Question: How do European plugs work?

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as 110–220), youre OK in Europe. Some older appliances have a voltage switch marked 110 (US) and 220 (Europe) — switch it to 220 as you pack.

How do European outlets work?

All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland that operates on its own unique 3 flat rectangle pronged outlets. If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland (including London) you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.

Do European plugs have live and neutral?

The European system has one live leg carrying 230V with reference to ground, a neutral (the system ground), and a safety ground. Consequently, the European 230V system is wired similar to North American 125V house wiring. Note: EAC requires the CEE 7/7 plug be used for 16A applications.

How is a European plug wired?

The most common socket in Europe is the Schuko (Schutzkontakt is German for Protective contact). The plug has two pins, and along with the socket can be identified by the two metal earth contacts on each side (labelled green in the picture above). The plug is rated at 230v 16A, and has two 4.8mm x 19mm pins.

Are EU and US plugs the same?

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as 110–220), youre OK in Europe. Many sockets in Europe are recessed into the wall; your adapter should be small enough so that the prongs seat properly in the socket.

Whats the difference between A US plug and A EU plug?

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as 110–220), youre OK in Europe. Many sockets in Europe are recessed into the wall; your adapter should be small enough so that the prongs seat properly in the socket.

What do US plugs look like?

For USA there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. USA operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.

What does an American plug look like?

For USA there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. USA operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Whats A EU plug look like?

The Europlug is a flat, two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug and rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. The compromise design is meant to connect low-power Class II appliances to the round-pin domestic power sockets used across Europe.

Are UK and US plugs the same?

Take care: United States of America uses lower voltage than United Kingdom. You will need a step up voltage converter a device that can be plugged to 120 volts and it provides an outlet with 230 volts for your United Kingdom device.

Do UK plugs work in USA?

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), you need a voltage converter in the United States of America. If you dont want to take any chances, use a converter. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Write us

Find us at the office

Kortz- Clang street no. 12, 89735 Prague, Czech Republic

Give us a ring

Alexie Halama
+68 599 734 157
Mon - Fri, 8:00-19:00

Say hello