Power trip: Globetrotter's guide to charging your gadgets

Watch out—even with the right adapter, that power socket in your far-flung hotel room could fry your precious gear. Find out how to keep your AC on the up and up while you're on the go.

Lifehacker found a wealth of crucial power tips on the Wired how-to wiki, which goes well beyond the typical charts of which adapters you'll need for each country. For example:

Check the voltage: As the Wired wiki notes, voltages around the world vary anywhere from 100V to 240V. Before you travel, check your gadgets and make sure they'll handle a good range of voltages, typically between 100V and 240V; the info should be printed directly on the gadget and/or its power brick. If your gear only handles one voltage or another (unlikely), then you'll need a voltage converter before you travel (click here to find one).

Check the Hertz: Power outlets also dole out varying degrees of Hertz (frequency), usually between 50-60Hz. Once more, check your gadgets—if the proper range isn't listed (again, unlikely), make sure your converter covers both your voltage and Hertz needs.

Watch out for DC: Plug your laptop into a DC outlet and...poof! The editors on the Wired wiki say they've never encountered a DC (direct current) outlet while traveling, but it's worth asking the concierge if you're not sure.

Get a surge protector: A good idea at home, an even better idea when you're globetrotting. Click here to shop for compact travel models.

Buy power adapters once you're abroad: Well, that's what the Wired wiki suggests, noting that native adapters are often cheaper and more reliable than the universal kits available in your home country. Personally, I like to be equipped before I go—but that's me. Anyway, if you're more of a kit person, check out this cool, all-in-one power adapter I blogged about last year.

USB ports are your friends: As much as possible, use your laptop's USB ports to charge your iPods, cell phones, etc.

The Wired wiki also links to this helpful world electric guide, which lists the voltage, Hertz, and adapters you'll need for more than 200 countries.

Make sure to check out the Wired wiki for more tips and tricks. And jetsetters—have any other power tips for us? Fire away!

Related:
Stay Plugged In While Traveling [Wired Wiki, via Lifehacker]