From: Paul Schmitz-Josten 
Newsgroups: soc.culture.italian soc.culture.europe alt.politics.italy soc.culture.spain soc.culture.german uk.misc uk.finance
Subject: Re: Electrical plugs in the EU
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2004 08:28:35 +0100

David Bloom in <4045509D.615B1EFF@Bloom.com.zz>:

>arachedeux wrote:
>> In my experience the wiring in DE, NE, BE, LUX, & SUI is the best in Europe,
>> you'll find locals using their laptops while they're in the bath becuase of
>> the inbuilt earthing system.

This is really nuts, especially when using an adaptor which might not
include the earthing connector!

(different electrical plugs in the EU)
>The real question is, are most plugs the two round holed 220
>volt 50 cycles plugs?

There are different diameters of the plugs and different arrangements of
the (optional) earthing connector. See some examples here:
http://www.softguide.de/prog_j/pj_0667.htm

I suggest that you look for a multinational connector at home. The
international airport of your country will be the last of your best chances
to get one which fits to your equipment.

For Germany, there is an example at www.conrad.de named "Euro-Star":
http://www1.conrad.de/scripts/wgate/zcop_b2c/~flN0YXRlPTM4NDY4NzkxOA==?~template=pcat_product_details_document&object_guid=EAFC6E3BABD18552E10000000A010220&p_load_area=226311&master_guid=&master_typ=&page=1&p_sortopt=desc+zsort

This one costs 10 Euro and will fit for the "Euro" type of connector only
which is used in Germany and some other european states.

Regarding the current it will be the best to assume 220 VAC and ask locals
in the different countries for deviations.


Attention if you want to use a modem:
There are different types of telephone plugs, too! I know at least about
the (different) national connectors of Germany and Austria. Fortunately,
most modern telephones have the "western" type of plug. Therefore the
telephone cable can frequently be used for modem connections.

Ciao,

Paul