Michael Brennen Oct 1, 2010:

Followup After Kate's initial discussion entry ("Plug?") I suddenly understood the obvious that I was missing, that entrambe le spine is not both prongs, but both types of plugs. With the photo it was there to be understood, ma mi sono confuso sul significato di "spina".

Regarding the now-hidden discussion on the interchange of plug/socket, in the hurry of the moment I uncritically made that same mistake. Americans, when looking for a wall outlet, might well as "Is there a plug around here?". However, in a translation that sort of confusion/ambiguity should be avoided.

Kate, there may well be one, but I do not know of a term for such a dual socket in English. In the absence of something more specific, something form of "dual mode socket" might be a starting suggestion. Best to you in finding it. :)

Kate Chaffer (asker) Oct 1, 2010:

Clarification Just for anyone reading this in the future, there were two answers and a lot of discussion comments here but one answer and all the discussion comments from that answerer have been hidden so it looks like it's me talking to myself!

Kate Chaffer (asker) Oct 1, 2010:

??? Why would there be plugs in the 'quadro elettrico'?

Kate Chaffer (asker) Oct 1, 2010:

Bipasso Also known as 'bipasso' by the looks of it, although I'm not sure the current glossary entry of 2-pin socket is specific enough.

Kate Chaffer (asker) Oct 1, 2010:

Plug? I have to say I was a bit confused at two people answering plug when that's the 'spina'. Michael's reference explains what it is though. It doesn't mean a socket where you can fit both prongs of the plug in, though, as he thought, but one which accepts both types of plug, the standard 'Italian' one and the thicker style one. Now I just have to find out what that's called in English...