John Bermont's
European Electric Outlet Adapters
American two and three prong electric outlets are totally unknown in Europe. Consequently you can not plug your traveling electrical gear into any EU electric outlet.
This is a very good situation. The reason this is good is that the electricity at every European outlet is 220 volts, plus or minus. The different European outlets prevent you from plugging your 110 volt gizmos and hair appliances into their 220 volt circuits. Otherwise — sparks, smoke, and flame. Good-bye gizmo for sure, and maybe the entire hotel.
However, if your devices are certified for 220 volts you can use them in Europe. How do you know if your electrical items are good for 220 volts? It is all laid out and illustrared on another of my web pages, chapter 11.2 of HOW TO EUROPE at Electric Plug Adapters for European Outlets.
What is an electric outlet plug adapter? This is a simple little cubical thing with an American or universal receptacle on one side and one of the European design plugs on the other side. Plug adapters do not convert the electricity. They only convert the plug.
Just to keep you on your toes, there are five different electric outlet designs used in the circa 50 countries of Europe. Europe has about as many countries as America has states. That's amazing. You may need more than one plug adapter as you travel.
And one other thing: besides the voltage another major difference is that European electricity comes at 50 Hz frequency. Many apppliances will not work, not work properly, or self-destruct on European 50 Hz frequency. For the significance of frequency please see my chapter 11.1, Electric Converters for Europe.
Foreign electricity was not taught in school, not even at university. But I have experience, the Mother of all Knowledge. If you have any concerns at all, please ask before you go. Your question is dumb only if you don't ask. For questions on electric issues please use email address electric@euro-shoppe.com.
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This "Schuko" plug adapter is the standard for France, Germany, and most of continental northern Europe. It does not fit in many outlets of Italy and Switzerland, and none at all in Britain and Ireland. See below.
Grounded Universal 2 in 1 Plug Adapter
European Schuko plug.
4.8 mm prongs.
Equivalent to type E and F.
You can use this ungrounded Euro plug in some European countries.
Universal 2 in 1 Plug Adapter
Euro Plug
4.0 mm prongs.
Equivalent to type C.
This is a universal plug adapter for the UK and Ireland.
AC Adapter Plug for use in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland
Equivalent to type G.
Here is the Swiss version.
Grounded Universal 2 in 1 Plug Adapter
Type J for Switzerland
Here is the grounded Italian model.
Grounded Universal 2 in 1 Plug Adapter
Type L for Italy
This 110-250 volt power surge strip has three universal outlets and an American grounded plug so it needs a plug adapter for the countries you are visiting. Make sure that all your gizmos are rated for 110-240 volts.
SM-60 Universal 3 Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector for Worldwide Travel. 110V-250V with Overload Protection.
For charging up to six gizmos at a time use this 250 volt universal power strip. It comes with a grounded Continental plug.
Surge ProtectorPower Strip
6 Universal Outlets
220/240 Volt 50/60Hz
Most gizmos charge their battery through a USB port so this car charger can keep you going as you drive. European cars have the same nominal 12 volt system as American cars. The LED display on this charger shows the voltage, among other things.
MONKA@4in1 Dual USB Car Charger
This 50 watt transformer changes 220 V electricity to 110 V. It works for small devices up to 35 watts continuous service, if they can operate on 50 Hz which is true for many battery chargers. Check your electrical nameplates and refer to chapter 11 for further information.
50-Watt International Transformer.
Travel Smart by Conair.
For small appliances this transformer will suffice in many cases. It is rated at 200 watts. However, in continuous service it would be best to use it on appliances needing no more than about 100 watts.
Step Up/Down Transformer
120/240 volt 200 Watt
by Power Bright
Absolutely the best battery for digital cameras which use AA batteries.
EnergizerAA Lithium Batteries
4 Pack