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There are many different types of electrical plugs and sockets used around the world, and Europe is no exception. In Europe, the standard plug used is the CEE 7, which has two 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. This design is used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia. However, there are other types of plugs and sockets used in Europe as well, such as the Europlug, which is a flat, non-rewirable two-pole plug with round pins, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. It is designed for low-power devices and is compatible with all round-pin domestic power sockets in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Europlug, Type C |
| Voltage | Up to 250 V |
| Current | Up to 2.5 A |
| Plug Type | Two-pole, round-pin, non-rewirable |
| Compatibility | All round-pin domestic power sockets in Europe |
| Incompatible With | Type D sockets (India, South Africa), BS 1363 sockets (UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus) |
| Dimensions | 35.3 mm width, 13.7 mm height |
| Pin Spacing | 19 mm between centres, minimum distance between pins is 13.5 mm |
| Pin Hole Size | 4.8 mm holes |
| Polarization | Unpolarized |
| Grounding | No |
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Europlug
The Europlug is a flat, non-rewirable two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. It was designed for use with low-power Class II appliances and is compatible with all round-pin domestic power sockets in Europe. However, it is not compatible with the rectangular-pin BS 1363 sockets found in the UK and some former British colonies, as well as Type D sockets used in India and South Africa.
The Europlug is unique in that the standard specifies only the plug and not a corresponding socket or outlet. Its dimensions were chosen to ensure compatibility and safe use with continental European domestic power sockets. When fully inserted, reliable contact is established, and no live conductive parts are accessible. The design also prevents establishing a connection between one pin and a live socket contact while the other pin is accessible.
The Europlug's pins are 19 mm long and consist of a 9 mm long conductive tip with a 4 mm diameter and a rounded ending, followed by a 10 mm long flexible insulated shaft of no more than 3.8 mm diameter. The pins converge slightly, with their centres 17 to 18 mm apart at the tip and 18 to 19 mm apart at the base. The elasticity of the pins allows them to adapt to various socket-hole arrangements while maintaining sufficient contact force for the plug's current rating.
The entire Europlug is 35.3 mm wide and 13.7 mm high, and its dimensions must not exceed these specifications within 18 mm behind its front plane to accommodate the recesses found on many European socket types. The left and right sides of the plug are formed by surfaces that are at a 45-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane.
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CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 plugs
CEE 7/4 plugs, also known as Schuko plugs, are defined by two round pins of 4.8 mm diameter, which are 19 mm long and spaced 19 mm apart. These pins are used for the line and neutral contacts. Additionally, the CEE 7/4 plug has two flat contact areas on the top and bottom sides for protective earth (ground). When inserted into a socket, the CEE 7/4 plug covers the entire socket cavity, preventing access to the pins. It also ensures that the protective earth connection is established before the line and neutral pins make contact. CEE 7/4 plugs are commonly used in much of Europe, including Germany, Italy, Russia, and Denmark.
The CEE 7/1 socket is compatible with the CEE 7/4 plug, but it does not provide an earth connection. This lack of earthing has led to the phasing out of CEE 7/1 sockets in many countries. The CEE 7/3 socket, also known as Schuko, is the earthed version that pairs with the CEE 7/4 plug. The CEE 7/3 socket has a circular recess with two symmetrical round apertures and two earthing clips on the sides, ensuring that the earth is engaged before live pin contact.
The CEE 7/7 plug is a hybrid of the CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/6 plug types. It incorporates the side earthing strips of the CEE 7/4 plug and the earthing aperture of the CEE 7/6 plug. This hybrid design allows the CEE 7/7 plug to achieve an earth contact with both CEE 7/3 (Schuko) and CEE 7/5 sockets. The CEE 7/7 plug is used in Italy, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, often in hybrid Schuko sockets that can accommodate multiple plug types.
While CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 plugs are commonly used in Europe, it is important to note that there is no European Union regulation of domestic mains plugs and sockets. The specific types of plugs and sockets used can vary by country and even within different areas of the same country. Additionally, older and newer sockets may differ in depth, with newer designs being deeper to prevent accidental contact with pins.
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Type C plugs
There is also a less common variant of the Type C plug, known as CEE 7/17, which is rated at 10 A or 16 A. This version has uninsulated pins with a diameter of 4.8 mm and is typically used for high energy-consuming appliances that do not require earthing, such as hair dryers, bathroom heaters, and vacuum cleaners. Type C plugs are widely used in Europe, except in the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus, and they can also be found in various parts of the developing world.
When travelling to Europe from another region, such as the US, it is important to note the difference in plug types and voltages. A travel adapter that supports Type C plugs can be purchased to enable the use of electric appliances in European countries. These adapters often feature multiple USB-C ports, allowing for the simultaneous charging of various devices.
While Type C plugs remain in use, the sockets specifically designed for them (Type C sockets) have become illegal in most countries due to their ungrounded design. Modern buildings now favour grounded sockets, and Type C sockets are being replaced by Type E, F, H, J, K, L, N, or O sockets, depending on the country. Despite this, Type C plugs can still be inserted into these newer socket types, ensuring their continued compatibility in European countries.
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Type J plugs
The plug has three 4 mm round pins, measuring 19 mm in length. The centres of the line and neutral prongs are spaced 19 mm apart, and they have 10 mm long insulated sleeves. Older versions of this plug have unsleeved pins. The earth pin is offset by 5 mm.
The Type J plug is similar to the Type C plug, except that it has an additional grounding pin. A Type C plug fits perfectly into a Type J socket. However, a Type J plug will not fit into a Type C socket.
The Europlug is compatible with Type J plugs. Europlugs are flat, non-rewirable, two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plugs, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. They are compatible with all round-pin domestic power sockets used across Europe.
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Type E plugs
The Type E plug is unique because it features a female contact in addition to the two male pins. This female contact is used to accept the grounding pin of the Type E socket, providing an extra layer of safety. The grounding pin in the socket is 14 mm long and has a diameter of 4.8 mm. This design ensures that the plug and socket are properly grounded before the device is energized, reducing the risk of electrical injury.
While Type E plugs are commonly used in the countries mentioned above, they are not compatible with all sockets in Europe. For example, the UK, Ireland, and Malta use rectangular-pin BS 1363 sockets, which are not compatible with Type E plugs. Additionally, older buildings in Europe may have different types of sockets that are no longer in use, requiring the use of adapters or specific plug types.
To ensure compatibility and safety, it is important to check the type of socket available before using a Type E plug. In some cases, universal sockets or adapters may be used, but it is important to note that these may not always meet technical safety standards and should be used with caution. It is always best to use the correct plug type for the corresponding socket to reduce the risk of electrical hazards or damage to equipment.
Overall, the Type E plug is a standard connector in many European countries, providing a safe and reliable way to connect electrical devices to the mains power supply.
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Frequently asked questions
The Europlug is a flat, two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. It is compatible with all round-pin domestic power sockets used across Europe.
The standard Class I grounded mains plug used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia is the CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7 plug. These have two 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres.
Yes, there are several types of plugs used in Europe, including Type C (Europlug), Type E, Type F, Type J, and Type K. The Type C plug is the most common and is used in most European countries, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta.
The Europlug is a non-rewirable plug that is attached to the housing of small power devices with a maximum current of 2.5 A. On the other hand, the standard European plug, such as the CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/7, is a rewirable plug that can be used for a wider range of appliances.
No, European plugs are typically not polarised. This means that the line and neutral connections are not consistently identified, and the plug can be rotated to either of two positions when plugged into the socket.
