Hello everyone:
I have looked at "universal" adapter plugs and most of them don't seem to have what I think is the three-prong arrangement for Italy. Do I need the three-prong adapter? Presumably I also need a converter for my Kindle.
Thanks in advance.
Margaret
Italian 2-pin plugs are the same as the rest of mainland Europe, Italian 3-pin plugs are unique, they have the 3 pins in a line.
It looks like this: http://www.rei.com/pix/expertAdvice/articles/ea6041_type_l_italy.gif
Not all allegedly "Universal" converters cover Italian 3-pin plugs.
Electrical outlets in Italy are a mixed bag. The adapters that work in France and Germany work in some outlets in Italy but not all. An old-style adapter with two round prongs will work. The old-style three-prong Italian plugs have three round prongs in a line, if you need a grounded plug.
Most modern electronics will work on both 120V (U.S.) and 240V (European) systems so you probably won't need a converter. One trick that I discovered is that many European hotels have an American-style outlet in the bathroom (for razors) which you may be able to use with light electronics that will only run on 120V systems. I had no problem charging a Kindle on a 240V system.
I suggest that you bring an extension cord or two with multiple outlets. European hotel rooms are stingy with electrical outlets. Do NOT bring a surge protector! I know someone who a few years ago plugged an American surge protector into a European outlet and blew out the electricity of the whole hotel!
I charge my iPhone, iPad and camera battery using the $1 adapter plugs that can be bought on this site.
http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters
My "electronic" devices are all two conductor powered with no ground (third prong). If your device doesn't require grounding, you don't need the third pin. That generally allows you to use the "Continental" two round pin adapters.
If your device has a build in "automatic" voltage converter AND is wired for grounding, the US to Continental adapter that Rick Steves sells is configured so that the US plug's ground pin bypasses the adapter allowing you to connect to the house circuit. However, in that situation you are NOT grounded. Bypassing the ground pin is like using a US plug adapter with a ground wire pigtail without connecting the pigtail to a suitable ground.
As everyone has said you only need the two prong for Italy. Our Iphone, I pad and camera battery only need the adapter they do not need a converter. I also buy curling Irons that switch over. If you look on the packaging you will find a lot of appliances and electronics do now. Most three star hotels will all supply hairdryers, so I never need to take one. And also bring more than one plug because it is more convenient than trying to share one for everything.
Margaret,
To begin with, it would be a good idea to double-check the specifications on EACH device that you'll be travelling with to determine the voltage ratings. Check the Chargers for each device, looking for the words "Input Voltage". If the ratings state "Input 100-240 VAC ~50-60 Hz" then you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adaptors.
It's unlikely that Kindles or newer electronic devices will require a grounding pin, so as the others have mentioned the basic two-pin Euro Plug Adaptor should work just fine. I'd suggest packing along at least two, as they're small and easily misplaced. I always pack along at least one Italy grounded Plug Adaptor as one my appliances is designed to be grounded, and that covers all the bases.
There are some important "caveats" to be aware of with Voltage Converters, so best to avoid those if at all possible.
