Can I Plug It In?
The European electrical system is different that the American electrical system:
- The European Electrical System Runs on 220V at 50Hz
- The American Electrical System Runs on 110V at 60 Hz
You will either need to bring or buy some additional equipment for your non-European electronics to ensure they will work properly on this electrical system. Check the power supply requirements on the label or in the user’s manual. If your device says 110-220 (or higher) Volts AC and 50-60 Hz, then it will only need a plug adapter to physically connect to the outlet. Most rechargeable items (laptops, shavers, phones, iPods, etc.) will be in this category. However, a transformer may be needed for larger devices that require 110 Volts AC (such as an older American desktop computer). Remember that transformers only change the voltage and do not change the frequency (Hz). If your device requires 60 Hz, it will not work here, even with a transformer, and you can damage it by plugging it in.
There are 2 ways to plug American electronics into the European Power System: plug adapters and voltage transformers.
Plug Adapters
These are used for devices that accept BOTH American and European Power. In this case, no power conversion is required. The American plug just needs to fit into a European outlet. It looks like this:
These are inexpensive, available here in Rome, and handy for travel weekends as well.
Voltage Transformer
The Voltage Transformer transforms voltage in a more precise way than a voltage converter. This device converts 220V to 110V, but does not change the frequency from 60 Hz to 50 Hz. A Voltage Transformer is heavy and expensive, but it can be used continuously and offers protection for your devices in case of power fluctuations. If you have several American devices that you want to bring over or an important one that plan to use regularly, then you may want to bring this. An example is pictured below:
If you decide to buy a voltage transformers, you will want either a Step Down transformer or a Step Up/Down transformer.
A Step Down Transformer changes 220V to 110V. This is used to power an American device in Europe.
A Step Up/Down Transformer changes the voltage from the wall up or down. This can be used to power American devices in Europe too.
Note: Voltage Transformers are rated by Watts (e.g. 300W, 500W, 1000W). Make sure that the transformer you buy can provide the amount of Watts you need for your device(s) plus about a 20% margin.
Power Strips & Surge Protectors
A Power Strip contains multiple electrical sockets, but does NOT perform surge protection or power conversion.
- You can use an American power strip to plug in several American devices (using only 1 American to European Plug Adapter). Use this in conjunction with U.S. devices that will work on the power system here or in conjunction with a transformer to provide multiple outlets to transformed devices. If you want to use one, you must bring it from the US. Make sure that it is NOT a surge protector.
- You can also use a European power strip to expand the number of outlets in your room. These vary in price (5-15 Euro), but are easy to acquire here.
A Surge Protector has a switch or fuse in a power strip, which is designed to prevent a power overload or surge for your devices.
- An American Surge Protector will not work here! The device will always be overloaded by the European power system. Many transformers will safely perform this function.
- If you want, you can purchase a European Surge Protector here in Rome. This can offer you some protection from power fluctuations that happen occasionally here.
Italian Power Outlets and Plugs
Devices in Italy are sold with 4 Different Power Plugs:
- Native Italian ‘Type L’ grounded mini 3-prong plug
- Native Italian ‘Type L’ grounded big 3-prong plug
- The Europlug: ‘Type C’ ungrounded 2-prong plug
- Schuko Plug (German): ‘Type F’ grounded 2-prong plug
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| Italian ‘Type L’: Big 3-prong Plug (16A) Mini 3-prong Plug (10A) |
‘Type C’ The Europlug |
‘Type F’ The Schuko Plug |
The Italian outlets you will encounter during you stay in Italy look like this:
Outlet #1 is the outlet your dorm room has. This outlet accepts both ‘Type L’ (Big and Mini) and ‘Type C’ plugs. Outlet #2 is common on Italian surge protectors and some power strips. ‘Type L’, ‘Type C’ and ‘Type F’ plugs are accepted in this outlet.
Because there is no standardization of outlets like there is in the United States, it is very likely that you will will be using an Italian outlet that is not wired for a device you bought in Italy!
So even for the Italians, European to European plug adapters are a part of life. Also, many use surge protectors and power strips that do accept all 4 plug types.
Questions?
If you have questions about any of this, contact us.
Updated 25 March 2012
