Amazon Sale - Travel Surge Protector

I happened to notice that Amazon has a sale on the travel surge protector several of us use. This is the Belkin with a couple of USB ports and three outlets.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATZJ5YS/ref=br_prlt_slcty_pdt-2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-top-1&pf_rd_r=0XJSJ7VYS9JQP7KZWSQ2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=5452148e-cf35-4982-87b9-1fe783b7c26b&pf_rd_i=11646946011

Enjoy

It's been discussed here that these kinds of surge protectors are not safe to use on ships because of the floating ground system.

Don't need a surge suppressor. Just a simple multi outlet extension cord will do.

We have this and have used it whenever we travel!

We love it!

And never had an issue!

It's been discussed here that these kinds of surge protectors are not safe to use on ships because of the floating ground system.

Can you explain more, Bob? I have used this device in the past without any problems. Thanks. Katherine

Can you explain more, Bob? I have used this device in the past without any problems. Thanks. Katherine

Without getting into the weeds too much. The electrical system on a ship, works differently than on land and CAN but seems usually doesn't react poorly with surge protectors in a way that can overheat and cause a fire. Despite people's opinions, there have been variously links to technical explanations and warnings about using such devices. So yes, many people use them, most cruise lines don't allow power strips due to this issue, and chances are nothing will happen, but that doesn't change the fact that it could and opinion or experience doesn't change how power works on the ship.

Can you explain more, Bob? I have used this device in the past without any problems. Thanks. Katherine

I've also used the device without problems, but it's come to my attention that because it's not designed for use with the type of wiring that a ship has, there is a fire hazard.

Here is a post with an explantion:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49476307&postcount=65

Thank you.

I've also used the device without problems, but it's come to my attention that because it's not designed for use with the type of wiring that a ship has, there is a fire hazard.

 

Here is a post with an explantion:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49476307&postcount=65

Thanks, Bob.

Let me add a clarifying note to those who have used a Belkin or similar device in the past "without a problem". If you read the USCG Safety Notice, the fire's root cause was not a problem with the surge protector that eventually failed and caught fire, but it was due to another device or piece of electrical equipment on the ship (and noted as even being on a different circuit) that "went to ground" (the insulation failed) that reverse powered the MOV's in the surge protector that caught fire. Unintentional grounds aboard ship are fairly common due to the presence of outdoor lighting fixtures exposed to storms and seas, which sometimes fill with sea water and ground out. This is another reason that shipboard grounding is designed as it is, so that the engineers can quickly identify any grounded circuit and repair it before it can cause a problem.

So, the long and short of it is, your Belkin may in fact be completely normal in operation, right up until the moment that something else on the ship causes it to go into "thermal runaway".

Thanks, Bob.....

I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of linking your post. I like that post because you mention alternatives.

I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of linking your post. I like that post because you mention alternatives.

Not at all, glad to have the help getting the word out.

I don't see the need to use a surge protector these days when you travel.

We use this power strip and have for years.

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460999538&sr=8-1&keywords=Monster+Travel+Power+Strip

Keith

I may switch at some point. I don't think we have anything that uses an actual power cord anymore, but, we have a lot that use the USB. I need to do some research as I'd like to get a little more amperage, perhaps 4 or so, per port.

If it's useful, here's what I am currently looking at. It doesn't have the ability of the Belkin to rotate in the outlet, and that has been useful in the past. I'll probably shop around more...not a rush.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011UBGZJ2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3HUOUU3HNUN07&coliid=IJAKGSDJPAZU4&psc=1

If it's useful, here's what I am currently looking at. It doesn't have the ability of the Belkin to rotate in the outlet, and that has been useful in the past. I'll probably shop around more...not a rush.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011UBGZJ2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3HUOUU3HNUN07&coliid=IJAKGSDJPAZU4&psc=1

I'm going to try to open the Belkin device I have and snip off the surge protector part. I want the two/three outlets, plus USB ports, plus the swivel, and I've not found anything like that yet.

Not at all, glad to have the help getting the word out.

Thank you for the detailed explanation as to why the travel chargers with surge protectors can cause issues on a ship. I don't quite understand it all... :)

I also have the Belkin swivel, which I love, and was planning on bringing it along on our October cruise on the Allure. But, it will just have to stay at home. I am looking for an adapter to charge multiple Android units plus my Kindle. Your suggestions from the other thread are very helpful.

If I can get your opinion on an adapter, I would very much appreciate it. I'm not sure what specifically to look for that makes it incompatible on the ship. You indicated even if surge protection isn't advertised, the unit could still have that capability.

The following is what I am looking at, to me, it is just a USB hub and I don't think they have surge protection. I have this in a larger unit that has a pretty large brick for the power supply. This one looks like a small plugin. I already know the brand will work with all my devices.

Thank you so much for your assistance and your patience for those of us not well versed in electrical systems.

http://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Charging-Station-Travel-Charger/dp/B00KRY4YJW/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=419vsEGH63L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1RBQ8RVFV4KFBAVQAD8C

I'm going to try to open the Belkin device I have and snip off the surge protector part. I want the two/three outlets, plus USB ports, plus the swivel, and I've not found anything like that yet.

Let us know how it works. I have the same kind you have.

One thing I always take with me is one of the adapters for the European type plugs. The two round prong type. It gives you an extra outlet

If it's useful, here's what I am currently looking at. It doesn't have the ability of the Belkin to rotate in the outlet, and that has been useful in the past. I'll probably shop around more...not a rush.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011UBGZJ2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3HUOUU3HNUN07&coliid=IJAKGSDJPAZU4&psc=1

How about one of these. They have a little cord that has the plug attached. You don't have to worry about it rotating. http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Mopower-Portable-Adapter-Technology/dp/B00V4JI7G0/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1461031996&sr=1-4&keywords=wall+charger+multiple+usb

How about one of these. They have a little cord that has the plug attached. You don't have to worry about it rotating. http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Mopower-Portable-Adapter-Technology/dp/B00V4JI7G0/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1461031996&sr=1-4&keywords=wall+charger+multiple+usb

Looks OK, I don't see any mention of surge protection.

I too have the belkin and used it for many years - but it has since 'died' on me - so I am looking to replace it - as mentioned the surge protection seems to be the issue - however I am most interested in the swivel option or something that is more flexible in nature.

Mostly looking for something with room for more than one electrical outlet - e.g. hair appliances, music, etc...not so much for charging devices....

Wondering if there is something similar to the belkin in functionality as it worked great for those tight spots where you could swivel it to make it fit!

Ok, I just ordered two different things. One is four AC plugs and the other is five USB ports. It has a cord that will plug in so it wont be so bulky.

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

http://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Family-Sized-Desktop-Charger-Smartphones/dp/B00J5DS8NE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

It just so happens I got a $100 gift card from Amazon today for some heath care thing I did. I've spent it all today on stuff for our upcoming cruise.

Ok, I just ordered two different things. One is four AC plugs and the other is five USB ports. It has a cord that will plug in so it wont be so bulky.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

http://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Family-Sized-Desktop-Charger-Smartphones/dp/B00J5DS8NE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

It just so happens I got a $100 gift card from Amazon today for some heath care thing I did. I've spent it all today on stuff for our upcoming cruise.

Those look good too.:)

Thank you for the detailed explanation as to why the travel chargers with surge protectors can cause issues on a ship. I don't quite understand it all... :)

 

I also have the Belkin swivel, which I love, and was planning on bringing it along on our October cruise on the Allure. But, it will just have to stay at home. I am looking for an adapter to charge multiple Android units plus my Kindle. Your suggestions from the other thread are very helpful.

 

If I can get your opinion on an adapter, I would very much appreciate it. I'm not sure what specifically to look for that makes it incompatible on the ship. You indicated even if surge protection isn't advertised, the unit could still have that capability.

 

The following is what I am looking at, to me, it is just a USB hub and I don't think they have surge protection. I have this in a larger unit that has a pretty large brick for the power supply. This one looks like a small plugin. I already know the brand will work with all my devices.

 

Thank you so much for your assistance and your patience for those of us not well versed in electrical systems.

 

http://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Charging-Station-Travel-Charger/dp/B00KRY4YJW/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=419vsEGH63L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1RBQ8RVFV4KFBAVQAD8C

This one is easy, right on the Amazon page it lists "surge protection" as one of the features. Sorry. Most multi-USB chargers do in fact have surge protection.

How about one of these. They have a little cord that has the plug attached. You don't have to worry about it rotating. http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Mopower-Portable-Adapter-Technology/dp/B00V4JI7G0/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1461031996&sr=1-4&keywords=wall+charger+multiple+usb

Looks OK, I don't see any mention of surge protection.

This one mentions "over voltage" protection, which is surge protection. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

Ok, I just ordered two different things. One is four AC plugs and the other is five USB ports. It has a cord that will plug in so it wont be so bulky.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

http://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Family-Sized-Desktop-Charger-Smartphones/dp/B00J5DS8NE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

It just so happens I got a $100 gift card from Amazon today for some heath care thing I did. I've spent it all today on stuff for our upcoming cruise.

Those look good too.:)

This one took a little more work, I've visited the PowerAdd website, and still got very little on specifications, so I've emailed them about this, will post the answer. As I've said, you really can't go by a consumer product page like Amazon for detailed specifications, and even a lot of manufacturer's sites are not clear.