Travelplansinmomhands
- What are the holes in plugs for?
- Why do European plugs have 2 pins?
- What do German plug sockets look like?
- Do European plugs have live and neutral?
- Which countries use 2 pin plugs?
- What's the difference between a US plug and a EU plug?
- Are European plugs safe?
- Are UK plugs safer than European?
- Are 2 pin plugs safe?
- Do Germans use 3 pin plugs?
- Do UK plugs work in Germany?
- What is a Type F plug?
What are the holes in plugs for?
Type A and B plugs have two flat prongs with (often, but not always) a hole near the tip. These holes aren't there without a reason. ... These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug's prongs more firmly. This prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord.
Why do European plugs have 2 pins?
2-pole means that the device plug is not earthed and it normally has two pins that transmit electricity. Originally, all electrical devices were fitted with 2-pole plugs, which means that the devices were not earthed and that all mains sockets were constructed for 2-pole plugs.
What do German plug sockets look like?
For Germany there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Do European plugs have live and neutral?
If the appliance is used in Europe and the polarity is reversed (e.g. the live is connected to neutral, and neutral to live) such as would occur when using a Schuko socket which can be inserted either way round, the switch now only turns on/off the neutral. The appliance would appear off, but it is actually still live.
Which countries use 2 pin plugs?
The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta, use the BS 4573 two-pin plug and socket for electric shavers and toothbrushes.
What's the difference between a US plug and a EU plug?
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. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe.
Are European plugs safe?
Using electrical products from other countries
Do not put yourselves or others at risk by using foreign electrical plugs in UK sockets. Using foreign appliances in UK sockets is dangerous if their plugs have not been converted for UK use, and it could result in a fire or electric shock.
Are UK plugs safer than European?
The fuse and sturdy construction prove the British plug is very clearly the safest in the world. But it's better than that, because the sockets also feature shutters that prevent children from inserting paperclips and getting a nasty shock.
Are 2 pin plugs safe?
Usually a two pin appliance will be “double insulated” which means it is safe to operate without a protective earth. So just connect the two wires to the plug's live and neutral and do not connect anything to the plug's earth pin.
Do Germans use 3 pin plugs?
Germany and Austria use two plug types, types C and F. The older type C plug has two round pins and no ground pin. The newer type F plug has two round pins with two ground clips on the side. In addition to the type C plug, Switzerland also uses the diamond-shaped type J plug with three round pins.
Do UK plugs work in Germany?
In Germany the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Germany, because the standard voltage (230 V) is the same as in the United Kingdom. So you don't need a voltage converter in Germany, when living in the United Kingdom.
What is a Type F plug?
The Type F plug (also known as Schuko – shorthand for the German “Schutzkontakt”) has two round pins (diameter 4.8mm, centers spaced 19mm apart). It is similar to a Type E plug; however, instead of a hole for the earth. pin, it has two earth clips on the sides.
