Why are electrical plugs different in Europe?

Companies in Europe realized that supplying power at 220 volts instead of 110 volts would be cheaper. At a higher voltage, electric companies can deliver the same power with less current – picture a narrow stream flowing quickly compared to a wider stream flowing slowly. And less current allows for thinner wires.

Does all of Europe use the same electrical plugs?

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.

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”), you’re OK in Europe. Some older appliances have a voltage switch marked 110 (US) and 220 (Europe) — switch it to 220 as you pack.

Why do countries have different electrical sockets?

The reason why the world is now stuck with no less than 15 different styles of plugs and wall outlets, is because many countries preferred to develop a plug of their own, instead of adopting the US standard. Many Latin-American, African and Asian countries are still in the same situation that Brazil used to be in.

How are European plugs grounded?

Continental Europe Grounding is achieved through the grounding clips on the sides of the plug body. The CEE 7/7 plug also has a female receptacle, which permits it to be plugged into the French/Belgian sockets that have a male grounding pin.

What is EU plug type?

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.

Is there an electrical guide for Germany and Europe?

An Electrical Guide for Germany and Europe: Plug Adapters, 220 volts and All That. This is a practical guide for travelers visiting German-speaking Europe, and expats who live there. You’ll learn about European 220-volt power and how to adapt to it.

What should I know about power sockets before traveling to Europe?

Make sure to double check all the plug types before you leave. Keep in mind that most sockets in Europe have high levels of power (typically 220 volts at 50 cycles), twice the voltage of American power systems. It may be way too much for your appliance. Remember: an adapter plug doesn’t convert the voltage.

Do I need a power adapter for Europe?

But since m ost modern gadgets are “dual voltage” — meaning they work on both American and European current — these days most travelers don’t need to do anything more than pack a few inexpensive plug adapters. American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts.

How is the electrical system in Europe different from the US?

By Rick Steves. Europe’s electrical system is different from ours in two ways: the voltage of the current and the shape of the plug. American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts.