Another electrical adapter question

Read Rick Steves FAQ tip: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such
as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe.

Typical electronics power supplies are rated for inputs of 110 to 240 vac at 50/60Hz. No voltage converter/transformer needed.

Look for label data on heat devices for voltage inputs.

If the iron's US power plug has two prongs, all you need is a two prong Europe adapter, not a three prong adapter. In fact, a three prong adapter (which adds a grounding pin) would be useless, because a plug with only two prongs has no ground connection at all. If you have a device with a plug with three prongs (one a ground), using the three prong adapter with a ground is considered a safe idea.

If your iron worked in Ireland with just a simple adapter, it should work in Italy with a simple adapter.

Thanks -- yes, I looked up the voltage (not wattage) for the flat iron and it's about 75...I'm guessing the two prong standard plug (like RS sells for $1) will be fine.

There are no consumer electrical devices with voltage of 75.

But if it worked OK in Ireland using the plug adapter only, it should work OK elsewhere in Europe with the appropriate plug adapter as well.

I assume the OP meant 75 watts. Wattage doesn't mean anything in terms of compatibility with European power; you care about voltage and power cycles (50hz used in Europe, 60hz in US). But any device that is dual voltage is probably dual cycle (both 50 hz and 60hz) as well.

Terri,

Rather than guessing at the specifications of your flat iron based on the limited information so far, it would help if you could post the specifications on the nameplate label that's affixed to the device. Also, what brand is the flat iron?

My only concern is that it probably has a "polarizing" plug, that is, one blade on the plug is wider than the other. Polarizing plugs are often required by UL because they provide a safety feature with American polarized power sources, but that feature is lost on European power sources, which for the most part are not polarized. For the iron I took apart, and I suspect it is common, the polarized plug was to account for a single pole switch on the hot side, to keep the iron from coming on spontaneously if there was an internal short. You really should not use this appliance at all in Europe, but if you do, make sure it is not left plugged in when unattended.

I would suggest investing in a dual voltage flat iron. Its the easiest and safest way. My wife fried a flat iron on one of our overseas trips - and she was using a $50 voltage regulator (granted - it was probably set wrong). But just take all the worry and stress out of it and do yourself a favor by getting a dual voltage one. You can use it in the states and in Europe without worry. You'll still need a plug adaptor - but you'd need that anyway.

Hey everyone: finally found the electrical info on my flat iron...it is an "HSI Professional E038". In very tiny print inside the device it says Voltage 110 -240V/Power 105W(USA) 60W (Canada) Temperature 140-410F. It has two prongs, one wider than the other. I am sorry to be such an electrical dolt!

Wavy/frizzy haired traveler commiserating with you on this and...
From personal experience (blew a fuse AND fried iron AND the adapter even though it theoretically should have worked)...I would recommend purchasing a flat iron once you arrive in Europe. You can generally get one very inexpensively and even if it doesn't offer quite the power of what you are used to in the US, it will cut the frizz enough, considering you are on vacation.

Terri,

Thanks very much for the additional information. According to the information you've posted and to the manufacturer's website, your flat iron is designed for dual voltage use, but will of course require a Plug Adaptor similar to this - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Insten-6X-USA-US-to-EU-Europe-Travel-Power-Adapter-Converter-Wall-Plug/28881017 .

I couldn't tell from the manufacturer's website whether the device has a switch to change voltage, or whether it automatically adjusts. As you've used it before without problems, you shouldn't have any issues on this trip. I agree with Lee that it would be prudent to unplug it when not in use.