Important considerations include the voltage, plug shape, frequency, and current
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If you’re planning on traveling internationally, pack apower adapterthat matches the plug standard for your destination.
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Current Standards
The two primary standards for current are Alternating Current and Direct Current.
The U.S. standard was developed duringthe famous war between Tesla and Edison.
Edison favored DC, and Tesla preferred AC.
However, not all countries adopted AC.
Neither did all your devices.
Batteries and the internal workings of many electronics use DC power.
In the case of laptops, the power brick converts AC power to DC.
Voltage Standards
Voltageis the force with which electricity travels.
It’s often described using a water pressure analogy.
Frequency Standards
Thefrequencyof AC power refers to how often the current alternates each second.
Is a Power Plug Adapter Sufficient?
Look at the back of your gear where you find theUL listingand other information.
In the case of laptops, the information is on the power adapter.
The UL listing tells you the frequency, current, and voltage that your gadget can handle.
You may need toflip a switchor move a slider to convert devices with dual modes.
In fact, you might damage your laptop if you do.
Check with the company that made your laptop to see what you need.
If necessary, you may also be able to buy a compatible power adapter in your destination country.
Ask before your trip to see what your destination offers.
Using one would probably ruin your charger.
You just need a compatible charger.USBis standardized.
USB may be the best hope for standardizing power charging in the future.
USB and wireless charging systems may be steps toward the next “electric plug” solution for international travel.
you might still plug your USB 2.0-powered machine into a USB 3.0 port and charge it.
You just don’t see the bandwidth and speed advantages USB 3.0 offers when you do.
