Hi all,
I'm constantly hearing or reading that most B&B's in Italy have very few power outlets (sometimes only one for the lamp). And since we'll have iphones and ipads to charge, I was about to order a dual power strip (see link below), but thought I had better check with you guys first... even though the site stated that it works "universally".
Look at it here: http://www.110220volts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/WA-4-RegvoltMD.jpg
Do you think it will work?
Thanks in advance,
GK
That's a 'Schuko' (aka German) plug. It will also work with French-style sockets. That covers most European countries, BUT NOT Italy (or Switzerland, or the UK).
Italian plugs have 3 thin pins in a row. The (optional) earth pin is in the middle. See photo here: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/L_plug.jpg
GK,
The problem with using that power bar is that you'll need a Plug Adaptor for EACH outlet. You could instead use this product.....
You would of course need one Plug Adaptor to use this power bar.
Schuko (German) wall sockets are very rare in Italy, but a lot of appliances are sold with Schuko plugs anyway. So adapters Schucko-to-Italian 3 pin are very easy to find and inexpensive. Most supermarkets and any hardware store in Italy will sell one for a couple of euros.
Italian 3 pins sockets and plugs come in two kinds, 10-amperes (small) and 16-amperes (large). Some sockets may receive both 10-amperes and 16-amperes plugs. In most hotel rooms you will find the small ones.
asps2 is correct. Many newer/remodeled buildings have the socket for the German plug but not all, but otherwise you can find the adapters for it at any 'ferramenta' (hardware) or electronics store. Many appliances come with that plug, so they have adapters sold everywhere.
Where are you folks coming up with the information that Italy requires a three prong plug. Everything on Rick Steves website, videos, and store, indicated that the small two prong plug works in Italy. Any feedback?
Clif,
Two pin plugs are the same throughout Europe (except the UK and Ireland), the so-called Europlug with two thin round pins. That is OK if you have an appliance that doesn't need an Earth Pin (for example, phone chargers).
The position of the third Earth pin varies between different parts of Europe. The photo the OP posted ( http://www.110220volts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/WA-4-RegvoltMD.jpg ) showed a 3-pin plug suitable for "Schuko" or French sockets. That plug has thicker pins and would not fit in Italian sockets, and it doesn't have the Italian Earth pin.
If he managed to find a power strip with only a 2-pin plug Europlug, that would work in Italy, but it would have no earth connection.
Given the weight, and the fact that you really need mainly to plug in electronic devices, maybe consider a USB multiport charger like this: http://www.kaskus.co.id/thread/5282cd1920cb175120000005/charger-usb-travel-adator-4-port much lighter, then maybe get just a normal adapter for anything else.
Okay, I am more confused now. Am I correct that in some regions of Italy they use the 3-prong and others use the 2-prong plugs?
Additionally, do iPhones and iPads require the "optional" third "earth" prong?
I called the company that sells the power strip (pictured in the original post) and they said I might need an adapter with 3 prongs to attach to the end of the 2-prong plug for some areas of Italy. But, they said that American plugs will absolutely fit into the outlets on the strip - as will plugs from other countries.
See an enlarged photo here: bluexray.com/download/dual-power.jpg
Note the plug. If I get their 3-prong adapter to snap onto the end of this plug, will I be covered in all areas of Italy?
For those needing more info in order to give me an adequate answer, you can find the product description here: http://goo.gl/qwUAtk.
So, with this additional information, can anyone give me a definitive answer - in layman's terms?
Thanks again!
gk, no, it is not true that some parts of Italy have 2-pin, one others 3-pin plugs. All of Italy is the same and has 3-pin Italian style sockets, except for a very few buildings that have a Schuko socket
Some appliances have 2-pin plugs, some have 3-pin plugs. 2-pin plugs will fit in 3-pin sockets, but not vice-versa.
2-pin plugs are the same throughout Europe (except UK and Ireland), and fit into all the different types of 3-pin sockets.
What you posted has a 3-pin Schuko/French plug, so would not fit in an Italian 3-pin socket. It may look like a 2-pin plug, but it is actually a 3-pin plug, because in both the Schuko and French systems the Earth pin is male, sticking out from the socket. Click here for a picture of a Schuko to Italian converter, You can see the side contacts for the Earth connection on the Schuko socket, and the middle Earth pin on the Italian plug.
"do iPhones and iPads require the "optional" third "earth" prong?" - Look at your phone charger, how many pins has it got?
"If I get their 3-prong adapter to snap onto the end of this plug, will I be covered in all areas of Italy" - Yes, a Schuko to Italian adapter. But, if you are going to do that, you might as well just buy a power strip at home and get a to Italian Adapter.
Why don't you just buy a power strip when you get to Italy?
I think you will still need adapter plugs to fit into the Italian power strip if you buy one there. This website sells them for about $1 each (sale price).
I have been reading the responses to your post to the forum reference wanting to take a bulky power strip to Italy to use in B&B's or hotels with few power outlets. I discovered this product about five years ago and my wife and I use it on every single trip we take, and it is a life saver.
The device is a Chargepod by Callpod: https://www.callpod.com/products/chargepod
My wife and I plug our Chargepod into ONE hotel light socket and then charge one iPhone 5, one iPhone 6, one iPad, one Kindle, my wife's camera, and my camera. They now have a plug available that plugs into the Chargepod and the end you plug into, is a female USB. So any electronic device you may have that currently uses a USB plug to plug into an A/C outlet, can be charged with the Chargepod. It's called the Apple iPod,iPhone,Touch,Shuffle (female USB) Part No. CHUA-0011.
Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip.
I agree with Clif. Hauling along a bulky power strip to charge USB devices is a bit overkill. A device like chragepod is the way to go. Here is another possibility:
Another option that could work for some people is what I do. I carry a netbook when I travel. I just plug my phone(s), GPS, or whatever into my netbook, then plug the netbook into the wall with an adapter plug. That might not be enough outlets for you, though.
gk,
To begin with, I'd like to reiterate my previous comments and state that I don't believe the Power Bar you linked is the best choice for your situation. I wouldn't recommend taking it for the reasons I listed above, and especially after viewing the enlarged photo of the plug. Some clarification on that point.....
The plug shown in the photo appears to be the German Schuko model and although it's difficult to tell from the photo, it appears to have the larger 4.8 mm pins and not the "Euro Plug" 3.8 mm. In my experience, the larger pins don't always fit in Italian outlets.
In addition to an iPhone and iPad, what other appliances or gadgets are you planning to travel with?
"Additionally, do iPhones and iPads require the "optional" third "earth" prong?"
No, Apple chargers aren't equipped with the ground / earth pin so they will work fine with two-pin Plug Adaptors.
Someone else recommend a ChargePod and if you're only dealing with USB devices, that's an excellent option. I've been travelling with one for several years and it's always worked well. You will of course need a Plug Adaptor to connect it in Europe. I'd suggest packing along at least two "Euro" Plug Adaptors, as they're small and easy to misplace.
Wanted to clarify on my Chargepod comments. Callpod makes device specific cables for different devices. My wife's camera has a specific cable for that camera. Our Kindle and iPhone 5 use a micro USB cable (iPhone 5 is using a Mophie Juice Pack that uses a micro USB cable not Apple's lightening plug). Only my camera and my iPhone 6 use the newer female USB plug that Callpod sells. I mentioned the new USB plug in case you had an electronic device that Callpod didn't have a specific cable for.
Some other responses you received about USB plugs are ingenious...like using your laptop's USB plugs...clever. I find the Chargepod just does it all for all my devices in one very compact (4" x 4") vinyl case.
Hope that helps.
Clif and Ken,
The ChargePod looks great, but I have a question... IF, like some have said, there is only one outlet in the room, and it has a lamp plugged into it, how could I keep light in the room while my gadgets are charging? I wanted to use a power strip so I could plug the lamp into it along with my devices, and then the strip into the wall. Maybe a power strip is overkill, but I can't figure how else to do it. I know some will say for me to just unplug the lamp when I go to sleep and plug in my ChargePod, but my wife and I have different sleep schedules and I fear that might cause some friction. Not to mention fumbling with plugs in the middle of the night (while half asleep) trying to turn the light on if there were an emergency, intruder, etc..
Ken, I looked at the strip you suggested in your first post, but when I read reviews about it, some people were saying it was not "Dual Power" so I worried it might short out or worse. Also, to answer your question about types of devices, We plan to take two iPhones, two iPads, and a Kindle Paperwhite. All are 120-240.
UPDATE: I just texted (WhatsApp) my Rome host and she said this is the adapter I need: http://goo.gl/T7EAcA.
So, can I simply purchase a small basic American power strip and plug it into this adapter, then plug this adapter into the wall? Additionally, I suppose I'll need an Italy-to-American adapter to plug the lamp into the power strip, huh?
gk,
The Monster Power Bar I linked in my first reply IS rated for use on 220 VAC electrical systems. I know that, as I contacted Monster on that issue and that's what they indicated. This is their reply....
"The Outlets To Go will function in a 240v environment with the appropriate plug adapter.
Make sure any device you connect can function in a 220 or 240v environment. A power converter may be necessary for some equipment.
The USB port will also function properly in alternate voltages.
The Outlets To Go do not provide any surge protection or noise filtration."
The Plug Adaptor that your host recommended is indeed the correct one for Italy. Although it has the ground / earth connection, it can also most certainly be used with ungrounded devices such as iPhone chargers. You might consider taking one grounded model (the one shown in the photo) and also an ungrounded two-pin Euro plug adaptor.
You could also ask your host how many outlets your room is equipped with. I've yet to find a hotel room anywhere in Europe that didn't have at least two outlets (although one may be in the bathroom), so you shouldn't have any problem connecting the lamp. The TV or whatever will also have a plug, so if necessary disconnect that to charge your gadgets.
If you find that the room only has one outlet, your host may be able to provide a "splitter" so that you connect something like a ChargePod as well as the lamp. The solutions to this situation should be relatively easy.
Okay Ken, I think I've got it!
So, I'll buy the Monster power strip you recommended - as well as this: http://goo.gl/qNqVmM
And, I'll also get one 3-pin adapter and one 2-pin adapter.
That will give me 5 outlets and one USB.
That should take care of all my electrical needs.
As always, thanks very much for your help. You always come through!
gk,
Could you clarify why you're planning to buy a Splitter shown in the link? Will the Monster Power Bar not provide enough outlets for your gadgets?
if you were planning to use that Splitter to provide another outlet for the lamp when you plug the Power Bar in, that won't work as the lamp will have a Euro plug.
If you need Plug Adaptors, here's one source.....
http://www.magellans.com/ShopCategory.aspx?ID=118,3681
You can also purchase the Monster Power Bar at the same source.....
http://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx?ID=118,3685&T1=MEA104
I believe this also provides one USB outlet, which essentially provides another outlet.
Hi Ken,
Yes, the reason I was going to purchase the splitter is because I need to charge 5 devices - and the Monster strip only allows for 4 (including the USB).
Also, if I did need to plug in a lamp, I thought I could get an Italy-to-American adapter to plug the lamp into the strip. But you said I probably would not have to do that, so I'm not too worried about that scenario arising.
Is my plan sounding more logical? It's funny, I texted the photo of that 3-pin adapter to my Florence hostess and she said "No, that is a German adapter and will not work here....but I will have the proper adapter for you to use". You might remember that my Rome hostess said 3-pin adapter in the photo was exactly the one I needed. ... Go figure!
So, guess I'll just wing it. I agree with what you said 2 posts ago... it shouldn't be this hard.
After we get this first trip under our belts, we will be set for future trips. Thanks again for your help.
gk,
"I texted the photo of that 3-pin adapter to my Florence hostess and she said "No, that is a German adapter and will not work here"
Is this the photo that you texted to your hostess - http://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx?ID=118,3681&T1=MEA33MIG
The plug on the Euro power bar in your first post is definitely for Germany, as it appears to have the larger 4.8 mm pins and also configured for the German outlets with the protruding ground pin. It's good that you've binned that idea, as that most likely would not have worked in Italy. You may have already seen THESE photos, which show the typical Italian outlets.
FWIW, this is the how I deal with electrical issues when travelling in Europe.....
I always like to have a "backup" for important gear, so that's why I prefer some redundancy with the electrical gadgets. If my checked luggage was ever "misplaced" for several days, I could still function with the stuff I have in the camera bag, albeit not as efficiently. The ChargePod provides the ability to charge six devices at once, and I only need one outlet to do that. It's nice to be able to charge everything at once when I'm back in the room for the night. Packing along the ChargePod doesn't take much space or weight, so it's not a big deal. The two-pin Euro Plug Adaptors also provide a means to connect the charging "brick" to recessed outlets (although on occasion I have to find some way to prop-up the charging brick so it doesn't fall onto the floor.
Ken,
You asked....
"Is this the photo you texted to your hostess?"
Yes, I sent the photo from Magellan (but here's a screenshot taken directly from the site: bluexray.com/download/mag-plug.jpg).
I was shocked that my Florence hostess said it would not work. The site's description clearly states that it works in Italy. Oh well, after reading your last post, I feel confident that a few 2-pin adapters should get me through - or surely someone who's stayed with her previously forgot their adapter and she'll have it for me to use.
"You may have already seen THESE photos, which show the typical Italian outlets."
No, I have not seen those outlet photos. However, they have enlightened me quite a bit. I see now that the third prong on their plugs works exactly like the ground prong on U.S. plugs (optional EARTH pin means ground pin - I now get it). Therefore, I only really need a two-prong adapter to charge my devices (as that is all I currently use here). Correct?
"I pack additional Plug Adaptors in my checked luggage"
We will not be checking any luggage. We are taking only one 9" × 22" × 14" carry-on each. But the adapters are small so I will throw in a couple extra for good measure.
I suppose they have hardware stores in Italy where you could buy such things if one were to forget them. Wouldn't you think?
"I also pack a ChargePod in my checked luggage."
I might end up getting a ChargePod because it does seem very cool. However, that is $50 that I could be spending in Italy - but I'd only care about saving that money if a cheap power strip and a couple of adapters will get the job done.
Bottom line: I figure if I educate myself enough now (several months before our trip) then I should have the optimum setup for whatever issue arises. I'm hoping anyway.
gk,
I'm not sure why your hostess would state that the Plug Adaptor in the photo won't work in Italy. I have one like that, and it works fine in Italy.
"Therefore, I only really need a two-prong adapter to charge my devices (as that is all I currently use here). Correct?"
Yes, the two pin Euro Plug Adaptors will be good.
"I suppose they have hardware stores in Italy where you could buy such things if one were to forget them. Wouldn't you think?"
Yes, they have hardware stores in Italy, but I'd rather not waste time looking for them so I prefer to pack along the items I'll need.
"I'd only care about saving that money if a cheap power strip and a couple of adapters will get the job done."
A cheap Power Bar and a couple of Euro two pin Plug Adaptors will absolutely get the job done. I have some redundancy as I always like to have a backup for important gear.
FWIW, I've only used $1, 2-prong adapters all over Europe -including Italy. Hair dryers, iPods, CD players, white noise machines, cameras, etc. That's all I need. Oftentimes the outlet is recessed enough that I need to plug 2 adapters together to reach into the deep outlet. I also bring a $2 6' extension cord from home because many of these single-outlet rooms have The Lamp plugged in behind the headboard, or behind some other piece of furniture that is difficult to access. The 3 sockets on my particular ext cord allows us to charge 3 things at once; plenty for the two of us. We don't charge anything that needs the 3rd grounding ("earth") prong, so it's not a problem for us. (FYI - leave a socket available for The Lamp!)
Granted, there is minutiae when it comes to adapters, but don't make it too hard. You've received a lot of good advice here.
Buy at least 2 of each type of adapter you're planning to take! They're cheap! As I stated, you may need to plug two together to reach into those oftentimes deeply recessed sockets, AND sometimes adapters get left behind, dropped behind headboards into Never-Never Land, stuck in an outlet and.it.won't.come.out., etc.
Thanks Eileen.
Those are good tips. Tell me, did that cheap 110v extension cord get warm/hot when pulling 220v? Seems like the wires inside (designed for half the voltage) would be too small to handle so much juice. I originally thought about taking a heavy-duty extension cord, but changed my mind and decided to go with the Monster dual power strip. But maybe I should reconsider.. especially for times when the outlet is in a hard to reach place. You've given me some food for thought. I'd hate to have to crawl under the bed each night to charge my devices and again every morning to retrieve them.
gk
There is a basic principle in electricity that wattage remains the same. Wattage is amperage times voltage. If a device uses 0.1 amps at 110 volts, multiply that for the wattage. = 11 watts, like a small TV. If it were to run at 220 volts, it would only take 0.05 amps for that same 11 watts.
So extension cord which might be rated (dunno, you'd have to read the numbers printed on it or pressed into it, this is only an example) 120 volts 1500 watts, would still be suitable at 240 volts 1500 watts, just at half the amperage.
For all your iphones and ipads, (5 is it?) which all have an average amperage of 0.35 amps x 5 = 1.75 amps equals 420 watts at full blast on an empty battery plus maybe 40 for the lamp, 460 watts, or way inside the capacity of your simple dumb Ace Hardware brown extension cord.
Put a hair dryer on it or a vacuum cleaner and it might be different. But it would get warm then at home too.
Don't worry, just be sure it is a dumb one with no fancy electronic circuits inside doing surge protection or anything.
For the sake of avoidance of doubt, no I am not advocating to bring a skinny extension cord over and run a vacuum cleaner off it, or a hair dryer.
I'm not sure I've personally ever used a hair dryer with an extension cord (but I'm pretty sure my mother-in-law has). But then again, I take dryers with the lowest wattage I can find; none of those 1875w dryers for me, even at home. [In fact, if anybody has a clue where I've put my fabulous 400/800w travel dryer (the size of a deodorant container, and powerful enough to dry my super-thick hair!), I'll come up with a fantastic finders award!] So...you should check your extension cord to be sure it can handle your needs. And while many European bathrooms don't have electrical outlets, there is usually one close enough that allows you to use the bathroom mirror, if necessary.
Now, if you get bored on your trip and want some excitement, then plug everything you can get your hands on into that extension cord - maybe find a vacumn cleaner out in the hallway! - then turn them all on at the same time! Woo-hoo! Fireworks!
Or don't ;-)
If you do this, just be sure you're already packed and ready to vacate the premises, because you WILL be 'invited' to leave. Immediately.
(I think I used 'cheap' to describe my extension cord. It was technically 'inexpensive', but of good quality and rated properly for my needs. I just love my bargains.)
gk,
To add to Nigel's informative reply, there should be no problems when using an extension cord in Europe. This is especially true when using it with several electronic devices in which the total current draw is measured in milliamps or at the most one amp or so. Due to the fact that North American appliances draw a higher current, the conductor size in things like extension cords is typically at least #16 AWG. Branch circuits here are "fused" (circuit breakers these days) at 15 amps according to code, which is much higher than in Europe so cords are rated accordingly. A North American extension cord can easily handle as much current as it will draw from European outlets (which are fused at a much lower level).
When using extension cords at a higher voltage (essentially twice what they're rated for), a greater concern is insulation levels. At these lower voltage levels, I've never seen any problems with "shorting" between the conductors due to an insulation failure. Having said that, if I were looking for an extension cord to use for travels, I'd be looking for a quality unit with robust construction and NOT one of the cheaper products made offshore.
One other point to mention is that my usual practice is not to leave things connected when I'm out of the room, and disconnect chargers as soon as the charging cycle is completed.
You'll probably find that when you arrive in Italy, all your concerns will evaporate as these are easily solved. Pack a couple of Plug Adaptors, your Monster Power Bar and an extension cord if you wish, and everything should be fine. I believe the Power Bar has a three-pin (grounded) plug, so make sure it will connect easily to the extension cord.
"One other point to mention is that my usual practice is not to leave things connected when I'm out of the room, and disconnect chargers as soon as the charging cycle is completed."
An excellent point from Ken. I just knew I was forgetting something! I don't even really like to charge things overnight, but I will if necessary. We usually charge devices in the evenings and while getting ready in the mornings in order to keep an eye on things...
Nigel, Thanks for the crash course. It cleared a lot up for me.
"For all your iphones and ipads, (5 is it?) which all have an average amperage of 0.35 amps x 5 = 1.75 amps equals 420 watts"
They are iPhone 6's, but I'm sure they will not use much (if any) more power than a 5. We'll add 2 iPads and a Kindle Paperwhite every other night. But, after reading your post, I'm not worried about any of it... even if I add a blender.
Eileen, Thanks again. I might try the fireworks trick on my last night in Rome.. just so they'll remember me.
Ken, your post was a great addition to the info in Nigel's post. Thanks.
Also, I'll remember to not leave anything plugged in while out of the room.
Finally, I will get a quality 6-ft extension cord to go with my Monster bar - along with two 2-pin adapters, two 3-pin adapters, and one Euro-to-American adapter (for lamp to power bar [or extension cord] if necessary).
I think that should do me.
I appreciate your help guys!
Thank you GK for all your detailed questions about planning for chargers. Thanks for all the great answers too. We travel with a surge protected, 5 socket, power strip when we travel just here in the U.S., since we never have enough sockets in hotel rooms and condos. We are going to have a hard time in Italy! We will have 4 iphones, 2 ipads, 1 pc, a camera, a hair dryer and a curling iron minimum. Is it really common to not have a socket in the bathroom? I guess I'll need an extension cord? We are staying in 2 apartments, and a hotel in Rome, Florence and Venice.
Southern Girl,
"We travel with a surge protected, 5 socket, power strip when we travel just here in the U.S., since we never have enough sockets in hotel rooms and condos."
DO NOT use a surge protected North American power bar with 220 VAC outlets in Europe!!! The surge protection is designed for use on 115 VAC circuits only and will quickly self destruct as soon as it's connected to the higher voltage. This may be accompanied by a spectacular display of sparks and smoke, and perhaps knocking out the power on the entire floor of the hotel (I've seen that happen, but that's another story).
In addition, and equally as important is that you MUST check your Hair Dryer and Curling Iron to ensure they're designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems. You could probably leave the Hair Dryer at home as most hotels in Europe provide those these days.
Regarding travel with iPhones, it's important to consider which model and which U.S. network your phones are connected to, as some iPhone models won't work in Europe. You'll also have to be *extremely * carefuly with cellular data roaming as the costs can be HUGE.
Southern Girl,
Check your PM. I have a couple of questions for you. There are a number of things you'll want to consider.
Wow! Thanks Ken. So plugging a surge protector strip into an adaptor gives no protection? A regular power strip without surge is ok though? We're staying in apartments not hotels, so not sure if they supply hairdryers. Have to research that curling iron... No, we won't be doing the international plan/roaming. Too much $$! We've traveled out of the country several times and only bought it once in Canada because of special circustances. We are looking into swapping the sim cards in Italy though if that isn't too pricey. Haven't really researched it much yet.
Southern Girl,
"So plugging a surge protector strip into an adaptor gives no protection?"
In a word, NO. The surge protection in a power bar designed for 115 VAC can't provide protection (even for itself), as it will self destruct as soon as connected to a 220 VAC source. A power bar with no surge protection or noise filtering will work.
"so not sure if they supply hairdryers. Have to research that curling iron"
You MUST check the *Input Voltage specifications on EACH appliance you plan on travelling with.* Unless the product is designed for dual voltage, you won't be able to use it in Europe. Connecting a Hair Dryer designed only for 115 VAC to a 220 VAC circuit will cause it to self destruct almost immediately. The same is true of the Curling Iron or anything else you're travelling with. You could pack along dual voltage hair appliances although in some cases you may find that these don't work as well as single voltage models. Another option would be to buy an inexpensive hair dryer when you arrive in Europe.
"We are looking into swapping the sim cards in Italy though if that isn't too pricey."
You will ONLY be able to change to different SIM cards if the phones are unlocked. You'll have to check with your network provider for information on whether your phones are unlocked, or whether they're even capable of use in Europe. Some older models of the iPhone will not work in Europe (ie: Verizon iPhone 4).
