volt) and that it has the standard figure out power-in sockect.

The next thing to do is simply buy or borrow a power cord to suit your charger wherever it is that you go. I did this in Vietnam earlier in the year with the Sony battery charger that I bought in Melbourne. The cord cost me $2 and I was able to use it to charge both AA batterys and my Nikon batteries. Simple really!

Hope this is a help. Antsl

[whiz]

We don't have 240v AC in Australia any more.
It was changed to 220v in a lot of areas to coincide with the decision to make transformer windings and voltage conversion easier for international manufactures.
I can't find a direct reference to it easily, but there was much buzz in the industry when it happened a few years ago.

[daniel_r]

We don't have 240v AC in Australia any more.

Damn! You mean I thought I've been paying for 240v and only getting 220v... Outrageous!

[spaz]

I knew that I need to change the plug - that's why I said I'd use an outlet adaptor.

Thanks Yi-P & everyone else, my charger also says 100-240 & 50-60, this makes everything so much easier.

[obzelite]

i had no problem either, right across europe and japan.

borrowed a nifty plug adapter from a friend, it cost him about 50 bucks but I think it does almost every plug configuration and its just one unit with pins that pull out and fold out and swivel. Worked in every country we hit, and we charged video cameras, laptops, digital cameras and batteries.

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[jberth1]

We don't have 240v AC in Australia any more.
It was changed to 220v in a lot of areas to coincide with the decision to make transformer windings and voltage conversion easier for international manufactures.
I can't find a direct reference to it easily, but there was much buzz in the industry when it happened a few years ago.

Bizarre - I have about 239v in my house as well !!

I've never heard that 220v story before, but it sounds like those politicians down your way are spinning you a line.....no wait, they're spinning us all a line, aren't they ? !

Cheers

Justin

[whiz]

Note: It was changed in a LOT of areas. Not ALL of them..

[digitor]

Note: It was changed in a LOT of areas. Not ALL of them..

Single phase voltage in Australia is 230V +10%, -6%.

So it will be in spec if you are getting between 216.2 and 253 Volts.

There is no differences allowed for in different areas.

Source: AS 60038:200, Standard Voltages.

Cheers

[Mal]

Don't worry about the adaptor, just follow the rule that they use in India, cut the plug off, strip the wires back and plug in!

 BTW this method is not recommended or endorsed by DSLRUsers or myself!

[Yi-P]

Dont do it while in Australia, you are not allowed to stip out any cord or plug and do wiring yourself without a valid electrician licence... otherwise, you'll be facing deathly legthal charges...