Travel Adaptor for Italy
& Italian Plug Types
Italy Plug Types & Sockets
Including: Sicily and Sardinia
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
Italy uses plug types C, F and L and socket types F and L. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Type L sockets are the most common so our recommendation for international travellers who need one is a type L plug adaptor for maximum compatibility.
Italy Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type L plug adaptor as that will fit the most commonly found sockets in Italy. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types F and L). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best Italy travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the Italian type F and L sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in Italy
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Hybrid Sockets
- Increasingly used in modern installations
- Bipasso sockets accept both the 10A & 16A type L plugs
- Schuko hybrid sockets accept European type E/F and type L plugs
- Type C plugs fit both hybrid socket styles
Hybrid sockets can be found in Italy.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
Italy Electrical Supply
Italy uses plug types C, F and L and socket types F and L.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Italy - Traveller Notes
Common sockets have 8-shaped holes to accept both 16A and 10A version of the L plug, but in hotels 10A sockets are still common. Schuko sockets are unusual, but adaptors rated up to 1500 Watt are widespread. C sockets are not used in modern installations. Italian wall-boxes are similar to American ones, but are usually horizontally mounted.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a Italian socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Italian mains supply is 230 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - Italy operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Italian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Italy. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
Italy Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type F
Plug type F (CEE 7/4) is primarily used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Eastern Europe and is rated at 16A. Commonly called the Schuko plug it has indentations top and bottom that contain metal contacts performing the earthing function. The plug has 2 4.8mm round pins that are 19mm long and spaced 19mm apart. Due to the symmetry of the plug it is unpolarised.
The socket is recessed by 15mm to prevent electrocution risk in the event of a partially pulled out plug.
Plug Type L
Plug type L (CEI 23-16/VII) comes in 2 variants rated at 10A and 16A. Both plugs have 3 round pins arranged in a straight line but they differ in pin diameter and spacing.
The 10A version has 3 round pins of 4mm diameter and 19mm long with the live and neutral pins spaced 19mm apart and the earth pin in the centre. The plugs are unpolarised and the live and neutral pins are insulated to prevent electric shock in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
The 16A version has 3 round pins of 5mm diameter and 19mm long with the live and neutral pins spaced 26mm apart and the earth pin in the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for Italy
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Italy uses type C, F and L plugs. Type L are the most commonly used.
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Italy uses type F and L sockets. Type L are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple sockets used in Italy. For international travellers who need one, a type L adaptor would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found sockets.
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The mains supply in Italy is 230 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers who need an adaptor can charge their phone in Italy using their normal phone charger with a type L plug adaptor, which fits the most common sockets. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Yes, type C plugs are cross compatible with the type L sockets used in Italy.
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Italian plug adaptors have 3 round pins arranged in a row. Here's a picture of a Italy plug adaptor.
