Warning: Forgetting to check power outlets almost fried my laptop adapter.

I brought my usual adapter to a country with different voltage. My laptop started smoking when I plugged it in. Now I carry a universal adapter and always check voltage requirements. It's a simple step that prevents costly damage.

3 comments

3 Comments

evannelson1mo ago

My buddy brought his fancy hair trimmer to Europe without checking. Plugged it right into the bathroom outlet in Rome. We heard a loud pop and saw a little flash from the plug. That thing was completely dead, and he had to find a barber shop for the rest of the trip. He never makes that mistake now.

nathan8511mo ago

Was the trimmer dual-voltage and he just didn't switch it, or was it only for US plugs?

the_jennifer29d ago

Bet it was a single voltage trimmer that just couldn't handle the 220 volts. Those little switches are easy to miss if you're not looking for them. I've seen people fry all sorts of stuff, from hair dryers to electric toothbrush chargers, the same way. It's a surprisingly expensive and smoky way to learn a basic travel lesson.