The world today is interconnected, and this has made business travel become a major part of a professional’s life. And whether it’s attending conferences, meeting clients, or exploring new markets, business travellers today rely heavily on their electronic devices to stay connected and productive while on the road.
However, this is usually not so easy when it comes to travelling from country to country. Different countries use different electrical standards, which can make charging electronics quite a challenge for any traveller. This is where travel adapters for business travellers come in. They help overcome power and compatibility-related hurdles, allowing a person to stay efficient and make the most of their business travels.
Understanding Global Power Standards
As mentioned before, different countries use different power standards. To be specific, this refers to the voltage, frequency, and plug types used. And before travelling, you will need to familiarize yourself with them to ensure that you can use your electronics seamlessly and without exposing them to power damage.
Frequency is not much of an issue as the two main frequencies used across the world are 50 Hz and 60 Hz, and modern devices support both. However, different regions use different voltage standards, with the most common ones being 110-120 volts and 220-240 volts. The former is mostly used in North and Central America, Japan, and some parts of South America. Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania use the 220-240 volts standard. Before you leave, ensure you consider the region where you are headed to know whether you’ll need a converter.
But while voltage is crucial, the most visible aspect of global power standards is the plug types. Different regions use varied plug configurations, which means you can’t charge your device even if the voltage is okay. The most common plug types are:
- Type A: Used in North and Central America, Japan, and other countries
- Type C: Use commonly in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Type G: Used commonly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some African countries.
There are also other plug types, such as Type B, Type D, and Type I, used in different regions.
The Importance of Travel Adapters
Due to the difference in electrical standards in different regions, travel adapters are not just an added advantage, but a must-have. If you don’t have the right one, you may find yourself unable to connect your devices to local power outlets. And if you are on a business trip, this can prove to be quite costly as you will need to stay in touch with your team or clients. As such, a travel adapter is necessary to ensure that you can connect your device to a different plug type in a different country.
There are also some adapters that come as voltage converters. These allow you to not only use a wall plug in a foreign country but also convert the voltage to the one used by your devices.
Which Adapters are Suitable for Business Travel?
Business travel can often involve travelling to different countries, either within the same trip or at different times. This means that you may need a travel adapter that you can use in more than one region. This will do away with the need to carry or buy more than one plug adapter. Thankfully, there are universal travel adapters that you get from reliable suppliers such as RS.
These are usually designed to accommodate multiple plug types. And to do this, they often come with interchangeable plugs or built-in sliders that allow you to switch between different configurations effortlessly. Universal adapters are the best fit for business travellers as they eliminate the need for multiple adapters and streamline your travel preparations.
Besides these, you can also consider having a USB-C adapter. As most modern devices come with a USB C port, it can also prove to be quite handy.
