Adapter Plugs for France
 

I need to buy adapters for my trip to France next week and there appear to be two kinds. The smaller flatter ones, like this

http://www.amazon.com/American-Europ.../ref=pd_cp_e_0

And the round type, like this:

http://www.amazon.com/International-.../dp/B001ISR9B6

I will be at several hotels in France in Paris, Normandy and Brittany. Do I need to buy both types?

Thanks for any help,

Kathy

Flatter one has no earth connection, and runded one has. But since US portable equipment has no separate earth connection, you can use either.

Both photos show the round plugs that work in France. The difference between them seems to be that the larger one accepts a variety of different types of plug, including grounded North America plugs (3-prong).

In our many travels all over France I've used the small one (in photo #1) with success for my curling iron.

What are you using it for?

Thanks for your replies. We will be using it for camera batteries, computer, etc. We don't need the grounded version. I was not sure that the spacing on the French plug end was the same on both of them but now I do, thanks!

Kathy

There are plenty of universal plugs that flip flop and adapt to every configuation that exists in the world. They're more expensive (about 15€) but you never need to buy another adaptor again.

Unless you leave one hanging in a wall socket when you leave. Oops.

Okay, I've posted before about this and my comments were disputed but in at least two hotels in Paris and in two-three business meetings the smaller adapter didn't work with my pretty much boring, standard HP notebook.

It's to do with the fact that some of the outlets were recessed into the wall or into the center of the conference table. I know I'm probably not explaining this well but it did prove a problem. Fortunately, the hotel loaned me the larger adapter. I would get it "just in case."

The solution is very simple indeed. It standard calls for a 45 degree angle (see link below). The above europlug adapter has rounded edges and may not work. I've no idea, why they are selling thoses rounded adapters at all. Maybe they're cheaper to produce?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...lug-scheme.png

This one has the correct shape.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41vuSxu5g6L.jpg

This extension cord gives you an idea about the possible problem with the adapter in the first post.

http://www.fotosearch.de/bigcomp.asp.../u13099224.jpg

logos, that higher profile with wedge looks like it would work well. But, the larger round ones work as well--at least in my fairly recent experience. The receptor accepts a pin protruding from the recessed wall outlet.

Yes, the larger round ones (100% Schuko) work well when plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet or any other schuko socket in Europe.

Bring both. I've been to a hotel where the two prong one would not work becasue there was a big ground pin in the middle of the socket on the wall.

The plug adaptor is only half of the issue. Before you go, make sure that the appliances you bring have a voltage converter as well. It should be labeled 110-220 or the like on either the cord or the appliance. Most Computers and the like now come compatible with 110 or 220 volts, as they have a converter built in. If not, plugging your 110 volt hairdryer into the plug adaptor and using it with the french 220 volt system, you'll melt your appliance.

I appreciate all the input. I was hoping for a simple answer but alas, it appears that buying the two types seems safest (I guess that is simple too).

Thank you for your help!

Buy both and you're ready to go:

http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Star-Int...2VK/ref=sr_1_1

http://www.amazon.com/International-.../dp/B001ISR9B6

Michel, exactly what I was trying to explain. You did a better job than I.

Given the paucity of outlets in European hotel rooms you might be better off with this device for your <i>camera batteries, computer, etc.</i>,
http://www.amazon.com/TRIPP-SUPER6OM.../dp/B00063E98U
Notice it is also a surge protector.

Hi; We have bought a kit with multi plugs and it never fails. Richard http://www.brookstone.com/sl/product...countries.html

P.S. Sorry, my mistake. This is the type of kit we have. http://www.brookstone.com/sl/product...800-watts.html