What electrical sockets are used in Italy? Do they include the plugs of our appliances? Do tourists need an adapter? Read the answers in our article, as well as tips for tourists and a lot of interesting things about Italian kilowatts.

Supply voltage

In Italy, the voltage is 230V (+6/-10%) 50Hz, now it is the EU standard, to which all EU countries switched back in 2003. In Russia, according to GOST 29322 (dated 2014), the voltage standard is 230V +/-10% 50Hz.

The supply voltage in the networks of Russia and Italy are the same, there are no problems here.

Types of electrical sockets and plugs

Italy has Europe's largest "zoo" of outlets. Both Europlug (type C, pan-European), and Schuko (type F, German), and CEI 23-50 (type L, Italian) are used here at the same time. Moreover, the Italian ones come in two configurations - 10A and 16A.

However! In 99 out of 100 cases, tourists have no problems with sockets.

The vast majority of hotels have Schuko sockets (type F) that are compatible with our plugs. Recall that devices currently sold in Russia are equipped with Europlug or Schuko plugs.

Difficulties can arise only for those tourists who rent apartments, apartments or villas for recreation. Sockets in Italian format (type L) can be installed there. But even in this case, the Europlug plugs fit perfectly.

The only case when the plug will not fit into the outlet

If Italian sockets (type L) are still installed in the apartment or hotel room. Such sockets are in most cases adapted to accept Europlug and Schuko plugs. However, there are still rare Italian sockets of the old design that do not accept Schuko plugs. Such plugs are equipped with laptop power supplies, kettles or electric burners, electric heaters and other relatively powerful devices.

Only in this case, our plug will not fit into an Italian socket. The chances of this happening are almost nil. And if this happened to you, then go to the hotel reception (or contact the owner of the apartment) and take an adapter.

In hotels in Italy (as elsewhere) they do not put many sockets, at best 3-4 per room, and the sockets are inconveniently placed in different corners of the room. At the same time, one is used for a small refrigerator, another for a TV.

Take with you a small block of sockets (it is also popularly called a "pilot") for 4 or 5 sockets. It is convenient because:

First, there will definitely be enough outlets for chargers for all gadgets of all family members;

Secondly, you can conveniently put the "pilot" on the table so as not to bend over;

Thirdly, with his filter, he will be able to protect devices from current surges, which occur in Italian electrical networks, although rarely.

Such a "pilot" can be bought in a store for 250-350 rubles. It weighs about 200 grams, it does not take up much space in a suitcase.

Meet Italian sockets type L

At the same time, we will answer the question: “Where does such a“ zoo ”of sockets come from in Italy?”.

Until the 1960s, two power networks existed in parallel in Italy. One for lighting, with a voltage of 128 volts. The second is for powering other electrical appliances, with a voltage of 220 volts.

Moreover, the tariffs in these two networks were different. The Italians received and paid two different bills. Why was it necessary? Probably only Italian engineers can explain.

Accordingly, different sockets were used in these networks. In the 1960s, two networks were abolished and switched to 220 volts. But the double format of sockets remained. These Italian formats are now described in the CEI 23-50 specification.

The first type of Italian sockets called: CEI 23-50 P10 (grounded) or CEI 23-50 P11 (without ground). Plugs to them: CEI 23-50 S10 (with grounding) or CEI 23-50 S11 (without grounding).

Two pins with a diameter of 4 mm, the distance between the pins is 19 mm. The third ground pin is located in the center. These outlets include Europlug plugs. However, Schuko plugs are not included, as the diameter of the pins is too large - 4.8 mm.

The second type of Italian sockets called: CEI 23-50 P17 (grounded) or CEI 23-50 P16 (without ground). Plugs to them: CEI 23-50 S17 (grounded) or CEI 23-50 S16 (without grounding).

Two pins with a diameter of 5 mm, the distance between the pins is 26 mm. The third ground pin is located in the center. These outlets DO NOT accept Europlug plugs and DO NOT accept Schuko plugs because the distance between the pins is too large.

Italian sockets no longer make only the first or second type. Make at least combos of both types, with 4 (without ground) or 5 (with ground) holes. In the photo next to the right is a classic Italian version that does not accept Schuko plugs.

AT recent times adapted sockets have become popular, which can accept both types of Italian plugs, as well as German (Schuko) and French plugs. In the photo next to the left, this is exactly the option that accepts Schuko plugs.

They also produce universal sockets with additional holes for German (Schuko) and French plugs.

It is likely that in the future Italy will abandon its type of sockets as unnecessary. This trend is clearly visible. Almost all electrical appliances in Italy are now sold with Europlug (type C) or Schuko (type F) plugs.

How much does a kilowatt hour cost for Italians?

Expensive - 0.21 euros per kilowatt-hour. At the time of the last update of this article (2019), this is 15.16 rubles. For comparison, the tariff in Moscow is 5.47 rubles. Italy ranks 7th in the EU in terms of price per kilowatt. More expensive only in Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Ireland.

High prices are quite logical. Italy does not have its own hydrocarbon reserves. Italy's energy industry is still based on the burning of fossil fuels. 51% - natural gas, 12% - coal, 6% - oil products. This is the latest available statistics for 2017.

Previously, the Italians were highly dependent on gas supplies from the USSR and Russia. Now they are actively importing LNG (liquefied gas), but this does not save the situation. Save them only alternative energy sources.

Italy is forced not only to pay dearly for gas. The burning of fossil fuels results in large CO2 emissions, and these emissions also have to be paid extra. But the Italians are actively working on this problem. If in 2004 emissions were at the level of 7.9 tons per inhabitant of the country, then in 2014 they decreased to 5.3 tons. However, energy prices in Italy are still very high.

Have the Italians tamed the “peaceful atom”?

Tamed, but then refused. Then they decided to tame again, and again refused. The history of nuclear power in Italy is very interesting.

The first nuclear power plant in Italy opened in 1963, followed by two more in 1964, and another in 1978. In total, there were 4 nuclear power plants in the country. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurred, which scared the Italians very much. The then popular Greenpeace staged protests, hung banners as in the photo next to it.

In 1987, a nationwide referendum was held in which the people voted against nuclear reactors. By 1990, all four stations had closed.

In the 2000s, passions for Chernobyl subsided. Italian financiers and economists have calculated the losses and lost profits from the rejection of nuclear energy. They counted 50 billion euros and decided to resume the nuclear program. In 2008, Silvio Berlusconi's PdL party won the elections and strongly supported nuclear power.

We started planning the construction of four new nuclear power plants. However, in 2011, there was an accident at Fukushima (Japan), and the Italians were again very scared. Again a referendum was held, and on June 13, 2011, the Italians voted against nuclear energy. The construction of the nuclear power plant was curtailed completely.

Green energy in Italy

Italy has a huge potential for the development of solar and wind energy. However, the situation is not very good so far. Only 9% of energy is generated by solar stations, 6% by wind, 6% by burning biomass, 2% by geothermal. Another 14% comes from hydropower. In total, renewable sources account for 37%, while green sources account for only 17%.

Italy is building long-term plans for the improvement and development of energy. By 2030, it is planned to increase the overall energy efficiency in the country by 30%, and increase the generation of "green" energy to 26%.

Have a good holiday in Italy, and read our interesting articles about this country ( list of articles below).

Types of outlets in hotels tourist countries(UAE,Cyprus,Thailand,Vietnam,Italy others)

While abroad, tourists sometimes face the problem of a mismatch between the plug and the local electrical outlet. Most often this happens when recharging gadgets, when trying to use a hair dryer or electric razor.

In most hotels in the world, there are no problems in order to rent the necessary adapter for a symbolic amount. Often the necessary adapter can be purchased at the nearest store. But if you travel frequently, prefer not to stay at a hotel, or don't want to leave it to chance, the following information will be useful to you.

To connect household appliances to the mains in the world, two types of electrical voltage and two mains frequencies are used:

• European current at 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz
• US-Japanese at 100-127 V at 60 Hz.

At the same time, there are no longer 2 or 3, but as many as 15 different types of electrical plugs for household appliances and socket standards. They differ not only in shape, but in the size of the plugs, the absence or presence of grounding.

The diagram shows all 15 types of outlets, they are arranged in the numbering order adopted by the ITA - US Department of Commerce, in 1998. (Some models are similar in the drawing, but they differ in the size of sockets and plugs.)

There is no need to be scared because of so many different types of outlets. If you wish, you can buy an adapter in advance and travel with it. There are several types of adapters that will allow you to connect your device to a different type of outlet and there are universal adapters.

Knowing what type of outlets is used in a particular country will help you choose the right adapter, or understand that you do not need it on a given trip.

Cyprus

In all hotels in Cyprus, electrical plugs for household appliances and the corresponding sockets are type G. This is a well-known British system with three rectangular pins - one vertical and two horizontal. How they look can be seen in the photo. If you do not want to spend money on an adapter, you can rent it at the hotel reception, leaving a small deposit. The money will be returned upon departure. Some Russian narrow plugs are inserted into such outlets, so it's worth a try first (without the use of physical force).

Sockets in Thailand

Thai sockets have either two holes, or two pins, or two pins with a hole. Accordingly, this is type C (Euro socket), A and B (American sockets with and without grounding). Russian and Ukrainian electrical appliances are connected to type C sockets without any problems. There are also universal hole options (pictured). Refrigerators are usually plugged into flat-prong plug sockets, which is why they are less cluttered in hotels. If you need to charge your phone or laptop, then it is better to find an adapter and use such type A “refrigerator sockets”, and when you need to turn on several devices at once, it is useful to have an extension cord with several sockets, they are inexpensive in Thailand. What kind of sockets in Thailand - you can see in the photo (universal option). However, if you have expensive equipment, it is better to have a ground adapter.

Features of sockets in Vietnam

The type of sockets in Vietnam varies by region. AT South Vietnam- type A (pictured), in North Vietnam type C (European). In expensive hotels, British G sockets can be found. But everywhere - the usual mains current is 220 V, 50 Hz. There are adapters in hotels, but with a large influx of visitors, they may not be enough for everyone.

India

The generally accepted types of sockets in India are C, D and M. The current in the network is European. Russian plugs are quite suitable for Indian sockets. There are no problems with euro plugs, but some thin pins may not fit tightly and will have to be fixed somehow, in which case it is better to use adapters. In general, tourists with sockets do not have problems in hotels of any star rating. In the photo - a common example of the type of outlets in hotels in India.

Italy

Most sockets in Italian hotels are type F. There is a grounding bracket inside, which does not interfere with inserting most of our domestic plugs. The European type of sockets C and the three-point type L are also common. If the plugs have thick legs or have grounding, like a computer, then you can not do without an adapter. In the photo on the left - type L socket, on the right - type F in Italy. If necessary, adapters are bought in any shop for 1-2 euros, and at the hotel reception they will be issued free of charge.

Sockets in the Dominican Republic and Cuba in hotels. Mains voltage features

Sockets in the Dominican Republic in hotels have types A and B - American, with and without grounding. Adapters in hotels are at the reception. But the country's power supply standards are different: the mains voltage is 110 V, the frequency is 60 Hz. If you plug in a kettle, a razor or an iron for 220 V, they will work at a quarter of the force, and charging will take longer. Transformer adapters are sold, they cost about $ 16, although they do not have much power. Sockets in the Dominican Republic in more modern hotels are suitable for plugs not only of American models, but also of European ones, both with or without grounding. Similarly, the situation with the mains voltage and types of outlets is in Cuba. In modern hotels in Cuba, there are even Euro sockets with a voltage of 220 V.

Sockets in Israel

Israel is "famous" for its unusual sockets, which are used only in this country, the voltage standard is European. Type H sockets are designed for a plug with three plugs. In old buildings, old European type C sockets are still preserved. Modern hotels are equipped with sockets where a three-plug input allows you to connect a regular European plug. Chargers and other household appliances turn on without problems, even the old Soviet model.

Sockets in the UAE

Many who have visited this country will give different answers to the question of what sockets are in the UAE and whether an adapter is required. The fact is that three standards coexist there - the widespread type G of the British socket with three flat pins, where an adapter is needed, type C of the usual European one, which does not need an adapter, and type D, which came here from Old England. It is no longer used in Britain, but it is found in India. Many narrow European plugs are stuck into this type, and with plugs of the old Soviet model, you can connect through an adapter. The problem is easily solved on the spot - adapters are available in hotels. The voltage and frequency in the UAE network are the same as ours.

France

Sockets in France are the usual European type C and type E (pictured), the voltage and frequency are standard. Sometimes you need an adapter, as for the old Tefal kettles, but most often a tee and an extension cord are useful, since the socket in the hotel room will be in the singular.

Spain

Sockets in Spain in hotels of types C and F, which fit the European standard. In the photo - type F. Adapter is not needed.

Greece

In Greece, sockets are European standard (type C). In Crete, you may need an adapter - there are sockets with three inputs (D in the photo), so you won’t be able to use them just like that.

Maldives

G, J, K - types of sockets in the Maldives. Power supply 230 V, 50 Hz. An adapter is required, but it is better to decide on its type on the spot. Expensive hotels already have the necessary adapters.

G J K

Indonesia

The most common types of electrical outlets are C and F; adapters are not needed for them. Less often - British G, then an adapter is needed. The current in the network is 220 V 50 Hz, in Bali - 127 V, there may also be sockets and American type B with grounding.

Mexico

Voltage 127 V, frequency 60 Hz. Types of sockets - North American A and B. Therefore, an adapter is needed. Not everywhere in Mexico hotels offer it for free, so you have to spend a little. It can come in handy on the road - at the airport, on the ferry, cafes, so it's better to get your own.

Singapore

Types of electrical sockets A, C and G are used to connect video equipment, M - for air conditioners and stationary hair dryers; hotels have different adapters. European current.

Sri Lanka

In four-five-star hotels in Sri Lanka, the type of sockets is more often British G, although there are types D and M. Current 230 V, 50 Hz.

tell friends

European wiring products use the two main installation standards German and Italian. When making a purchase, check what standard of installation is expected, because this affects the complexity of the installation.

Standard 68 mm diameter mounting boxes are used. The number of mechanisms is equal to the number of mounting boxes.

To mount products, you will need a mechanism, an overlay and a frame.

German and French electrical installation standard:

The exception is the mechanisms of electrical outlets (230 V). The German standard uses Schuko sockets (“Schuko” is an abbreviation for the German term Schutzkontakt (Schutzkontakt, literally: “protective contact”), which indicates that the plug and socket are equipped with protective earth contacts (in the form of brackets, not pins ) Schuko connectors are used in 230 V circuits. The rated current is 16 A.

It is important that the German standard socket mechanism is always equipped with an overlay. Therefore, when replacing wiring accessories, consumers install a new cover and change the mechanism, since the terminals of the sockets experience a large load during operation. For safety reasons, German manufacturers recommend a complete upgrade of power outlets.

German manufacturers offer wide functionality and exquisite laconic design. The maximum number of posts in a frame is five.

When choosing a product of the German standard, you do not have to worry about the arrangement of mounting boxes (limit - 5 pieces in one block), but you need to decide in advance on the color of the linings.

Together with the pan-European standard (68mm), non-standard mounting boxes and frames are used. The number of mounting boxes is often not equal to the number of mechanisms.

The system is modular: 2 single-module mechanisms can be installed in one standard mounting box. This is convenient when placing low-voltage sockets, as they are combined, for example, a television and computer socket is placed in one post in one post.

Unusual mounting boxes and corresponding frames are used: for 3, 4, 7 and other modules. This is convenient when you need to manage 3 or more light groups in one place, for example: in restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. Using the Italian standard, you can fit up to 7 switches compactly in one place.

The product is assembled according to the principle: mechanism + caliper + frame.

Important: the mechanism is supplied with a decorative overlay (3-4 basic colors to choose from). When replacing the mechanisms with new ones, you will have to change the mechanisms, since it is impossible to replace the pads.

Along with Schuko sockets, there are Italian or (Euro-American) sockets that are smaller, but without a grounding contact.

When choosing products from South European manufacturers, you have a chance to encounter the absence or non-standard solution of some functional products, for example: a floor heating thermostat, but this more than pays off with the Italian approach to design: an abundance of color and frame material, a special attitude to the shape and texture of products.

The maximum number of posts in a frame is 4.

When choosing a product of the Italian standard, you will have to take care of the arrangement of mounting boxes, especially non-standard ones (remember the limitation - 4 pieces in one block), you will also have to immediately decide on the color of the mechanism linings and do not forget to purchase calipers for them, since it is impossible to install products without them.

Mixed standard. Famous manufacturers: Simon, Legrand, etc.

Standard mounting boxes along with "Italian". The number of boxes may not correspond to the number of mechanisms.

The product is assembled according to the principle: mechanism + overlay + caliper + frame

Important: when choosing such products, you can first purchase and install mechanisms, and after finishing the premises, decide on the color and material of the products. Changing the color of products is possible without dismantling the mechanisms. Mixed standard product series, have wide functionality and rich design choices.

Maximum number of posts in a frame: 4 or 5.

When choosing a product of a mixed standard, you will have to take care of the arrangement of mounting boxes, especially non-standard ones (specify the limitation - 4 or 5 in one block). At the initial stage of repair, you do not have to worry about the color of the products, since the mechanisms are supplied without overlays, they can be purchased separately. Due to the complex configuration of products, the specification is more complex and voluminous.

For convenience, we have combined the information from this article into a detailed infographic. You can order the EUI on the website of the Architonics company. After ordering, managers will check the complete set of products, coordinate it with you by e-mail and send finished goods assembled. You will only have to install the purchased sockets or switches.