Do I need a voltage converter between the UK and Italy?

Usually no. The UK and Italy are both ~230V/50Hz. Modern laptops, phones, tablets, cameras and many small appliances are dual-voltage (100–240V). Check the label on your power brick. Hair tools can be an exception—verify before use.

Which plug types are used in Italy and the UK?

UK uses Type G (three rectangular prongs with a fuse in the plug). Italy commonly uses Type F (Schuko) and Type L, plus the slimmer Type C on low-power devices. Many Italian walls accept both Type F and Type L in multi-standard outlets.

What’s the safest way to power multiple devices?

Use a quality, surge-protected UK extension lead (BS 1363) in the UK, or the local standard in Italy—avoid stacking adapters. A GaN USB-C multi-port charger reduces bricks and heat, and keeps sockets uncluttered.

Do I need grounded (earthed) adapters?

Yes for any device with a third (earth) prong or metal chassis. Always match grounded to grounded. Only use ungrounded adapters for double-insulated two-prong devices (phone bricks, many cameras, etc.).

Safe power setup for UK and Italy with adapters, chargers and surge-protected extensions

HOUSING

Plugs, Adapters & Power: Italy ↔ UK Without the Sparks

Published: October 10, 2025•By Resinaro Team

Whether you’ve just moved for work, you split time between countries, or you’re visiting family, safe power is non-negotiable. This guide is a Resinaro staple because it solves everyday headaches: which adapter, when to use a grounded plug, how to protect your laptop in a drafty rental, and how to charge everything with one small GaN brick. Fewer sparks, fewer fines from landlords, fewer fried chargers.

Below you’ll find fast picks, then a deeper breakdown with wiring standards, fuses, and common pitfalls in UK HMOs and older Italian flats—explained in plain language.

Field-tested essentials

Grounded EU→UK adapter (Type G) — safe picks
UK→EU compact adapter (Type C/F) — travel size
GaN USB-C multi-port charger (65–100W) — options
Surge-protected extension lead (BS 1363) — with USB
Travel tech organiser — pouches

Why these picks?

Grounded when needed: Protects metal-body laptops/chargers from faults.
GaN charger: One brick, multiple ports, less heat → safer, tidier.
Surge protection: UK storms, old wiring, and cheap extensions are a recipe for fried gear—don’t risk it.
Compact adapters: Fit behind furniture and in airplane outlets, no wobble.

Plug & socket types (what fits where)

United Kingdom

Type G plug with three rectangular prongs.
Every UK plug has a fuse (commonly 3A, 5A, or 13A).
BS 1363 standard for sockets and extensions.

Italy

Type F (Schuko, round pins with side earth) is widespread.
Type L (Italian three inline pins) also common; many outlets accept both.
Type C (two-pin, ungrounded) for low-power phone bricks and similar.

Voltage, fuses & grounding (the safety core)

Voltage: UK and Italy both operate around 230V / 50Hz → usually no converter required.
Dual voltage: Check your brick: “Input 100–240V 50/60Hz” means you’re good worldwide with the right plug.
Fuses (UK): The fuse is in the plug. Use 3A–5A for small electronics; 13A for high-draw appliances. Don’t replace with a higher rating “to stop it blowing”—that defeats protection.
Grounding: If your device has a third prong or metal chassis, use a grounded (earthed) adapter/lead. Two-prong, double-insulated bricks can use ungrounded.
Surge protection: Old rentals + thunderstorms + cheap extensions = risk. Use a BS 1363 surge-protected UK extension (and the equivalent local standard in Italy).

Safe apartment setups you can copy

UK desk setup (rental-friendly)

Plug a surge-protected UK extension into a wall socket (no daisy-chains).
Add a GaN USB-C charger to the first socket; feed laptop/phone/tablet.
Use a grounded EU→UK adapter only when the device itself is grounded.
Route all cables through a cable sleeve; keep off heaters and rugs.

Italy living room (mixed outlets)

Identify sockets: Type F? Type L? Use the matching adapter—avoid loose fit.
Prefer a local-standard power strip (Schuko/L) rather than importing a UK strip.
Charge through your GaN USB-C to reduce bricks and heat.
Keep ventilation around chargers; don’t cover with clothing or curtains.

Carry-on travel kit (EU weekend & remote work)

1× grounded UK→EU adapter and 1× grounded EU→UK adapter (label them). UK→EU / EU→UK
1× compact GaN USB-C charger (65–100W) + short USB-C cables for each device. options
1× tech organiser pouch (no tangles at security). pouches
Printed adapter cheat card: which plug for which device, fuse ratings.

Troubleshooting & landlord-proofing

Common issues

Warm plug or smell: Unplug, check fit and fuse; replace low-quality adapters.
Frequent fuse blows: Wrong rating or faulty device; match 3A/5A/13A to device draw.
Loose, wobbly adapter: Use a slim, well-fitting model; avoid multi-block “towers”.
Hair tools: Confirm voltage. If single-voltage and mismatched, use a proper converter—or buy local.

Rental etiquette & safety

Don’t drill or replace sockets without consent—use tidy cable management instead.
Keep extensions visible and ventilated; never under rugs or bedding.
Photograph any damaged outlets and report immediately; it protects your deposit.

Fast shopping links (same as above)

Grounded EU→UK adapters (Type G) — safe picks
UK→EU compact adapters (Type C/F) — travel size
GaN USB-C multi-port charger — 65–100W options
Surge-protected extension lead — with USB
Travel cable organiser — pouches