Adapters/converters in Germany/France
 

I'm pretty sure I'm right on this from reading some older threads but I just want to make sure as I don't want to fry something.

I am taking a RAZR phone charger, an iPod nano charger that plus into the wall as opposed to the computer and a battery charger for AA batteries for use in my Canon S5 IS. All of these say 100V-240V. I am assuming then I can get by with no converter and only need an adaptor. Can you confirm that?

Are the adaptors the same for Germany, France and the Netherlands, the two round thick pins?

Thanks. Leaving in three week and trying to throw things into a suitcase! I can't wait!

Cindy

Yes and yes. Just get the grounded plug adapter.

Doesn't need a grounded adapter. Just two pin ones are fine with the chargers.

I don't believe I need a grounded plug adaptor as none of my plugs are three-pronged. However, I seem to remember being in Germany that their plugs are recessed. Do I need to buy something special for that? Anyone have a recommendation on where to buy the adaptor? I don't really want to buy a whole bag of international adaptors for every country for $16. I did see some online for northern Europe for about $4. I just am wondering if they're deep enough.

Thanks all.

Cindy

I was able to use all my items without anything but the adaptor in Germany this summer. I was wondering if I would have a problem with the recessed outlets and I even brought extra adaptors and tape in case I needed to tape the plug to the adaptor, but I had no problems whatsoever. You should be fine.

I believe the adaptors for northern Europe will not work in France, which uses the southern Europe type. I'm not sure which Germany uses. There is apparently an adaptor that will work for both the northern and southern European wall sockets, but if it is specifically marked for northern Europe, I imagine that means it is limited to those sockets.

Agree with kkukura. Unless your two-pin adapter is super tall (there's no reason for it to be), it'll fit inside the round, recessed plug area.

Thanks for your reply. Glad I won't need an extension for those recessed outlets.

Nikki, I thought I was on a webpage that said the adaptors for France and Germany were the same. Can anyone confirm this?

Cindy

Hi CR,

I have used the same adapter in Germany and France.

I am unaware of different outlets in Northern and Southern Europe.

((I))

Thanks. I'm all set you've been very helpful.

ONLY 22 DAYS!

Cindy

Here's a webpage for the different types of plugs in the world:

www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Germany, Netherlands, Spain and most of northern Europe uses the "Schuko" plug, Type F.

France uses a different type, Type E.

Both of these have recessed wall plates, but the actual grounding pins are different. But many newer plugs are E/F hybrid, so they can get proper grounding in both E and F countries.

Italy uses Type L, where the grounding pin is in the middle of the two regular pins. The wall plate is not recessed.

Switzerland uses Type J, where the grounding pin is also in the middle, but is offset.

<b>But an ungrounded two-pin adapter can be used in all of these countries.</b>

So, if you're bringing a grounded appliance to continental Europe, you need different plugs for different countries. But if your appliance is not grounded, you need just one.

Thanks for your detailed reply. Sounds like I'm good since I have no grounded plugs. Good thing as it sounds like it could get complicated :)