adaptor plugs confusion
 

So I just purchased a grounded adaptor plug (2 prong) universal to continental europe (apparently) but then it tells me it won't be able to work in Italy b/c they have 3 prongs.

I did some research, and some say yes that all outlets are 3 prong while others tell me the 2 prong adaptor is all you need. So I'm very confused.

If anyone could clarify, that'd be great!

one more thing:

if i have something that's dual (120/220) i wouldnt need the voltage converter correct, just the adapter?

i've also been reading that the voltage over there is 230, while others says 220, does that make a difference or if it's 230 would i need a voltage converter?

sorry, i dont know too much about this & i really don't need to set off the fire alarm :)

If something is dual voltage you should only need the adaptor. Be careful though because sometimes there is a switch (not always in an obvious place) to actually switch the device from one voltage to the other. If you don't switch it, you could still blow the device even though it is made for both.

I think we've used the 2 prong whenever we've been in Italy and had no problems. I guess there could be both kinds, just like plugs the states are sometimes 2 prong and sometimes 3 prong.

A 2-pin GROUNDED adapter??? That's an odd one....99% of the grounded adapters I know have three prongs (the mid one is the grounded one). If your appliance have dual voltage your appliance must have some protection.

Again, the power outlets in Italy are 3-pin, receced. So you need a 3-pin adaptor where on one side 3-pins goes into the outlet and the other side of the adaptor have two slits/cuts/opening/inlets where your dual voltage appliance hook into. I am sorry if I sound like I am over explaining it, but you do sound VERY confused!

You are also asking about 230V and needing a converter. That's another odd one. I heard of 220V and 240V in Italy; 230V is another new one on me....to be on the SAFE side take a surge suppresor (if your 220V appliance gets the 240V surge, the surge suppresor will prevent the electrical shock!). Typically those are sold with the corresponding special surge supressor adapter.

hmm so see_the_world says the 2 prongs/pins work but now 3 pins from viajero.

oh and i meant...it's 2 prong adaptor to plug in a 3 prong grounded U.S. product..if that makes sense.

maybe pictures would work?
ok i found this site:
http://www.traveloasis.com/wa9wa12and16.html

I bought the WA-9 for Italy. That will work yes? I think what I'm just confused about is 2 pins vs. 3 pins .. and just this one I bought from radio shack telling me that it won't work in Italy, but the employee told me it would. So now I'm confused and don't know who to believe haha.

Now I'm really confused. I bought the Apple World Traveler adapter set, it says the #1 shown in the picture joym21 linked to is appropriate for Italy. I found I had another adapter set that said the #6 was appropriate for Italy. I haven't got anything that showed the other two.

Hi folks-simple...the 2 pin male will work in the 3 pin female BUT the 3 pin male will not work in the 2 pin female.
If your 110v device is not dual power, 110/220v, you will need a converter to convert their 230v (mas o menos) to your 110v. Remember to switch your 110/220v device to 220v before using in Italy, and switching back when you get home. Happy traveling!

Here's a link to the Wikipedia
page on plugs...

http://tinyurl.com/75gpv

If your electric device says 110/220
on it you can safely use it. 230 is
fine too. Pretty well all will
adjust to the voltage automatically
but as another poster mentioned be sure to check in case there's a little switch requiring you to do it manually.

Should you find yourself unable to
connect your plug to a wall outlet
I'm sure you'll be able to find
an adapter there.

If you are taking a laptop it would be worthwhile to get a small size
travel surge protector.

Rob

There are two types of outlets in Italy. You need to know the shape & arrangement of the pins, the shape of the plug, not just the # of pins.

I use both 2 prong and 3 prong appliances at home in the US - but obviously the shape and arrangement of the pins means they aren't the same as anywhere in Europe.

The 2 types of outlets I found in Italy are a) 3 prongs all in a row - (a 2 prong non-grounded plug will work) and b) the schoko type plug, which is the 2 prong, round plug with grounding on the sides. Last year I found every place we stayed had both available, especially in kitchen area or bathroom if recently remodeled.

If you don't have the right adapter they are easy to find at dollar stores or mini markets all over Italy.

OOHHH boy! In 80's and 90's I traveled to Italy many times and two prong plug was it! Picture of it on site by joym21.

All who have been to Italy recently are saying there now is a 3 plug version. How common is this? Which is more common as I am undecided what to bring!

Thanks to all you recent travelers to Italy.

**Going to France too, please inform if it is like Italy with same plug structure.

I saw no outlets in Italy where a 3 prong plug was required, but all would also fit a 3 prong plug if you required a ground.

It's not unlike in the US. A house I lived in during the 70s only had 2 prong outlets so 3 prong plugs simply would not fit. Now that grounded outlets are standard wiring code 3 prong/grounded outlets are standard.

If your US appliance only has 2 prongs using a 3 prong plug does nothing (except perhaps a snugger fit). The 3rd prong is just sitting there connected to nothing.

I have only seen the 3-in-a-row type grounded sockets in Italy. Schuko may exists, but definitely less common.

Just returned from Italy...Amalfi Coast area, Gaeta, Terracina, and Rome....2 prong adapter worked in every location!!

Mikek

awesome thanks for everyones help!

one more thing ..(sorry, i dont know much about electricity .. sad but true) how many watts does it usually take to charge a laptop .. i have a 50 watt converter at the moment.

Laptops generally use up to 60-70Watts max. But do NOT. I repeat do NOT use a converter with a laptop. The 'brick' on the power cord is ok to use at any voltage from 100-240V (check yours to confirm it says something like "input 100-240V".

You just need a plug adapter for a laptop. Did I mention NOT to use a converter?

Sorry for repeating. The question about dual voltage was asked at the top, and answered already. Scroll up to read previous replies.

ohh right, got it! thanks everyone