Convenient travel plug converter and travel bag.

Traveling can be a very fun and rewarding experience when everything goes well.  Unfortunately, as Americans, we think we do everything the correct/right way.  We have the right customs, the right manners, the right method to measure things/distances/weights, etc.  These mannerisms cannot be further from the truth.  It is true that we have our way, but if you have left our shores to visit the marvels of others, you would know that there are multiple differences from what you know.  Learning the cultural norms, what makes people special/unique and different, is what makes traveling exciting.  If you have not traveled out of the United States, you may not know that your electronic devices could be damaged or destroyed by other country power supplies.  Since there is no international standard for power supply or outlet, you should consider obtaining a travel USB adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

I received a DuaFire Travel Adapter with USB to review.  The product arrived in a  4 1/2 inches tall by 3 3/16 inches wide by 2 5/16 inches thick blue and white box.  The title is labeled as “Travel Adapter with USB,” and the company provided a 3/4 wrap-around clear plastic window for easier visualization of the device.  When it comes to packaging, I prefer the ability to see the item directly versus an image/design of the item.  The packaging promises 2 USB ports, a 2.4A USB output and the ability to utilize the adapter in over 150 countries throughout the world.   With built-in Australian, USA, UK and EU prongs, expect this lightweight product to be a welcomed traveling companion.

Within the packaging, the company provided the 2 9/16 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall by 1 7/8 inches thick, 4.0 ounce plug adapter, a 4-panel instruction manual, a warranty card and a 4 1/2 inches wide by 5 inches tall black mesh drawstring bag.  The DuaFire device is rather attractive, and I wish that the company would have included the product name on the packaging.  The light blue coloration is easy to see, and the black side accents help to focus on the blue coloration if dropped.  Along the bottom/front of the device, you will find a small black slider.  You can slide the slider to your left to unlock the UK style prong (Type G) on the right of the device.  If you depress the slider and slide it to the right, you can extend the USA (Type A)/Australia (Type I) prongs on the left side of the device.  The prongs on this side of the device, when extended, can rotate inwards to change from the Type A USA prongs to the Australia/Chinese Type I prong.  If you depress the slider again and move it back to the middle, you can lock all of the prongs into a retracted state.

Across the top of the adapter, you will find a small LED strip, which will illuminate when plugged into power and a multi-country input port (USA, UK, EU, Australia). The back of the device has two USB outport ports which will output 2.4A for a single device or 1.2 amps to both ports if using both output ports.  The device can accept a maximum of 6A input with 110-240V AC.  Along the bottom/back of the device, you will see another black slider.  Slide this to your right, and the EU prong (Type C) will extend.

It is important to note three significant factors/possible limitations to this device.  First, there is no AC-AC current conversion.  You will need to either purchase a voltage converter separately or consider a different all-in-one product, easily found on Amazon for about $30-50+.  Part of the complication with traveling to other countries is making sure that your local tech will work there.  There may be differences in the frequency of the power between 50-60Hz, and the voltage may range from 100-240 AC.  Many devices will tell you if they can self-regulate (possibly on the charging cube), but you may not know this if you have removed the packaging.  The second warning mentioned in the instruction manual was a caution about using high energy appliances like a hair drier or electric clippers.  It recommends that you read the instruction manual of your appliance before utilizing this device.   The third concerning issue is that this device is not grounded.

This device will not convert any voltages but will allow you to plug your weirdly shaped power cable into the right sized hole.  If you have a hairdryer, flat iron, etc., you will want to look at specific devices to use them.  Personally, consider buying a cheap option in the country you are visiting and forget about the need for a power converter.  Most Apple devices, laptops and modem devices will auto-detect the incoming voltage.  A device like the DuaFire is thus perfect for charging your phone/tablet.   When it comes to grounding, this can be a very costly decision. If the plug is not grounded, the electrical device can become charged and may provide a shock if touched.  Grounding the outlet allows for the current to be directed towards the ground and provides additional protection from surges.   Many computers and devices have three-pronged plugs that will require a grounded outlet.  This device cannot accept three pronged cords.  Again, if you need an adaptor for specific devices, consider purchasing a more specific adaptor for your desired device/country.

The adaptor does come with a conveniently included black mesh travel bag.  With the device prongs retracted, the DuaFire adaptor fits perfectly into the bag.  The bag also provides a nice storage compartment for your USB cables.  Combined with the DuaFire device, the combination should work very well for most people going on cruises and if traveling to most countries.  You will have to decide if you want more protection from outlets and if so, consider a grounded adapter.  I have not traveled out of the country recently but rely heavily upon portable battery banks.  If you are worried about your device, consider getting a larger battery and charging it through the adapter/outlet.  You can then charge your tech with the battery.  I would prefer to buy a new battery than tech hardware.

I would describe this more like a plug converter than a power adaptor.  I used the device at home for the past week and had no issues plugging it into the wall outlet.  The fit was secure, and I experienced minimal wiggle/sag from the prongs.  I used the USB outlets and found them to output the reported power, using a DROK USB multimeter.  I read multiple Amazon reviews and saw a broad spectrum of scores.  Seven reviews gave one star noting the device broke.  Eight people gave four-star reviews and thirty-six provided five-star reviews.  I  have not traveled out of the country to be able to test the durability of this product.  Using this in my American outlet and plugging devices into the input port and using the USB outlets, was just fine.  I would rate the overall product at 4/5 stars.
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