Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I need?

[Danoz]

Being the technological goto person for a non-profit organization, I've been tasked with finding 3 power adapters and voltage converters for laptops by Friday morning. I'm not particularly familiar with this, but a basic google search tells me that Kenya uses British BS-1363 (standard UK/Ireland) but also uses 240 V to our 110-120 V in the United States. I imagine I'll need both a simple adapter and some sort of way to convert the voltage as well (to avoid frying the devices). Can anybody confirm this?

Also, let me know if you have any ideas as to where I could order something like this for overnight delivery (or just maybe check out some various computer hardware stores around town).

 

[trampledamage]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

I'll ask mr trampledamage for details when he gets home - but yes, you'll need a plug adapter and a converter if Kenya runs on British style power.

 

[Lookingglassman]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

See if you can find Obama's birth certificate while you are overthere to silence the nut cases who believe he was born there and not in the US.

 

[Omnius]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

Afaik most laptop chargers run on 100-240 volts. Check the bottom of your charger to be sure. You'd only need a plug converter then.

 

[nevermore]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

Just get a universal adapter like this. I have one. Works great. Got it at Target for like $10.

And yeah, Africa uses UK-style plugs, and all you need is the plug adapter. Most high-tech devices can handle the range of voltages. This advice is based on colleagues who regularly travel to Africa among other places.

 

[Kestra]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

I imagine I'll need both a simple adapter and some sort of way to convert the voltage as well (to avoid frying the devices). Can anybody confirm this?

Ah, the amount of things I've fried accidentally in India. Definitely check on the voltage thing. Laptop might be okay, but someone else would know that better than I do. I know with my girly hair things (curling iron, flat iron, hair dryer, etc.) there's actually an option to change the voltage on most of them. I think you should gather whatever you're planning on taking with you, and do a case by case review for each device. Voltage converters can be quite bulky and expensive.

I would definitely suggest getting a universal adapter, regardless of what you decide to do about the voltage situation.

 

[trampledamage]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

I'll ask mr trampledamage for details when he gets home - but yes, you'll need a plug adapter and a converter if Kenya runs on British style power.

Have asked mr trampledamage. He says to look at the power supplies for your laptops. It's possible they are already auto-voltage switching and in which case all you need is the plug adaptor to take you from US two-prong to UK three-prong.

If the power supplies that come with the lap-tops aren't auto-switching, any replacement power supply you buy will be. Getting a new power-supply will mean you don't then have to carry the power-supply and the converter which means less luggage

 

[MANT!]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

here's the answers..
http://www.adaptelec.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=213

http://www.adaptelec.com/wa7-travel-plug-adapter-for-england-ireland-etc-type-g-bs-1363-p-3.html

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/batteries/pwrgde-3.htm

Your local Radio Shack has the plugs and converters..

 

[Danoz]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

Looks like I don't need a voltage converter! This runs 100-240V. I just need to convert to British standard.

 

[StolenThunder]

Re: Trip to KENYA (from U.S.) -- what kind of power converter do I nee

Yeah, that seems right. The laptop power supply will accommodate for the changed voltage. Do impress the fact that this is not that case for most electrics though - hairdryers etc. do set fire easily!