Adapters/converters in Germany/France
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 98
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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
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
#4
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 98
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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
Thanks all.
Cindy
#5
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 500
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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.
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,646
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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.
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#11
Joined: Feb 2004
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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.
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.



