Paris Electrical Adapter Problem
 

We learned today that the apartment we are renting has "exceptionally deep" electrical sockets, so when you insert the usual plug adapter (to allow US plugs to be used) it doesn't stick out far enough to accept the "flip type" two-prong plugs that are used with our cell phone chargers, etc. Apparently, the transformer boxes to which the plug is attached is too wide to push into the round opening for the wall socket.

We could bring extension cords (to insert in the adapters as 6-foot extensions of the outlet) but does anyone have a different solution? For example, are there "longer" plug adapters? Have you ever even encountered this problem? Apparently the smaller, moulded plugs fit fine--the problem is only with the ones that are built into the transformers.

If not an extension cord, why not double up on the adapters - ie plug one adapter into another (so they are double decker) and then plug it into the wall.

I tend to travel with a power bar or extension cord with multiple outlets. With computers, cameras and a video camera we always seem to have alot of stuff that needs charging

I travel with an extension cord, which solves problems like this. It also means that I can plug in several low power devices using one adaptor plug.

I do NOT use an extension cord for multiple high power devices like curling iron, hair dryer, etc.

I had the same problem in my apt. with my camera battery charger, so I just have two adapters stuck together. The other problem was that the sockets in my apt. have a funny metal prong sticking out of them, and even some of the adapters you buy in France, like at a FNAC, don't have a hole for the little prong thingy. That was really not technical at ALL. Anyway, it works.

Thank you all for your advice.

Can you really stack two adapters? The "male" part that goes into the French socket is round, and the "female" part takes a blade-type, US plug. Can you put a round peg in a "rectangular" opening?

Sheepie87--I think the prong that sticks out of the socket is the grounding element. Only a three-prong US plus would need an adapter that uses that prong from the outlet.

I guess I need a picture to understand this issue. I suggest that you take a close look at the outlet when you get there and then go to the BHV to buy a power strip that fits.

You can stack adapters. The middle one can be anything - like a V-shaped one for Australia.

So you have

- French socket with 2 round holes
- Adapter that has 2 round pins and V-shaped slots
- Adapter that has V-shaped prongs and US-type parallel slots
- Your US plug

How about using something like this:
http://www.world-import.com/WMVR11.htm