US Power Sockets: Will I Need a 3-pin Adaptor in Boston?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the need for a power adaptor while visiting Boston, specifically addressing the compatibility of a three-pin earthed adaptor with local power sockets. Participants explore the types of outlets available, voltage differences, and the practicality of using different adaptors in various settings such as hotels or private residences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that newer outlets in the US typically accommodate three-pin grounded plugs, while older outlets may only accept two-pin plugs.
  • There is a suggestion that using a two-pin adaptor might provide more options in case of older outlets.
  • One participant mentions the availability of "cheater plugs" as a potential solution for using a three-pin adaptor in two-pin sockets.
  • Concerns are raised about the voltage differences between the US (120V) and Europe (200V), although it is noted that many devices can handle this range.
  • Another participant points out that the frequency difference (60 Hz in the US vs. 50 Hz in Europe) may not significantly affect most electronic devices.
  • There is a discussion about the terminology used, clarifying that a converter changes voltage while an adaptor allows a plug to fit a socket.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the availability of suitable sockets in private residences or smaller accommodations.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about adapting to local terminology while traveling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that newer hotels will likely have three-pin sockets, but there is no consensus on the necessity of a two-pin adaptor or the reliability of socket availability in different types of accommodations. Multiple viewpoints on the need for converters versus adaptors remain contested.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for encountering older outlets and the variability of socket access in different settings, indicating that assumptions about receptacle types may not hold universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Travelers visiting the US, particularly those from regions with different electrical standards, may find this discussion relevant for understanding power adaptor needs.

Monique
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Coming week I'm visiting Boston for a meeting, so I bought a power adaptor. I just realized it's an earthed one, so it has three pins. Will I be able to use that on all the power plugs, or should I get a two-pinned adaptor?
 
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Monique said:
Coming week I'm visiting Boston for a meeting, so I bought a power adaptor. I just realized it's an earthed one, so it has three pins. Will I be able to use that on all the power plugs, or should I get a two-pinned adaptor?
Newer outlets will have three plugs (we call it grounded in the US), older outlets won't, so a two prong would give you more options.
 
Just get one of these to plug your adapter into when needed.


320px-Cheater_plug_edited.jpg



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheater_plug
 
dlgoff said:
Just get one of these to plug your adapter into when needed.


320px-Cheater_plug_edited.jpg



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheater_plug
Excellent idea dl! Monique, these are just pennies at any hardware store here, is there someone in Boston you can ask to get you one?
 
Monique, I'm not sure where you're staying in Boston - hotel or with friends - but any place with reasonably to-code receptacles have the sockets that take three pins. You should also recognize that power receptacles throughout the US are 120V, which is different from the 200V in many European countries.
 
Also 60 Hz, don't you guys use 50 over there? Although I think for most electronic devices the cycle shouldn't matter.
 
Hmmm, now I'm doubting. At least I'm staying at an expensive hotel (it was the only option), so maybe I should take the risk. On the other hand, the adaptor is useful world-wide and I don't want to get stuck with unground sockets (which did happen before).

The voltage is not a problem, I'll only be using a computer and my phone and they have transformers that can take 100-220V.

Evo said:
Newer outlets will have three plugs (we call it grounded in the US), older outlets won't, so a two prong would give you more options.
The adaptor must be British then, it says Earthed :smile: When I was in London the other week the hotel check-in person corrected me when I asked for the elevator, "we call that a lift over here" :biggrin:
 
Monique said:
The adaptor must be British then, it says Earthed :smile: When I was in London the other week the hotel check-in person corrected me when I asked for the elevator, "we call that a lift over here" :biggrin:

You should have asked for the stairs. :wink:
 
If you're at an expensive hotel, the front desk will have EU-US converters.
 
  • #10
The wording here matters: a converter changes voltage but an adapter doesn't. You probably need a converter.
 
  • #11
Mark44 said:
Monique, I'm not sure where you're staying in Boston - hotel or with friends - but any place with reasonably to-code receptacles have the sockets that take three pins. .

That's true, but sometimes you find that receptacles are in hard to reach places and that what is offered you is the end of an extension cord that has only a two prong receptacle. That sort of thing might happen if you stay in a private residence or small bed-and-breakfast.
 
  • #12
russ_watters said:
The wording here matters: a converter changes voltage but an adapter doesn't. You probably need a converter.
No, I need an adapter so that the power cord will fit the socket. The converter that's attached to computer/telephone power cords is already designed to take 100-220V 50/60Hz.

Somewhere in the house I should have a cheap unground adapter, so I'll keep the grounded one. If it won't fit I'll be able to use someone else's adapter or visit a shop.

hah, I almost forgot to activate my debit card for North America, almost got stuck without money :biggrin: Strange, it almost feels like I'm going home.
 

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