Hi everyone. I'm making it through my checklist on things I need to learn about before traveling to Italy next March and I am up to the electricity differences. RS sells the Universal European Adapter but with a caveat about not having a voltage converter?? I've read that some say that whatever you are charging probably has a voltage converter in it???? I use a CallPod Chargepod to charge up to six of my electric devices like both my two iPhones, my iPad, and both of my cameras, all at the same time from one outlet. This has saved me big time in hotels here in the states because electric outlets are sometime a rare commodity or in such locations you can't get to them. I've read that the scarcity of outlets also exists in Italy. So the question I have is, does anybody know if the universal European adapter work/power my CallPod, or will I have to make other arrangements? Thanks for any feedback.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8056 posts
We never had problems locating an electrical outlet when we needed one, but perhaps you might have to unplug one lamp for a while to free up an outlet. The adapter will let your American, 2 flat-prong plug fit into the Continental 2 cylindrical-prong socket. That takes care of physically inserting your electronic devices into the wall. I wasn't familiar with Rick's Universal adapter, so I just went over to his online Shop, and looked at it. It looks like a convenient device (although maybe a little clunky) if you want the option of traveling to Italy, the U.K., and Asia with a single adapter unit. I also see he's having a $1 sale on individual adapters, so if you just need something to get you thru Italy (and it will also work in France, Spain, Germany, Poland, etc.) but don't need the British 3-prong portion or the Asian diagonal adapter, save some bucks and space in your bag and just get a Continental Europe adapter (or get a couple more as back-ups). If you truly need a separate votage converter, that can be found online or at many stores, so you'll have your CallPod, a separate plug adapter, and (maybe, but probably not necessary) a separate voltage converter unit.
For voltage, most modern electronics either have a voltage switch that lets you manually select 110 volt (USA) or 220 volt (Europe), or have an internal sensor that detects the voltage and adjusts it automatically. Unfortunately, I can't specifically answer your CallPod answer - hopefully someone else is familiar with it. Is there a way to e-mail or call the CallPod company to ask? We were in Italy 2 Decembers ago - enjoy Italy in March!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
prsist,
I'm sure the "Universal Adaptor" would work but there's no reason to spend that much. You could easily use THIS type of Plug Adaptor and even pack a spare (which would be advisable) or add a grounded or U.K. model as well. The cost is $1.48 each which is certainly reasonable, and I've found that model works well with the ChargePod (I also use one of those).
If you're buying other items from the RS store, they offer a similar model for a whopping $1 each. In deciding where to purchase, be sure to consider the shipping charges also.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8056 posts
I see the Website in David's link mentions that callpod offers an optional International Power Pack accessory - maybe a handy device worth investigating, but Rick's $1 deal still seems hard to beat!
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thank you all for your replies. Well that's one more thing off my checklist. Excellent feedback and very much appreciated!!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5489 posts
The Magellan UK adaptor doesn't have a proper earth connection - this is not likely to meet UK electrical standards if it is possible at all to insert earthed plugs into the socket side.
The Rick Steves UK adaptor doesn't have sheaths on the live and neutral pins - this is contrary to UK electrical standards (the europlug one does though!).
Neither mention that they are fused, nor can this be seen from the pictures - if so this is contrary to UK electrical standards.
Posted by
752 posts
I bought the RS Universal Adapter last summer and used it for the next 4 months in Italy. It fits well together as a unit, but the Italy adapter fit too loosely on my iphone 5 and MacBook Air charger plugs. If left unattended, the connection drooped and nothing charged. I had to look for props in the room to hold up the connection in a straight line to get a charge.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Looks like you're set with the advice above.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
@Marco,
Although it's not currently shown on the Magellans website, I've been using one of their grounded U.K. Plug Adaptors similar to THIS model and it's always worked well. The earth pin on this one appears to be longer, which I understand is required to retract the shutters on the energized pins.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5489 posts
Ken - that wasn't the one I was looking at that was on the Magellan site. It does have a proper earth connection on the face of it. However, there are a couple of things about it that are kind of worrying. Firstly there are reports of people using it resulting in the mains fuse blowing. This suggests that it doesn't have a fuse of its own as it should do. Secondly it is advertised as 'CE Certified'. This is meaningless and should not be there, as CE is not a certification mark, but anyway there is no European standard - it should be certified to meet BS1363/3 1995 “Specification for adaptors” by a recognised body and carry a mark such as ASTA, Nemko or BSI itself.