Converter and Adapter - RSA?

Regarding electric converters and adapters for my I-pods and video camera charging.

1) Do I need a converter for RSA? If so, how do I know it is the right one?

2) Do I need an adapter? How do I know it is the right one? What does it look like?

Read something that the "kits" often don't have the right stuff for RSA.

happy charging, dv

I went through this same exact thing until someone suggested a product to me that really was a no brainer. No matter where you are in the world, almost all vehicles have cigarette lighter (adapters to be Politically correct). What i did was purchase a basic converter that plugs into the cig lighter and then charge my cameras and toys off of that. Works like a charm. No messing with plugs and stuff. Here are a few examples:

1. Pricey but very nice. Enercell™ 150W 3-Outlet Power Inverter with USB - RadioShack.com

2. Cheaper but basic enough. Xantrex XPower Micro Inverter 175 Power Inverter - RadioShack.com

Hello,

Not sure how your gadgets prongs looks that you own but if you buy this one it should take them all -

Three Prong USA to South Africa Three Prong Wall Plug

Tom, did you find you had enough time available in the vehicles to do charge items sufficiently? Are those outlets always hot? I've got 3 in my truck and I don't think any are hot when the truck is off?

Owenowen, nice, thanks.

happy hunting, dv

Excellent insight about the "adapter." I’ve bought plenty of kits over the years and some have worked well. Be mindful of 110 vs. 220. Also, buying additional batteries is always a good call. If you have two fully charged batteries in your case, you can leave one or more charging and not miss the shot/opportunity because your batteries hadn’t finished charging. I’ll see if I can find some of my top links for buying additional recharge batteries.

Also, before your trip, fully charge and discharge all your rechargeable batteries. Even though modern technology indicates that this is no longer necessary, it will certainly make a difference. I’ve made my living off of making sure I had battery power when needed.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by dustyvarmint

Tom, did you find you had enough time available in the vehicles to do charge items sufficiently? Are those outlets always hot? I've got 3 in my truck and I don't think any are hot when the truck is off?

Owenowen, nice, thanks.

happy hunting, dv

I would agree with Texas above. Make sure you have a secondary battery along. That being said, I had plenty of time to charge the batteries by using the truck method. Even if you are in camp, you can ask the PH to just turn the ignition key to give power to the auxiliary items without starting the engine. These little adapters/converters don't take a lot of battery to work. Plus, anytime you are driving around to a blind, new area, etc, just make it a priority to have it hooked up. It really is nice.

I'm not sure the wall plug in adapter considers the difference in 110 v. 220. It might, i just don't know.

Is RSA primarily 110 or 220 or mixed? thanks, dv

"...220, 221, whatever it takes." -Mr. Mom


Voltage in South Africa is 220/240V. Round three-pole plugs are in common use, while mobile phone chargers use round two-pole plugs.

Originally Posted by TexasLebenskunstler

"...220, 221, whatever it takes." -Mr. Mom

You might check with your PH to see if he's already got a converter made up. My PH had one so I didn't need to bring anything. I did bring my cigarette lighter adapter for my cell phone but didn't use it as I kept my phone off the whole time in RSA.

Electricity, the South African standard is 220/230 Volts AC 50 Hz, three-pin 15 amp outlets however Standard European 220 Volts, two-pin outlets are sometimes used as well.

Many lodges/camps have generator(s) to power the electricity through rechargeable batteries therefore it is recommended to bring a small power inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter to invert 12V DC Power to 110V AC for recharging in the hunting vehicle. Generator(s) in most camps are only run during the morning and evening hours and sometimes can be run at other times by special request.

Be sure to check with your hunting outfitter in South Africa what they are using. Many outfitters will already have on hand

Click here for a worldwide voltage guide.



South African Electrical Outlet - South African standard is 220/230 Volts AC 50 Hz, three-pin 15 amp outlets.



European Electrical Outlet - European standard is 220 Volts, two-pin outlets.



American / European To South African Outlet Plug Adapter - To be plugged in a 220V South African outlets. Will accept American and European plugs.



American to European Outlet Plug Adapter - To be plugged in a 220V European outlets. Will accept American plugs.



US Plug - To be plugged in a 110V American outlets.



AC Adapter - For your devices such as cameras, video cameras, computers, etc. that make use of an AC Adapter you might not need a power converter from 110V to 220V to use your 110V portable devices in 220V foreign countries outlets. This is especially true for more recent devices. Just check behind the AC Adapter box and check the power INPUT, if it reads INPUT : 100-240V : 50-60Hz your device can safely be used anywhere where the current ranges from 110V to 240V as the AC adapter can handle dual voltage, acting just as a power converter. You will however need to use an American to European and / or South African outlet plug adapter to connect your device to the appropriate foreign outlet.



European 220V to American 110V Adapter and Converter - For your devices such as electric tooth brushes, electric razors, hair dryers, etc. that do not make use of an AC Adapter you more than likely will need a power converter from 110V to 220V to use your 110V portable devices in 220V foreign countries outlets. Use any 110V portable devices in 220V foreign countries outlets by such power converter which will convert the 220V to 110V, so you can use your devices from the US that were made to work with 110V. Even though made to plug in European two prong outlets, such converter can easily be used in conjunction with a European to South African outlet plug adapter to be utilized in South Africa. A South African 220V to American 110V adapter and converter will be much more difficult to find and expensive to purchase.



Car Power Inverter - A power inverter will allow you to use and charge your electrical devices that requires an AC power supply in a car.

Thanks Jerome. Exactly what was needed!

happy hunting, dv

I have just what you are looking for. Go to my other website Travel to Africa on guided tours and safaris to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana with Eko Tracks - Travel Links - Travel Information and it lists all electricity, power outlets, adapters from around the world.

Thanks Intu,

Wasn't easy to find once I got to your site, but there is a lot of helpful info there. Here's a short cut.

Electricity Around the World

happy hunting, dv

You may want to consult your manual also....

My Canon batteries and charger for my DLSR are dual voltage 110/220;either 50 or 60 Hz.

I just adapt from the US stlye bladed plug to the round hole style in either SA or Namibia,no need for a converter.

I also have a photovolteac roll up thats around 12" square that provides enough for either camera or lap top batteries.Works good too.I use it to drive a cd burner for photo backup also.

Dinsdale