I have seen 2 different power adaptors listed for Europe, one with thin prongs and one with thicker prongs. Does anyone know which one works in Italy?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32392 posts
Bill, Are These the type of Plug Adapters you're referring to? It's important to note that these devices only allow connection of North American plugs to European outlets. They DO NOT provide any voltage conversion. Also, these are only for ungrounded appliances - the grounded models are slightly different. Could you provide a bit of further information on what type of appliances you'll be travelling with? I'd suggest packing along at least two of each Plug Adapter, as they're easy to misplace. Happy travels!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.
55 posts
Looks like this. Think you can find them cheaper there or at a local travel store; http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=273781/search=power%20adapters&mode=about_goitaly
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
You can also buy the adapter on this website in the Travel Store. Find them in "handy extras" under accessories. Because the European outlets are usually inset in the wall, you generally need two adapters to plug in your battery charger, etc.
Posted by
Kingsburg, California, USA
137 posts
Bill, If you're charging a camera battery charger and/or phone charger which is manufactured in the last 10 years then it is already "dual voltage". Look on the label of the device and it should have 110-220 vac on it. If is has two flat prongs for North American plugs then your plug converter will be two round prongs for most European countries, including Italy. You can get them inexpensively at K Mart, WalMart, Target, etc. in the travel/suitcase sections.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Bill, yes, there are two socket types in Italy, each accepting its own prong size. My understanding is that the outlets with the thicker size openings are for major appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, because they can accomodate a larger current draw. You're very unlikely to encounter the thick ones in hotel rooms. You can read the whole story here: http://tinyurl.com/84kuwcs In Italy you'll encounter sockets Type F and Type L.
Posted by
MHT
7 posts
Bill, Yes, Tom is mostly correct. You will find the German style of plug (Type F in his link) and the Italian three prong grounded plug (Type L in his link). But most hotels also have the ungrounded two prong (Type C in his link). An adapter for a Type L (three prong) will not work in a Type C socket. Most of the time you will find lights in your hotel room plugged into these 2 pronged sockets. Ciao, Michael