European Adapter Guide

Many businesses purchase international appliances without thinking about their international adapter needs, and with European appliances, there can be as many as six different plug configurations that you need to figure out.

This guide will give you all the information you need to know about European travel adapters so that you’re prepared, whether you’re purchasing international products for your business, or traveling on a European vacation or business trip.

What Are the Different Plug Types in Europe?

Europe features six socket types, including the British Isles, Cyprus, Malta, and Gibraltar, each with its distinct standards for earthing systems. However, a non-earthed Europlug can be used in any continental European country. The seven types of plugs used in Europe are:

• Type C

• Type E

• Type F

• Type G

• Type J

• Type K

• Type L

Outlet Style: Type C

Description: The Type C outlet features two pins that are rounded, rather than flat.

Locations: European countries

Outlet Style: Type E

Description: Type E has two round pins with an additional slot above and/or below the pins for the grounding knob (which is in the outlet itself).

Locations: France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia

Outlet Style: Type F

Description: Type F has two round pins with an additional slot above and/or below the pins for the grounding knob (which is in the outlet itself).

Locations: Russia and other European countries, except for the UK and Ireland

Outlet Style: Type G

Description: The design of the Type G outlet has three flat prongs.

Locations: UK, Ireland, Malta

Outlet Style: Type J

Description: This design is similar to Type C, but it also has a grounding pin.

Locations: Switzerland

Outlet Style: Type K

Description: The Type K outlet has two round prongs; one of the two prongs looks like a semi-circle.

Locations: Denmark and Greenland

Outlet Style: Type L

Description: This outlet design has three prongs set in a row.

Locations: Italy

220V, 230V and 240V Sockets

As well as different plug types, different countries also have different voltage sockets. 220V-240V outlets are typically standard in the UK, Europe and the majority of Asia and the Asia Pacific. The advantages of this higher voltage supply include:

• 220V-240V supplies are often said to be cleaner and more efficient, as they can transmit power at a reduced overall cost due to the lower current required

• Less insulation is needed so cables can be smaller and cheaper

• Less energy as heat is lost along the route to the device or appliance

• Higher voltages are more convenient for high power draw applications and larger lighting arrays, as higher voltage means that more wattage can be pushed through at fewer amps

Disadvantages include:

• Higher voltages have the potential to cause electrocution more easily so additional care in both design and use must be taken

• 220V-240V connectors and switches tend to be larger and bulkier, yet also more robust

How to Ensure You Get the Right Adapters and Power Cords

Making sure you purchase the correct adapter and power cords for European appliances is important to make sure your equipment works. Using power cord adapters or plug adapters is the best way to do this. They can easily convert Europe CEE7/7, Italy CEI 23-50, Swiss SEV 1011, Europlug, and BS1363 to USA power cords.

Using our handy travel adapter finder will ensure you have the right power outlets and cords for your European appliances and, if you are travelling, help you find the converters you need for the country you’re headed to.

Common Power Cords in Europe

European CEE 7/7

More countries use the CEE 7/7 plug than any other country in the world. It’s used in a lot of European countries and some African countries. The CEE 7/7 has two male round prongs and a female. With this standard, the grounding is done in two different ways:

• On the plug side there may be a female receptacle prong.

• Or there may be a ground strap on the top and bottom that achieves grounding (a third pin on the cord itself).

This CEE 7/7 is used by approximately 104 countries around the world. It’s popular and practical — going up to 16 amps instead of just two-and-a-half amps, but it’s also big and bulky. 

European CEE 7/16

The European CEE 7/16 is arguably the second most common type of European power cord type in use. It has two prongs, and is the European equivalent of the NEMA 1-15 power cord (more on that below). 

The CEE 7/16 has no grounding. It consists of just two round pins. Some of the reasons behind its popularity are that it’s very small, and very applicable to small electrical products that do not require grounding. The CEE 7/16 is used far and wide, in 113 countries all over the world, from Afghanistan to Vietnam.

UK BS 1363

The BS 1363 is the UK standard power cord type. The plug for a BS 1363 is much bigger than most other plug types, and actually has a fuse built into it. 

The BS 1363 plug socket is one of the best designed. And the reason I say that is because it’s the safest. The ground pin on BS 1363 cords is longer than the live neutral pins, so it always goes into the plug socket first. This really helps to prevent shock. On top of that, both the live and the neutral pins are insulated up to a certain point. 

Shop European Power Cords and Adapters at SIGNAL+POWER

Here at SIGNAL+POWER we stock a variety of power cords and converters for all European countries. Our range is specifically designed to adapt NEMA power cords to many international appliances.

Need help selecting the European power cords you need? Please call 888-788-4884 or 408-871-7928 or email sales@signalandpower.com for expert advice and guidance through your power cord design. SIGNAL+POWER proudly offers the widest selection of European plugs and power cords.