Schuko - Type F (CEE 7/4)

The 16 A German mains plug with side-contact protective earth - the de-facto standard across Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and most of central Europe.

Schuko (short for German "Schutzkontakt", protective contact) is the colloquial name for the Type F mains plug per CEE 7/4. It is symmetrical, has two round 4.8 mm pins for line and neutral, and two flat side contacts that mate with the protective-earth strips inside the socket. Rated 16 A at 230 V it is mandatory for all class I devices with a metal housing, and is the standard mains connection in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greece and several Eastern European countries.

The hybrid CEE 7/7 plug combines the side-contact mechanics of Schuko with the additional earth pin of the French Type E - so it works in both German and French sockets.

Technical Specifications

Standard	CEE 7/4 (DIN 49441-R2)
Rated current	16 A
Rated voltage	230 V AC
Poles	2 + side-contact PE
Class	I (protective earth)
Polarisation	Symmetrical (line / neutral interchangeable)
Typical use	All class I devices in DE, AT, NL, ES, PT, SE, NO, FI, GR

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Schuko symmetrical when most plugs are polarised?

Historically German installations were so reliably earthed that polarisation was deemed unnecessary. The trade-off: a class I device cannot rely on a fixed line / neutral assignment - which complicates some switching topologies but simplifies plug handling.

Will my Schuko plug fit French Type E sockets?

A pure Schuko (CEE 7/4) does not - the French socket has an earth pin where the Schuko has none. Use a CEE 7/7 hybrid plug, which has both side contacts AND the receptacle for the French earth pin.

Schuko vs Europlug Type C - what is the difference?

Europlug is the small flat 2.5 A plug for class II devices only. Schuko is the larger 16 A plug with protective earth, mandatory for class I.

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