Heading to Europe? You’re bound to come across the Type F socket, especially common in places like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, as well as various Scandinavian and Eastern European countries.
Often referred to as Schuko, short for the German ‘Schutzkontakt’, meaning ‘protective contact’, these sockets are distinctive. They’re round with grounding contacts at the top and bottom and are specifically designed to accommodate the CEE 7/4 plug.
The Schuko system was developed in Germany after World War I, with its origins dating back to a patent granted to Albert Büttner in 1926.
Features of Type F Socket
The Schuko setup is celebrated for its non-polarized connection. This means that the phase (live) and neutral wires can connect interchangeably, with safe grounding provided by the clips on the sides of the plug. This design enhances safety and flexibility in use, making it a staple in many European electrical systems. Whether you’re charging a laptop in Berlin or a smartphone in Oslo, the Type F socket is what you’ll likely plug into.

Number of pins | 2 |
Grounded | Yes |
Voltage | 220 – 240 volts |
Ampere | up to 16 amps |
Other types of plugs that fit | Type C and E |
Other sockets compatible with Type F | Type E sockets |
Do you need a travel adaptor for your UK devices? | Yes |
Click here if you need a travel adaptor for Type F
Dimensions
The Type F plug is designed with two round pins, each 4.8 millimetres in diameter and 19 millimetres long, spaced precisely 19 millimetres apart.
Using Type F Plug
The Type F socket is known for being recessed, which cleverly reduces the risk of electric shocks even when plugs aren’t fully inserted. These sockets are built to handle plugs up to 16 amps, but anything requiring more juice typically needs a permanent hookup or an alternative system, such as the IEC 60309.
In real-world terms, you’ll come across Type F sockets in a variety of locales, including Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, Greece, and Portugal. They’re also found beyond Europe’s borders in select African, Asian, and South American countries.
Unsure about the type of sockets waiting for you at your destination? It’s always a good move to pack a travel adaptor or use the search function on this website to check.
The Necessity of a Travel Adaptor
Absolutely, it’s a prudent idea to bring along a travel adaptor suitable for Type F sockets when you’re on the road. Skipping on the right adaptor could lead to headaches like being unable to charge your devices, potentially wrecking your charger, or, in worse scenarios, causing short circuits, electrical shocks, or even fire hazards. Best to be prepared and avoid any such troubles!