Adapter for Italy - Recommendation Please

Buy this one - works fine; have never had an issue.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter

FYI - the adaptor is not a 220 vac device; it is just a means of being able to plug US based devices that are 120-220 vac into European outlets.

If all you need is to charge phones, and computers, camera , then all you really need is something like this-- https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter

Do you need to convert volage or do you just need a plug adaptor?

I have used the adapter from Rick Steves Travel Center (mentioned up thread) for years. I like to bring several for back up in case I accidentally leave them in the wall plug! It’s a bargain at $1.

The two pin Plug Adapter sold by Rick, as linked above, is fine for non-grounding applications drawing less than 2½ amps on 230V (575W). That includes USB charges for phones, etc.

For hairdryers, which draw far more power, those adapter are not acceptable per codes, and should be replaced by a grounding adapter for that country. Or just leave your hair dryer at home and use the one provided by the hotel.

Further, American devices with polarizing plugs (one US blade wider that the other) loose important safety features when plugged into non-polarized power in Europe, and should not be taken to Europe.

[3 prong adapter from Amazon1]
After reading this post I fear that I have bought the wrong kind of adapter for Italy. Help :(

adapter

Thanks Periscope! I have to laugh at myself…it took me numerous tries in order to successfully create the hyperlink only to send the wrong item, lol. However thanks to your speedy reply I will order the plug I linked to, ha. I actually bought a three round prong plug from Amazon that was advertised as appropriate for Italy. I’m such a goof, I can only imagine what will become of me when I try to figure the rail system once in another country. Thank Goodness my husband is sensible.

3rd inlet is a ground inlet, if your appliance has a 3-prong plug

But the Europlug end doesn't have anything to connect to a ground, so the American ground pin won't grounded to provide the safety feature it was intended to provide. No difference between this adapter and cutting the ground pin off your 3-prong plug so it will connect to an ungrounded extension cord. Also, the adapter has a polarizing socket (one blade slot longer), but most European power is not uniquely polarized. Swiss power is, but you need the offset ground pin to assure correct polarization.

Lee
This is the 3 prong that I bought. Will it work? Am I to understand that the third prong in the row of prongs is the ground?
[Amazon 3 prong adapter for Italy]

[https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aA6RNRLBL._AC_SX679_.jpg

What a strange contraption, but, yes, it should work. The three inline pins should fit into an Italian receptacle; I don't think any of the Italian ones are recessed like the Swiss ones. I don't understand that "flattened hexagon" extension on the adapter. It will fit into a recessed Swiss receptacle, but the inline pins will not engage a Swiss receptacle which had the ground pin offset to one side.

It might have something to do with a common mold that they use for both countries adapters.

The only other thing to look for, Italy and Switzerland have plugs with 4.0mm diam. (about 5/32nds inch) pins whereas the Schuko plugs us 4.8mm diam (about 3/16th inch pins, which are too big for the Italian sockets.

Can I presume this is the best option for charging phones and Ipads and other devices while in Italy?

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-TESSAN-Adaptor-Electrical-Italian/dp/B07Z68BNLZ/ref=psdc_sfl_6396124011_t2_B07MZ3N16Z

I'm not sure it is the "best", but it will work.

I don't understand why it has an extension for a Swiss receptacle when (AFAIK), Italian receptacles are not recessed.

Anyway, although the American side accepts a "polarized" plug, because the Italian plug can be inserted two ways, polarization is not guaranteed. However, as long as you are just using it for charging phone and other electronics that use USB power supplies, polarization is not needed; USB power supplies are double insulated and unswitched.

I have seen the recessed hexagonal receptacles in Spain, and maybe Italy.
In fact, I sent a message to the RS office to let them know that their rounded-end plugs did not work with the (I assume newer) receptacles.

I also suggested they make them in bright colors instead of beige.

@Nancy writes: Can I presume this is the best option for charging phones and Ipads and other devices while in Italy?

That has 3 prongs. We just brought the 2-prong European adapters and they worked everywhere we went. And they'll still work in 3-plug sockets, but the 3 prong socket in the link will not work in 2-prong sockets. The Amazon page linked in the above post actually says

(Note: Some hotel may need 2 Prong TYPE C European Adapter, please check before travel )