Electrical converters and adaptors for Italy.

Assume that all your equipment is 220v compatible BUT double check the input tags. Make sure it reads something close to 120-240v input. Then you only need a two prong adapter. A ground for electronic equipment is not needed.

Great! Thank you so much for your prompt reply!

It's not the easiest to find Rick Steve's Travel Tips but your question I'd a FAQ. Rick'stip:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

By Rick Steves
Europe’s electrical system is different from ours in two ways: the voltage of the current and the shape of the plug.
American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. Newer travel accessories and electronic gadgets are “dual voltage,” which means they work on both American and European current. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as “110–220”), you’re OK in Europe. Some older appliances have a voltage switch marked 110 (US) and 220 (Europe) — switch it to 220 as you pack.
Once you’ve dealt with the voltage, you’ll have to consider the plug. A small adapter allows American-style plugs (two flat prongs) to fit into British or Irish outlets (which take three rectangular prongs) or continental European outlets (which take two round prongs). I bring both continental and British adapters (handy for long layovers at Heathrow Airport). Secure your adapter to your device’s plug with electrical or duct tape; otherwise it can easily get left behind in the outlet (hotels and B&Bs sometimes have a box of abandoned adapters — ask). Many sockets in Europe are recessed into the wall; your adapter should be small enough so that the prongs seat properly in the socket. (Switzerland uses its own style of electrical plugs: three slim round prongs arranged in a triangular shape. But if you already have an adapter for continental European outlets, it’s likely to work in Switzerland, too). If, for some reason, your adapter doesn’t work in your hotel, just ask at the desk for assistance; hotels with unusual sockets will invariably have the right adapter to loan you.

I hate to criticize our Benefactor, but,

"European appliances are 220 volts"

That should be 230V.

It used to be that European voltages were 220V on the continent and 240V on the British Isles. Now the EU has ruled that all voltages have to be 230V +/-. At first, the range (+/-) was wide enough to include both 220V and 240V, but in coming years it will be tightened, and the power companies will have to adjust. This caused a lot of consternation in the British Isle because people knew their "electric kettles" would not heat as fast on 230V as they did on 240V.

" “dual voltage,” which means they work on both American and European current" Should be both American and European voltage.

As for what appliances to take to Europe, my professional opinion is that you should only take to continental Europe appliances with a grounding plug (2 blades and a round pin) or ones with a non-polarized plug (both blades equal width). The non-polarized plug should have a CE mark or a "double-insulated" (square in a square) symbol. You should not take to continental Europe appliances with polarized plugs (one blade wider than the other). Those appliance rely on polarization of the power source for safety (per UL), and continental European receptacles are not polarized.

In reality, you should only take to Europe devices that carry the CE mark. I think all dual voltage power supplies will carry the CE mark.

I'm not familiar with the power source in the British Isles, whether or not it is polarized.

That should be 230V.

Lee is technical correct with respect to nominal RMS voltage. Peak voltage will be even higher. That said, voltage tends to fluctuate depending the stability of power sources. In high demand situations, voltage can drop resulting in "brownouts". Fortunately our electronic devises typically run on 5 volts DC and the transformers typically automatically handle both North American and European/Asian power. Heat devices (i.e. hair dryers) may need to be "switched" if they are dual voltage. And don't trust voltage converters when you really need an electric power transformer. Bottom line is that Rick's advice is close enough.

That phrase that's used in the guidebooks the voltage of the current drives me crazy as it's somewhat nonsensical. The voltage is different in Europe and the current is proportional to the voltage in accordance with Ohm's law. The term "dual voltage" is also not completely accurate as most devices these days are multi-voltage within a specific range. Some of the guidebook terminology in the mobile phone area is also nonsensical. But I digress.....

noemi,

It would help to have some idea what type of electrical gadgets you plan on travelling with? In any case, you'll need to check EACH device or the chargers to determine the Input Voltage. Most newer electronic products will be capable of multi-voltage use. If the ratings state "Input 100-240 VAC, ~50/60 Hz", then all you'll need is inexpensive Plug Adaptors. If the ratings state "Input 115 VAC, 60 Hz" then you'd also need a Voltage Converter to use those appliances in Europe. There are some caveats to be aware of with Converters, so I won't elaborate unless you need the information.

Italy uses the European "Schuko" style plugs with two round pins (for ungrounded appliances). I'd suggest packing along at least two as they're small and easily misplaced. If any of the devices you'll be taking are grounded and have three pins, then I'd recommend also packing along a Grounded Plug Adaptor. The Adaptor shown in the weblink is unique to Italy and won't work in other European countries (but the two-pin model will work in most countries, except for the U.K. which has a completely different style). One point to mention is that it's possible to use grounded appliances with the two-pin (ungrounded) Plug Adaptors, but of course the ground won't be connected. If the appliance is designed to be grounded, I always prefer to use that so always pack along the necessary Adaptors.

Sorry Ken, Italy DOES NOT use Schuko plugs.
The link you posted is not a Schuko plug, it is a 2-pin plug. A schuko plug is the type of 3-pin plug used in Germany and many other European countries.
An Italian plug and socket look like this, with the third earth pin between the two other pins.
A Schuko plug and socket look like this, the earth is a slider contact at the side of the socket.

CONCLUSION: If you only need a 2-pin adaptor, the one posted will do for Italy, and everywhere else in mainland Europe. If your appliance is earthed and you need a 3-pin adaptor, make sure you get an Italian one, and NOT a Schuko one.

Lee, FYI The UK plug and socket system is polarised. The plug can only go in one way, earth at the top. live at the right (fused), neutral at the left. The UK system is the only one of the various European system which DOES NOT work with a 2-round-pin "Europlug", as the pins are rectangular, and you always need the earth pin.

Chris F,

Just to clarify, I used the term European Schuko style Plugs, and what I was hoping to convey was that they use two round pins, similar to the Schuko. I wanted to keep it fairly simple and didn't want to get into the technicalities of 3.8mm vs. 4.8mm pins or other specific distinctions or semantics. I was simply trying to provide the OP with an idea on what type of Plug Adaptors would be needed for Italy.

Ken,
In which case it was a matter of nomenclature. The correct name for a 2-round-pin, one-size-fits-all (except UK) plug is a "Europlug". Schuko is the German (and many other countries but not Italy) 3-pin plug.

Urban Myth or Actually Happened?

I've heard rumors of American female tourists plugging in a cheap or old American hair curler or other heating device, in a European hotel or apartment, and not only frying the device but blowing out more of the hotel's electrical circuits than just their room.

Lee,

Actually happened!

I was staying at a small hotel in Stresa when that exact scenario occurred. The hotel owner was a bit late serving breakfast, and when he finally did appear I politely asked about the delay. There were only two of us in the room so he mentioned that another guest had switched on her hair dryer, which promptly tripped the circuits in part of the hotel. Since you mentioned it, she was indeed from the U.S. Of course, the hair dryer also self-destructed in short order, probably in a suitably spectacular fashion with sparks and smoke.

The woman finally appeared for breakfast and I was going to provide some information so that she could avoid future incidents of this type. However, as luck would have it she found that another traveller in the room was from her home area, and the two of them proceeded to talk non-stop. I'm sure the woman was embarrassed and probably didn't want to talk about it anyway. Needless to say, the hotel owner was not impressed!

Noemi,

You can find the electrical adapters & converters at Radio Shack or REI.

If you're not sure what the 'Input Voltage' on your electrical item(s) is, take it (them) along with you to Radio Shack/ REI & they will
be able to help you.

Here is a very detailed article about electrical FAQ: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/electricity-faqs-glossary.html

Keep in mind that most hotels will have a hair dryer, you don't have to lug your own.

Have a wonderful trip!

A true Schuko plug has bigger diameter pins (4.8 mm, if I remember off hand) than will fit into the Italian receptacles (4.0 mm). The two pin Europlug is a comprise, with smaller pins to fit in the smaller Italian receptacle sockets.

However, the 2 pin plug, I think called a Steckdose in Germany, is limited to low amperage, 2.5 amps, and can only used on appliance which are double insulated.

Understand the there are two "kinds" of converters out there. Low wattage converters use a small transformer to drop 230V to 120V (or thereabouts) with a transformer. Their waveform is suitable for electronic devices, like computers. For higher wattage, a transformer would be too heavy, so they use transistors to "chop" the voltage, but the waveform from these converters will damage electronic devices.

I guess this means, don't plug your old US hair curling iron into a plug in Europe (without first checking the voltage rating).

Good luck finding a for real GROUND in Italy. Two plug.

Lee,
FYI Steckdose is just German for socket, any type of socket. Stecker is German for plug (what goes into the Steckdose).
The 2-pin "go into any type of socket except in GB" are called Eurostecker in German or Europlug in English.