bacccc

I live in the States and I'm planning a trip to Italy. I'd like to use my GPS, which is a Garmin StreetPilot III. My question is this: Do autos in Europe (Italy in specific) use a different accessory (cigarette lighter) socket than in the USA?? If so, is there an adaptor????

ThanX!!!!

bruce_hyman

the difference is not very much.. and is more a concern for high current applications (arcs, etc). (taken from discussions about laptop charger safety in aircraft).

bacccc

Is it a size difference or voltage difference or both?? Do I need an adaptor? ThanX!

Flyin' SV

Size. The euro (DIN) socket is a bit larger than a US socket. The problem arises from the potentially poor fitment from a (smaller) US plug in the (larger) euro socket. This can cause a poor electrical connection, resulting in blown fuses. The source that I heard this from (Service Manager at McDonald Audi in Denver, CO) recommended searching for an adapter at a cell phone accessory shop.

bacccc

ThanX a bunch - that was the answer I was looking for!!

bruce_hyman

the voltages are the same - its purely a mechanical fit difference.