Traveling to Europe - Can I use a U.S. extension cord with adapter?

Question

I am traveling from the U.S. to Italy and bringing several pieces of electronics (battery chargers, MP3 player, portable hard drive, etc.). The plugs/transformers for all of these devices are labeled 100-240V 50/60Mhz, so I shouldn't need a transformer -- just an adapter.

Question: Can I bring a small U.S.-type extension cord and plug everything into that, then use just one adapter to plug in the extension cord?

Seems to me that this should be OK, but I wanted to ask before I got stuck over there without the right stuff, or worse -- fried my equipment!

Answer 1

Just check your extension cord is rated for 230v. The insulation may not be enough with double the voltage and may fail PAT testing.

Answer 2

For wiring purposes, yes, you should be ok using any extension cords from the US in Italy.

Just don't go slicing up wires and soldering the adapters to them (oh boy don't get me started on that story!) worse case, buy a extension cord rated for Italian plugs.

Answer 3

I actually don't understand what you mean, unless with "extension cord" you actually mean "multi-plug adaptor" (that allow to plug more than one device at once); if so, the answer is yes you can, just check on both the American multi-plug adaptor itself and the America-to-Italy single plug adaptor how much power it can handle at once. Anyway there shouldn't be any problem even using all the device you mention at once.