ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades Joe Tedesco's European Vacation pics

The only reason that's labled for laptops only is because it's 110V 50Hz and it's quite likely that they don't have a big enough transformer to supply several 110V hairdryers, curling irons, etc etc..

The Schuko outlet might be marked European Socket to avoid confusion where Brits attempt to plug in their shavers.

Good point -- I hadn't thought about that possibility. The plugs are similar enough that many people don't notice the slightly different pin diameter and spacing.

More Italian wiring from Joe:




[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 09-07-2004).]

Joe,
Below that meter, is that some kind of a Service fuse?.
In that most recent pic with all the line taps, does another set of wires run into what looks like a square trunking, to the right of the conduit dropper?.
I like that funky conduit-socket-cum-bend to the left.
Is this service wiring, Joe?.
It's weird there is no identification of polarity on them wires, just grey.

Joe,
Below that meter, is that some kind of a Service fuse?.

I think that it is a panel with breakers.

In that most recent pic with all the line taps, does another set of wires run into what looks like a square trunking, to the right of the conduit dropper?.


I like that funky conduit-socket-cum-bend to the left.

Is this service wiring, Joe?.

YES

It's weird there is no identification of polarity on them wires, just grey.

All the wires everywhere were gray.

I would imagine that these are double-insulated cables, similar to the type we use in Britain for service wiring.

If you cut back the outer gray sheath you'll probably find a separate layer of color-coded insulation, like this:



[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 09-07-2004).]

I think so, probably between meter and main panel. If you look closely there's only one switch, that would be damn small, even for Italian style. Modern breaker panels look pretty much the same like everywhere else in Europe and seem to use double-pole breakers.
When i was in Torino two years ago, the main breaker would trip when the electric water heater and the electric range were on at the same time. Somebody would go into the dark hallway, take down a painting hiding the meter box and reset the breaker.


No, I think that's a rail for a sliding door.

If the two wires (blue and grey) exiting the meter base are the feeders to the main panel I know why said breaker occasionally tripped! Sure they're no more than 4mm2, which means a max. of 25A service fuse, rather 20.