Italy Power Cord 2 Wire CEI 23-16 Standard Plug IMQ Approved

Standard:

• CEI 23-16: This is an older standard also known as Type C, primarily used in older buildings and appliances in Italy. It’s not the current standard and has limitations.

Plug

• 2 Wire: This indicates the cable has two conductors, one for live and one for neutral. However, modern appliances in Italy require grounding for safety, which is absent in this 2-wire configuration. Grounding provides a crucial path for electrical current to safely discharge in case of faults, preventing shocks and equipment damage.
• CEI 23-16 Standard Plug: This plug might not fit securely in all modern Italian sockets designed for the newer CEI 23-50 standard.

IMQ Approved:

• IMQ (Istituto Italiano del Marchio di Qualità): While this signifies the cord meets Italian quality standards for materials and construction, the 2-wire design without grounding raises significant safety concerns.

Important Considerations:

• Safety: Despite IMQ approval, the 2-wire design poses a potential safety hazard, especially for modern appliances that rely on grounding. Using this cord with ungrounded appliances might violate safety regulations and could lead to shocks or equipment damage.
• Appliance Compatibility: This cord is only suitable for very specific older appliances designed for a 2-wire, ungrounded power cord and the CEI 23-16 standard. Most modern appliances in Italy require grounding for safety and use the CEI 23-50 standard.
• Alternatives: Using a 3-wire CEI 23-50 power cord with a grounding prong ensures safer operation with most modern appliances in Italy and complies with current safety regulations. These are readily available and recommended.

Specifications