What is the difference between Type E and Type F adapter?

The Type F plug and outlet is much like the Type E, except it has two earth clips on the side rather than a female earth contact. It is commonly known as a “Schuko” plug, from the invented German word “Schukostecker” which means “protective contact plug.



Excellent question! This is a very common point of confusion for travelers.

The main difference between Type E and Type F plugs and sockets is the presence of a grounding pin/hole.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Type E (French Type)

  • Key Feature: Has two round pins for live and neutral, plus a round hole in the socket that accepts a male grounding pin protruding from the plug.
  • Visual: The plug looks like it has two round prongs, and the socket has a round hole between them.
  • Common in: France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Tunisia, Morocco.

Type F (German “Schuko” Type)

  • Key Feature: Has two round pins for live and neutral, plus two metal grounding clips on the top and bottom of the plug that make contact with clips inside the socket.
  • Visual: The plug has two round prongs with two flat metal strips (clips) on its sides. The socket has two notches on the top and bottom to accept these clips.
  • Common in: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and most of Europe.

The Most Important Practical Difference for Travelers

Type E and Type F plugs are partially compatible with each other’s sockets, but with a crucial caveat.

  • A Type F (Schuko) plug will fit into a Type E socket and make a connection, but it will not be grounded. The grounding clips on the Type F plug have nothing to connect to in the Type E socket’s hole.

People Also Ask

France, Spain and Italy have the same type of electrical outlets. An adapter that works in one country will work in the others. The voltage and frequency are also identical: 230 volts / 50 hertz. Check anyway that your electrical devices are designed to operate on 230 volts.

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All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets (except for Great Britain that operates on its own unique 3 pronged outlets.)

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Actually, the adapter labeled northern Europe will work in Spain as well. The difference is the diameter of the two round pins. The northern European adapters have pins that are 4.8 mm (~3.16) diameter, which is the same as the pins in the German Schuko plug, which Spain uses.

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The majority of European countries including Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Portugal have outlet sockets that require a two-pin plug known as 'Type C'.

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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.).

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