Foreign Adapters

[mushroom25]

last time I went to Italy, the 2-pin sockets were slightly different to those found in France, Germany, etc and a standard adapter just wouldn't quite fit (pin holes spaced slightly differently). This required a "southern European" adapter.

It's a while since I've been to Italy - anyone know if it's the same, or will a "northern European" adapter do these days?

[Old_Jim]

The most common type of socket in Italy has three pins in line with the outer two the right size for a 2 pin "Euro" plug. The pins are thinner than French and German plugs so older European adapters don't fit. The ones you can get (in a packet of two) in the pound shop will fit. However, since you're only connected to 2 pins, the socket isn't earthed.

Most chargers etc. have the option of a European 2 pin plug which will fit Italian sockets. If you travel to Italy frequently, it's worth buying some Italian plugs and fitting them before you go.

Just to complicate matters, you may also find the older Italian 16 amp socket which has fatter pins further apart and also some dual standard ones that take either size plug. Most modern high power appliances (like washing machines and heaters) tend to use German plugs and sockets that are also rated at 16 amp.

[spudqueen]

I have one of those adapters that does all round the world - US on one side, Europe on the other etc. I always use that and I have used it successfully in Italy, Greece, France and the Netherlands. The only place I can recall it not working was Switzerland. But I go to Italy every year and I just use the Europe side.