Which type of plug do I need in my Computer Safe?

There are different types of sockets around Europe.

The computer safe of SafeGear is standard Schucko plug which is the most common one in Europe. In case you would be interested in danish or other type of plug do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Below you can see a detailed description of each plug.

 

A. SHUCKO German socket (type F, CEE 7/3 socket, CEE 7/4 plug

Schuko plugs have become standard across most of the countries within the European Union.

The most common socket in Europe.

The plug has two pins, and along with the socket can be identified by the two metal earth contacts on each side.

The plug is rated at 230v 16A, and has two 4.8mm x 19mm pins.

 

B. French socket (type E, CEE 7/5 socket, CEE 7/6 plug)

The second most common socket is the French type, which like the Schuko is rated at 230v 16A, and has two 4.8mm x 19mm pins.

Whilst it looks very similar to the Schuko design, there is one major difference.

The earth connection is made by an earth pin which protrudes from the socket, and engages with a hole in the plug (there are no side earth strips).

 

C. Danish socket (type K, DS60884-2-D1) 

Denmark and Greenland use their own 16A socket. As the central earth pin is offset, it can only be inserted one way around.

There is a convention to wiring the live, so reverse polarity should not be an issue.

Whilst the socket looks similar to a Schuko/French socket, they must not be used together.

 

D. Italian (type L)

Historically Italy has had its own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions.

Many sockets will accept both 10A and 16A plugs.

The universal CEE 7/7 plug will work in Italy where the Bipasso/Schuko socket is available, otherwise a 10A or 16A Italian plug adaptor is required.

Both Italian and Schuko plugs can be inserted either way around in the Bipasso/Schuko socket, so reverse polarity can be corrected by turning the plug 180 degrees.

 

E. Switzerland (type J, SN441011)

Switzerland and Liechtenstein use their own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions.

As the central earth pin is offset, it can only be inserted one way around.

There is a convention to wiring the live, so reverse polarity should not be an issue, but can occasionally occur.

10A plugs can be inserted into 16A sockets, but the reverse is not possible.

 

 

The map below provides a better overview of sockets around Europe.