Hi All,
Chile has 2 adapters, C & L, the latter is often not included in universal adapters. But we’ve read that many hotels (especially older, standard ones) can have both kinds of plugs in the same room! Would very much appreciate your guidance on what is most practical way to cover this?
I would prefer a universal adapter, but can’t find any sold ones that include Europe, Chile & Argentina. But primary need now is to be ready for Argentina & Chile.
Thank you!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9569 posts
For most everything, simply use the type C adapter, it will fit in both C and L. The difference between the two is that the L has a center ground pin. It is the same as in the US, a 2 prong type A plug will work in an A or B (three prong) socket, the type B and L plugs will only fit in their 3 prong sockets.
The question would then be, do you need a ground? And for most all electronics like phone chargers, tablets, most laptops, the answer is no. If you will have higher power appliances, then maybe.
Posted by
Minneapolis
754 posts
Chile uses the Italian plug system. That should be included on any universal plug. What Paul said is true also.
Posted by
OP
SFO
131 posts
I checked Best Buy and AI: Italian adapters are not identical to those needed for Chile. Have you had experience with hotels/accommodations in Patagonia? I cannot find any multiple-plug adapters that include C, L, and Europe. Is it best then to just buy C & L separately?
JP
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9569 posts
Italian adapters are not identical to those needed for Chile
This is incorrect. Plugs are given an alpha code and they are standard to wherever that code is used. Both Chile and Italy use type C and L, Italy uses these as well, they are the same. Italy has adopted the use of the type F or Schuko plug, which is more common across the EU, which uses grounding clips, rather than a grounding pin. Chile does not use the type F.
A simple type C adapter will work for you, it will fit the type C and Type L outlet, (and the Type F outlet as well)
If you are just charging your phone, laptop, tablet, and similar lower wattage devices, all you need is the type C. If you are charging something else, then you might need a dedicated type L adapter if ground is important. You do not need a "Universal adapter" that is both type C and L.
Posted by
Paris
7992 posts
If you are just charging your phone, laptop, tablet, and similar lower wattage devices, all you need is the type C
Some laptops do have grounded chargers, which would require type L. I got stung on a work trip to Italy once.
Posted by
13 posts
In general other responses are correct in that a type C plug will fit both the tye C and L outlets so if you don't need to use any grounded equipment then just a type C adapter should work perfectly well.
If you do need to use grounded equipment then the problem can be more difficult to solve as grounded universal adapters are not common and almost none of them have the type L plug option that you may require. The only practical option then becomes one of the 'whole world' packages. These ususlly comprise an adapter where you can swap out the different plugs / prongs manually that come as part of a kit. Some of these do have both the type C and L plugs and so would meet your needs. You can see some here, just be careful to make sure that you find one that comes with the type L plug included as not all of them do.