I bought both, but I am not sure if they are what I will need. Mine is a three prong, but someone else said I need a two prong. Help!!
Posted by
La Quinta, CA, USA
21 posts
You definitely need the 2 prong adaptor for italy...just got back from 4 weeks all over the country and the 2 prong plug is used everywhere...
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Melinda: your question has been discussed frequently on this website. You can retrieve these earlier answers if you use the search box (upper right corner), search on the word "adapter". You may not need the converter at all, those prior comments will explain this, it's a bit technical so see those prior comments.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1056 posts
Three prong converter is for England only. Everywhere else in Europe uses two prong.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1056 posts
Three prong converter is for England only. Everywhere else in Europe uses two prong. Also, by the way, an adapter is not a converter. It merely adapts the shape of your plug so it will fit the wall. If you're using electrical equipment it should run on 220 volts as well. Lots of things, like travel hairdryers, have switches to change from 110 to 220.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You can compare the two kinds of plug adapters here: http://tinyurl.com/4dd4h.
Posted by
OP
Pleasant Grove, UT, USA
9 posts
Thank you all for your help. I am so upset at the place I bought my adapter. I called them on the phone and everything and on their website it shows the three prong for Italy. I will get me a two prong.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32347 posts
Melinda,
After reading over the posts so far, I think a bit of clarification is in order.
The Plug Adapter most used for Euro countries has two ROUND pins. Some outlets may also contain a third pin (ground), but the two pin model should work most places.
The Plug Adapter used for the U.K. has two or three large RECTANGULAR pins. It's noticeably larger than the Euro model. Check www.magellans.com for description of both types.
Regarding a Converter, you may OR may not need one. You need to check the nameplate on EACH of the devices you'll be travelling with. If these say "Input Voltage 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", the device is designed to also work on 220 V. electrical systems. If the label says "115V VAC, 60 Hz" then you will also need a Voltge Converter. There are two types of Converters, and it's important to use the correct type - Transformer for electronics & solid-state for high wattage appliances.
If you need any further info, post another note.
Cheers!
Posted by
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
265 posts
I found one of the best power converters in Wal-Mart. It comes with all the different attachments for probably any country you visit, and also brings a small sack to ut all the parts in. It also has a high-low button on it(I still don't know what it's used for, I always run it on high in europe). I've had the conerter for years and it's never failed me.
Posted by
Providence, RI, USA
160 posts
Melinda,
Check your local Radio Shack, they do carry the 2 prong ones. If not check on the web. You should have no problem finding one for Italy. Also check the hotels you are staying at they may supply them.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
I too noticed the third ROUND prong on this trip. Melinda - if your three prongs are round and in a row - you have the right thing.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Many locations, especially older places, may not have upgraded to three prongs yet...the third prong is the ground...so go with a two-prong, by itself or in addition, just to make sure.