Electrical socket type C European (2024)

FAQs

What is a European standard plug Type C? ›

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions. It also fits into Type E, F, J, K or N sockets that often replace the Type C socket.

Popularly known as the Europlug, the Type C electrical plug is a two-pin unearthed plug used throughout continental Europe, parts of the Middle East, and much of Africa, South America, central Asia, and the former Soviet republics.

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.

What Countries Use the Type C Plug? The type-c plug is used in all countries in Europe except for the United Kingdom and Ireland. This means that you will find this plug in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and every other country throughout Europe.

No, not all USB-C cables are equal. USB-C stands for the shape and type of connector, which is the same for all USB-C cables but not all cables support the same kind of protocols and transfer speeds. To use a Thunderbolt 3 product from Akitio, a Thunderbolt 3 cable is required.

There are a number of different types of USB-C cables including: USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 4. The main difference between all of these is their data transfer rates.

The plug shapes and power voltage is different between America and European countries. America uses type-A/B plugs, while most European countries use Type-C plugs (Type-C also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, N sockets that replace the Type C socket in some countries like Italy, Denmark, Switzerland etc.).

For Europe the associated travel adaptor is type C, which is the plug which has two round pins. However, we recommend you check the information for the destination you're travelling to on our travel adaptors page.

Type C: Europe, Russia, Asia

Compatible in most of continental Europe, Russia, and much of Asia outside China, this plug consists of just two round pins. Type C adapters are also compatible with Type N adapters in Brazil—but not anywhere else in South America.

As previously mentioned above, due to the predominance of more powerful devices in the 1930s, (normally above around 500 watts), the problem of a possible electric shock became a hazard for users. In order to provide safety, an earth connection had to be fitted to 2-pole plugs for these devices.

Do I need A travel adapter for Europe? ›

When traveling to Europe, one of the most important things to bring is a power converter, as the wall sockets are much different than in America. There also aren't as many outlets in hotel rooms as in the U.S. because electricity is very expensive in Europe.

In the U.S., and in fact everywhere in North America, the standard voltage is 110 V (with a frequency of 60 Hz) rather than the 220 volts used in Europe. European plugs are not compatible with American electrical sockets. In order to plug in your electric appliances, you will need a plug adapter or a converter.

It allows you to connect older devices, USB Type-A connectors, and smaller USB Type-C connectors via a single port. More efficient and fast: A Type-C connector is faster than any other USB cable. You can even use it to charge larger devices like laptops. It transfers data and charges devices at faster speeds.

The USB Type-C connector is designed to replace data transfer, charging, and video connectors. However, not all cables support the same functionality.

Europlugs are non-earthed plugs that have have two round pins with a diameter of 4.0 mm, positioned ca. 19 mm apart. Europlugs are 35.3 mm wide and 13.7 mm thick and have a characteristic shape with hexagonal sides. They are designed for currents up to 2.5A - 250V.

These connectors do have some physical differences that allow you to tell them apart. USB Type-C has an oblong-shaped plug and is slightly bigger than Micro-USB. It can be inserted either side up. Micro-USB can only be plugged in one way and has two hooks at the bottom to hold the cable in place.

Yes, you can use a non-standard charger or data cable to charge your phone.

Universal Compatibility

There are USB-C chargers for everyone. Leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony, LG, HP, Lenovo, DELL, Microsoft, and Nintendo, use the USB-C PD protocol, so that it's compatible with the smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices you use.

Will anything bad happen if I use a USB-C charger/cable from another manufacturer? Yes you can use other cables, except for dash charge, the device will charge at 2.1A with other branded cables.

Get the Right Electrical Plug Adapter for Europe

If your device support a broad range of 110V to 240 V, then all you need is a plug adapter. If however, the label on your device only indicates 110v, then you need an electrical transform and not only a plug adapter.

Does all of Europe use the same adapter? ›

If you're traveling to Europe, you don't want to discover that they utilize different voltages and have totally different outlets, when you check into your hotel room! It's better to be prepared, and for that, you'll need a European Travel Adapter like our PAK-EU European Adapter Kit.

The origins of our large plugs go back to the end of World War Two. With so many houses to build after the war, and facing a chronic copper shortage, Britain was keen to find a way of wiring homes that used less cable. Previously, each mains socket had its own connection to the fuse board.

If your hair dryer is 120V or 125V only then it will not work in Europe with just an adapter plug. You'll need a proper voltage converter.

Fortunately, the iPhone's power adapter was designed for international use, so it can withstand a wide range of voltages. However, consider purchasing a plug adapter, as some wall outlets in foreign countries have different prong designs.

The OREI "Type C" 4 Pack travel adapter has one universal and one non-grounded input socket to connect a plug from almost any country in the world(except the Type M - big S Africa 87mm Plug) including the 2-prong or 3-prong plugs from India.

The EU legislation was first proposed in September 2021 after the European Parliament said it had spent years trying to get companies to voluntarily agree to rely on one type of connector. USB-C, with its fast charging time and speedy data transfer speeds, emerged as the best option for consumers.

The European Union has set an official deadline for when all smartphones sold in its jurisdiction must have a USB-C port, including the iPhone. The EU officially approved the common charger law in October, but a specific date for when the law would come into force was unknown.

The European Union argues this will ensure that people will need to carry only a single charger for all their devices, thereby reducing e-waste. USB Type-C charging ports are widely used on nearly all Android smartphones currently sold in the market along with Apple's iPads and Macbooks.

Is it safe to use a “cheater plug” or remove the third prong? If you have a three-pronged plug, it will only fit into three-prong outlets. However, you can't cut off the third prong, as it completes the ground circuit. It's a crucial safety feature that protects against faults.

This two-wire plug is ungrounded, unpolarised and has two round prongs. It is popularly known as the Europlug which is described in CEE 7/16. The plug has two 4 mm round pins, measuring 19 mm in length on centres spaced 18.6 mm apart at the base and 17.5 mm apart at the tip.

How do you earth A European plug? ›

The earth pin on 13A plugs is at the top, they can only be inserted one way and the live is always wired to the right hole (as you face a socket). As the live is always connected one way, appliances are wired with this in mind. For example, a switch may only turn on/off the live wire.

Apple iPhones are dual voltage and do not require a converter. Your iPhone will work anywhere in the world with the correct country adapter.

The most common wall sockets in Italy are the EU standard plug type C, F but you may also find type L. Frequent travellers often have an all-in-one adapter that works all around the world, this would be suitable for all Italian wall socket types.

In summary, if you are traveling to a foreign country, you will most likely need to bring along an adapter. However, you only need a converter if your appliances are not dual voltage and not compatible with the electricity in your destination country.

Use the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

The Apple World Travel Adapter Kit works with any Apple USB, USB-C, or MagSafe power adapter that has a removable AC wall adapter (also known as a duckhead). Just slide the duckhead off, then attach the adapter for your country or region.

The Apple 20W USB‑C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office or on the go. Pair it with iPhone 8 or later for fast charging — 50 per cent battery in around 35 minutes. ¹ Or pair it with the iPad Pro and iPad Air for optimal charging performance. Compatible with any USB-C enabled device.

Differences between Type-C ports and micro-USB ports:

The charging port of a Type-C cable has a flat round shape and supports reverse insertion. The charging port of a micro-USB cable has a ladder shape and does not support reverse insertion.

The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB or rectangular USB 3.0 connectors at first glance, though it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability. Like Lightning and MagSafe, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation.

If your laptop has a built-in USB-C port, then you'll be able to charge your laptop via a USB-C cable - you just have to make sure the cable has a plug adapter (the box-shaped plug at the end of your phone charger than can plug into an outlet). Some laptops use a USB-C cable as the primary charger.

You can plug your phone into your laptop for a quick charge or find alternate USB ports that can do the job. Most USB ports found in airports and some coffee shops provide enough power to charge a standard smartphone.

Why does Type C charge so fast? ›

How does USB-C charge faster? The reason USB-C can help your devices charge faster is that the cables are simply designed to carry more power than previous versions of USB, which maxed out at 7.5W. Beyond the physical design of the cables, USB-C also supports USB Power Delivery which drastically enhances charge rates.

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions. It also fits into Type E, F, J, K or N sockets that often replace the Type C socket.

What Countries Use the Type C Plug? The type-c plug is used in all countries in Europe except for the United Kingdom and Ireland. This means that you will find this plug in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and every other country throughout Europe.

A USB Type-C charger is an industry-standard connector used to address the need for a wide range of display, data transmission, and charging applications. Whether you have larger devices like laptops or smaller ones like phones, you can charge and transfer data between them using a single cable.

These connectors do have some physical differences that allow you to tell them apart. USB Type-C has an oblong-shaped plug and is slightly bigger than Micro-USB. It can be inserted either side up. Micro-USB can only be plugged in one way and has two hooks at the bottom to hold the cable in place.

WHAT DOES A USB-C OR Type-C CABLE LOOK LIKE? The USB-C cable head is smaller than before, and looks a bit like a Micro-USB connector. Eventually this is the USB connector you'll use with your devices instead of using your existing USB-A, Micro-B, USB-Mini, or Lightning cable.

A landmark law requiring Apple and other electronics makers to adopt USB-C as a universal charging standard in the European Union has cleared its final procedural hurdle, after EU member states voted to approve the legislation on Monday.

USB Type C Charger Fast Charging Cable 3/6/10Ft 3.1A USBC Charger Cord Nylon Braided Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S22 S21 S20 S10 S9 Plus Note 10 9 8 A12 A13 A53 Google Pixel 7 6 5 Moto G7 G8 Switch.

First, you need a micro USB to Type-C adapter, with a micro USB port and a Type-C plug. Insert the Type-C plug into your phone to start charging or transfer data.

If your laptop has a built-in USB-C port, then you'll be able to charge your laptop via a USB-C cable - you just have to make sure the cable has a plug adapter (the box-shaped plug at the end of your phone charger than can plug into an outlet). Some laptops use a USB-C cable as the primary charger.

What is the difference between Type C charger and normal charger? ›

Differences between Type-C ports and micro-USB ports:

The charging port of a Type-C cable has a flat round shape and supports reverse insertion. The charging port of a micro-USB cable has a ladder shape and does not support reverse insertion.

Universal Compatibility

There are USB-C chargers for everyone. Leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony, LG, HP, Lenovo, DELL, Microsoft, and Nintendo, use the USB-C PD protocol, so that it's compatible with the smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices you use.