Differences between socket types
Nothing works without electricity – but which plug is the right one? We help you find the right plug for each of your applications
Thanks to the socket, for more than 100 years we have been able to supply electrically operated devices with electricity without any problems or concerns.
However, to this day, no uniform standards have become established as to the plug type or form.
Even in Germany there are a handful of completely different plugs – how can one keep track of things? Not to mention get to know the differences between the individual plugs.
But no need to panic – this is where we come in!
In the following article, we clear up the basic differences between the plugs that are common in Germany. Additionally, we give you recommendations as to which plug type is ideally suited for which area of use.
But now, first the basic things…after all, we do not want to rush anything!
As you probably already know, most of your electrical devices are operated with a voltage of 230V, whether you connect your coffee machine or a hairdrier. Yet right now is where the problem begins - because, in general, four different plug types are used for this voltage.
However, in the following, you will find out simply and clearly which of the four is ideal for your area of use...
Earthed plug
The word earth contact means that the plug has earth contact surfaces on the plug and refers to the fact that the plug has protective contact surfaces.
Often, the earth contact also called a earthed plug, as the sockets installed at home are generally shockproof sockets.
The plug is also known as a type F plug and is one of the most commonly used plug types in Europe. At the same time, it is used as the standard plug and socket device in Germany and Austria.
By and large, one finds such a plug on devices with protection class 1, the highest safety level.
Common appliances with said protection class include, for example, the iron and the kettle.
Technical details: Voltage of 230V / up to 16A
Euro plug
Not for no reason does the Euro plug bear this informative name!
It is due to the fact that it can be used in extensive parts of the EU.
Additionally, this plug is also known as type C and is designed for “only” 2.5A.
As can be seen in the image, it has no earthing contact and is therefore used only for devices with protection class 2. These are generally smaller electric devices, such as charging cables, which are not loaded above 2.5 A.
Technical details: Voltage of 230V / up to 2.5 A
Contour plug
The contour plug is similar to the Euro plug and is thus a variant of the type-C plug. In terms of its appearance, it looks almost identical to the Schuko plug; however, it has no earthing contact! For this reason, it is used only for devices with protection class 2. These include appliances such as vacuum cleaners and drills.
Technical details: Voltage of 230V / up to 16A
