What Are the Advantages of European standard switch？

What is European Switches And Sockets?

European switches and sockets are electrical devices used in the power supply systems of buildings in Europe. They are designed to meet the electrical standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC).

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Features of european sockets and switches

European sockets and switches are designed to meet specific standards and are commonly used in various countries across Europe. Here are some key features of European sockets and switches:

1. Standardized Design: European sockets and switches generally adhere to the European standard known as the CEE 7/4 (Schuko) or CEE 7/7 (French) system. These standards ensure compatibility and safety across different European countries.

2. Two-Pin or Three-Pin Configuration: European sockets typically have either two-pin or three-pin configurations. The two-pin configuration consists of two round pins, while the three-pin configuration includes two round pins and a grounding pin.

3. Earth Connection: The grounding pin in European sockets is designed to connect electrical devices to the earth. This helps to protect against electrical shocks and ensures safety.

4. Shutter Mechanism: European sockets often feature a shutter mechanism that provides an additional layer of safety. The shutters cover the socket holes and prevent accidental contact with live electrical components, reducing the risk of electrical accidents, particularly for children.

5. Voltage and Current Rating: European sockets and switches generally support a voltage rating of 230 volts and a current rating of 16 amperes. However, specific countries may have variations in voltage and current ratings, so it's important to check the local standards.

6. Compatibility with European Wall Switches: European sockets are typically designed to be compatible with European wall switches. These switches are often rectangular or square in shape, with a rocker-style mechanism for turning lights on and off. They are usually flush-mounted on the wall and are available in various colors and finishes to match the décor.

7. Safety Standards: European sockets and switches comply with various safety standards, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and the European Union's CE marking requirements. These standards ensure that the sockets and switches meet specific safety, performance, and quality criteria.

How to Install an Outside Socket

To install a European outdoor socket, you will need the following tools and materials:

Tools:

Drill

Screwdriver

Pliers

Wire cutters/strippers

Materials:

European outdoor socket

Electrical wires (depending on the distance from the power source)

Cable clips

Wall plugs

Screws

Here are the steps to install a European outdoor socket:

Turn off the power supply to the area where you will be installing the socket.

Choose a suitable location for the socket. Make sure it is out of reach of children and away from water sources.

Mark the location where you will be installing the socket on the wall.

Drill a hole at the center of the marked location to insert the screws that will hold the socket in place.

Install the wall plugs into the holes.

Remove the cover of the socket and connect the electrical wires to the appropriate terminals. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific wiring details.

Once the wires are connected, place the socket into the wall and attach it using screws.

Use cable clips to secure the wires to the wall and prevent them from hanging loose.

Turn the power supply back on and test the socket to ensure it is working correctly.

Finally, replace the cover of the socket and seal any gaps around the edges to prevent water from entering.

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Type of electrical plug

Example of a Europlug

The Europlug is a flat, non-rewirable two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A.[1] It is a compromise design intended to connect low-power Class II appliances safely to the many different forms of round-pin domestic power socket used across Europe. However, it is not compatible with the rectangular-pin BS  sockets found in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom. By the standard, Europlugs must be non-rewirable and must be supplied attached to a power cord; anything else is non-compliant.[1]

The plug is often used on the housing of small plug-in power supplies. Even if standardization excludes it, there are cable couplings for Europlugs and rewireable plugs available.

History

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The Europlug design, intended for use with socket-outlets meeting other standards, appeared first in as Alternative II of Standard Sheet XVI in the second edition of CEE Publication 7 by the contributing members of Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia.[2] The Europlug is therefore sometimes also referred to as the "CEE 7/16 Alternative II plug" or simply as the "CEE 7/16 plug". It was also described in as plug C5 in IEC Technical Report 83.[citation needed] In it was defined by Cenelec standard EN [1] which has national equivalents in most European countries, as described in IEC [3] which superseded IEC/TR 83 (and no longer uses the C5 designation).[citation needed]

The Europlug is unusual as the standard specifies a plug only; there is no socket/outlet defined specifically for use with it. The Europlug is attached to the housing of small power devices of Class II with maximal current of 2.5 A.

Design considerations

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The dimensions of the Europlug were chosen for compatibility and safe use, such that with continental European domestic power sockets:

• reliable contact is established when the plug is fully inserted;
• no live conductive parts are accessible while the plug is inserted into each type of socket;
• it is not possible to establish a connection between one pin and a live socket contact while the other pin is accessible.

Additionally, the design allows for a more compact and less bulky design of mobile chargers, than the BS form factor in the UK.

Europlugs are only designed for low-power (less than 2.5 A) Class II (double-insulated) devices that operate at normal room temperature and do not require a protective-earth connection.

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Details

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Diagram of the Europlug specifications

The pins of the Europlug are 19 mm long. They consist of a 9 mm long conductive tip of 4 mm diameter with a rounded ending, followed by a 10 mm long flexible insulated shaft of not more than 3.8 mm diameter. The two pins are not exactly parallel and converge slightly; their centres are 17 to 18 mm apart at the tip and 18 to 19 mm apart at the base. The elasticity of the converging pins provides sufficient contact force for the Europlug's current rating with a variety of socket-hole arrangements. The entire plug is 35.3 mm wide and 13.7 mm high, and must not exceed these dimensions within 18 mm behind its front plane (this allows for the recesses on many European socket types). The left and right side of the plug are formed by surfaces that are at 45° relative to the horizontal plane.[1]

Compatibility

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Map of Europlug-compatible sockets

Types C, E, F, and K

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The Europlug is designed to be compatible with these sockets. They have 4.8 mm holes with centres spaced 19 mm apart. The minimum distance between the holes is thus 14.2 mm, while the minimum distance between the converged pins on the Europlug is 13.5 mm, allowing it to grip the socket despite its smaller pin width.

Type D

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The Europlug is not compatible with type D sockets, used in e.g. India and South Africa. These sockets have 5.1 mm holes with centres spaced 19.1 mm apart, which means a Europlug can be inserted if the sockets do not have protective shutters. However, the socket design might not allow the plug to grip it.

Type G

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The Europlug is physically not compatible with BS  13 A sockets, used in e.g. the UK and Ireland. UK law requires a suitable fuse to be fitted in each plug to protect the appliance flexible cord; Europlugs do not contain such fuses. BS  sockets contain a child-safety shutter; clause 13.7.2 of BS -2 requires that Europlugs will not open the shutters.[4] In some types of BS socket (but not all) the safety mechanism can be tampered with so that a Europlug may then be forced into the open line and neutral ports. The UK Electrical Safety Council has drawn attention to the fire risk associated with forcing Europlugs into BS  sockets.[5] There is also a risk of damage to both the plug and socket.

UK consumer protection legislation requires that most domestic electrical goods sold must be provided with fitted plugs to BS -1.[6] The exception is that shavers, electric toothbrushes and similar personal hygiene products may be supplied with a Europlug as an alternative to the BS  plug (see below).

The Europlug fits BS sockets without shutters, but the plug is only rated for 2.5 A and the UK sockets are fused at 32 A. The round pins have only a very small contact area with the rectangular sockets.

Fused conversion plugs to BS -5 are available for Europlugs, and equipment fitted with these may be legally sold in the UK.[7]

BS  (UK shaver)

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The Europlug is not designed to be compatible with BS  sockets. These sockets have 5.1 mm holes with centres spaced 16.7 mm apart, meaning a reliable contact might not be possible.

Most 2-pin UK shaver sockets will accept either BS  plugs or Europlugs, but are rated for a maximum of 0.2 A. UK consumer protection legislation allows for shavers, electric toothbrushes and similar personal hygiene products to be supplied with a Europlug as an alternative to the BS  plug. This has the advantage that these devices can then also be used in other European countries.

Type H

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Originally these sockets had flat openings and were not compatible with the Europlug. In a new version was designed to be compatible with the Europlug. Newer sockets have 4.5 mm holes with centres spaced 19 mm apart. The minimum distance between the holes is thus 14.5 mm, while the minimum distance between the converged pins on the Europlug is 13.5 mm, allowing it to grip the socket despite its smaller pin width.

SN (Switzerland), Type J

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The Europlug is designed to be compatible with Type 11 & 12 (outdated single-phase sockets, 10 A) and Type 13 (recessed single-phase socket, 10 A; Type J) and is consequently compatible with all by SN currently supported sockets.[2] This includes Type 15 (three-phase, 10 A), Type 21 & 23 (single-phase, 16 A) and Type 25 (three-phase, 16 A).[8] The diameter of the openings of the 10 A sockets is 4.5 mm and the openings of the 16 A sockets are 4.5 x 5.5 mm wide. The norm space between L (one-phase) or L1 (three-phase) and N is 19 mm.

Type L

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The Europlug is designed to be compatible with 10A Type L sockets, commonly found in Italy. They have 4.0 mm holes with centres spaced 19 mm apart. It is also compatible with dual 10A/16A sockets, but it does not fit into the 16A only variant.

Type N

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The 10 A variant of type N used in Brazil has 4.0 mm holes and also allows the Europlug to be used; see Types J and L. The 20 A variant has 4.8 mm holes and also allows the Europlug to be used; see Types E, F and K.

Type O

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Thailand has a hybrid receptacle which also supports Europlug. However, with the Type O standard with 4.8 mm diameter, the standard Europlug with 4.0 mm might experience loose contact.[9]

See also

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References

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• German Standard DIN VDE -1: Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes - Part 1: General requirements.