carla1183

I've searched and read most of the posts about converters vs plug adaptors and I think I've got what I need, but wanted to double check, since yall are so smart!

All I bought was a "Universal Plug Adaptor" that is Universal to Cont. Europe (traveling from US to Germany and Italy). But...I just noticed that it says not for use in Italy or Switzerland. Is there anything I can buy that does both Germany and Italy? Or do I need to go buy a separate plug adaptor just for Italy?

The things I want to plug in are:
1. Ipod charger says 100-240V
2. Mp3 charger says 100-240V
3. Camera battery charger says 100-250V

rkkwan

If it's a simple plug you get with 2 round pins (no ground), then it'll work all over Europe. These are so-called "Type C" plug and you'll have no problem.

However, for grounded 3-pin socket, there are several types in use in Europe. In Italy, the ground is a third pin right in a middle of the two. "Type L". In Germany, they use the Schuko (also called "Type F&quot socket, which is round, with the grounding pins on the sides.

This page has lots of info:

www.kropla.com

Since your chargers shouldn't need grounding, what you need is a thin and cheap adapter with just two round pins. They will fit everywhere. Like this one for $2.99.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2104181

carla1183

Thanks, that's what I told my husband to get! I knew the radio shack guys were going to try to upsell him, then he called me and told me they were trying to sell him a converter!

He ended up with a grounded adaptor plug, which it looks like even that was an upsell! (cost like 10 or 12 bucks.) I'll see if I can find one of the little cheapies before we leave since we don't need grounding.

Thanks for your help!

GSteed

Buy a kit! Samsonite has them. Go cheap buy a plug locally and wire it to your appliance. You can cut off the existing plug or simply wire on the new plug. pack a roll of electrical tape and a jack knife. Tesco will have plugs and tape and box knives.

mari5

You can buy a "kit" in the WAlMart/Target etc. travel section that has 4 or 5 different countries. I also have a couple of the two pronged "universal" one shown above, but there is a variance of the two pronged. ....some are a little longer, or stubbier etc. Good luck, and it would probably work,, but if not, then you are at the mercy of chasing down one in a local store in Europe.
(I use it mostly for a curling iron, ) I dont' even bother with the camera battery charger since my Kodak digital camera takes plain old AA batteries,(or those special for cameras) and great for a back up!)
No, you sure don't need a converter since your items say 100-240!

lesliec1

Theoretically, your battery chargers are rated for 100 - 240 volts so should be able to work when just plugged in with an adaptor plug. But be careful! You can go online and see what the voltage is in Italy and Germany, but in UK it is 220+ volts which can cause a problem. If your appliances have only been used in the U.S. at 110 volts, their power cords and power supplies haven't yet been exposed to higher voltages. There is a chance they may be defective and may not be able to handle the higher voltage. Nothing you can do about that, except hope for the best or decide it's not worth the risk. On my son's first day in a study abroad program in UK, he plugged in his Dell laptop's power pack (rated for 110-240V) via an adaptor and it began to smoke. Luckily he unplugged it quickly and the computer wasn't damaged, but he had to order a very costly new power cord from Dell UK that took about 2 weeks to get. Just be aware that there is some risk involved. Obviously there is less risk if the current in Germany and Italy is not as high voltage as in UK.

xyz123

Excuse me...I don't understand what is being said.

Isn't the voltage in the UK the same as the voltage in Germany and Italy? I know different plug adapters are used (the ones with 3 prongs two horizontal and one straight in....I've used all of my chargers in the UK and Germany and Italy and France with no problems!

rkkwan

Are you guys serious? The OP has a specific question about using three very simple and common chargers, and I have her the simplest and cheapest solution for $2.99. That's it, folks, move on to some other threads! Stop confusing people! For God's sake.

xyz123

rkkwan...

Loosen up...sometimes one thing can lead to another...it's no big deal and I agree the $2.99 solution is clearly the best but big deal so it veered a bit. Nobody was putting anybody down.

rkkwan

<b>xyz123</b> - In general, yes, but some of the responses above are outright scary. <b>GSteed</b> tells the OP to cut off the existing plug. <b>lesliec1</b> mentioned something like the wires have never been exposed to 220V.

Am I living in some wacky alternate universe, or did something mistook July 4th for April Fool's Day?

Marc_David_Miller

Cutting off the existing plug is a strange recommendation, as you will invalidate any warranty on the device, as well as need to re-wire it when you return to the United States.