Electric adaptors most common for Italy

Gloria,

All of mainland western Europe (NOT the UK) uses the same electrical plug - a two parallel round tang variety. There is no need to purchase an power converter as most (all?) modern electronics are dual voltage. A couple companies now make really convenient multi-outlet adapters which come in really handy. European hotels always seem to have a severe shortage of electrical outlets...

To check your electrical devices for compatibility, get out your magnifying glass and look at the voltage label found on the unit or the power cable. It should read 110v-240v.

Also, don't take a plug-in electric travel clock meant for the US because they will run slow on the 50 cycle juice. If you need a travel cock, take a battery operated one.

Have fun,
Todd

gloria,

Todd provided a good description of the Plug Adaptors you'll require, which look like THIS (for appliances that don't require grounding). One other point to mention is that some Plug Adaptors may have the larger 4.8 mm pins, which means they may not fit in all outlets in Italy. The style shown in the link above should work fine.

To elaborate on a point that Todd mentioned, you need to check EACH appliance you'll be travelling with to ensure it's designed for operation on 220 VAC. Look for the works Input Voltage on either the Charger or on the device itself.

I'd suggest packing along at least two Plug Adaptors, as they're small and easy to misplace.

For the "monometricals" (only familiar with one measuring system) among us, 4.8mm is almost exactly 3/16 inch diameter, whereas Italian receptacles only accept 4.0mm pins, which are very close to 5/32 inch diameter. If you have a drill set, you can compare them to the pins to make sure you have the correct size. I've seen two pin adapters sold in this country marked "No. Europe", and they have the larger pins.

There are several problems with the adapter on Ken's link:
1) that two pin plug is only rated for 2½ amps and should not be used with a hair dryer or any other device that draws more than 575 Watts,
2) it should not be used with any appliance that has a polarized US plug (one blade wider than the other). These plugs are common on hair dryers, curlers, straighteners. Devices with a polarized plug depend on the plug only being inserted one way for safety. Since the two pin plug can be inserted either way, there is no polarization.

However, most computer or phone charges are low wattage and do not depend on polarization.

I understand that a lot of new construction in Italy is including the German style Schuko receptacles in addition to the traditional Italian receptacles.

See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters. The most common, simplest option is the one that Rick chooses to buy in bulk and sell to your for $1/each.