Type E vs Type F Plugs: Pin Design Differences & Compatibility
Type E is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V, while Type F is a 2-pin, grounded plug rated 16A at 220-240V. The two differ mainly in pin design, which is what decides compatibility — whether a Type E plug fits a Type F socket, and vice versa. Next, check type A vs type C plug.
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Type E
|
Type F
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard | CEE 7/5 | CEE 7/4 (Schuko) |
| Pin Configuration | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin | Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides |
| Grounding | Grounded | Grounded |
| Pin Count | 2 | 2 |
| Amperage | 16A | 16A |
| Voltage Range | 220-240V | 220-240V |
Key Differences Between Type E and Type F
Here's how Type E and Type F compare, point by point.
- Grounding: Both Type E and Type F are grounded.
- Pin Size and Shape: Type E: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin. Type F: Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides.
- Application: Type E is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters. Type F is typically used for heavy-duty appliances such as hair dryers, kettles, and heaters.
Type E and Type F Compatibility
Type E in Type F Sockets: Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) does not fit a Type F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) without a travel adapter.
Type F in Type E Sockets: Generally no. A Type F plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) does not fit a Type E socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) without a travel adapter.
If you're planning a trip, tell us which country you're visiting and we can confirm whether you need a Type E or Type F travel adapter.
Does a Type E plug fit into a Type F socket?
Generally no. A Type E plug (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin) does not fit a Type F socket (Two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides) without a travel adapter.
Are Type E and Type F plugs the same?
No. Type E follows the CEE 7/5 standard and Type F follows CEE 7/4 (Schuko) — they differ in pin design.
Which countries use Type E and Type F plugs?
Type E plugs are used in 44 countries, including Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon. Type F plugs are used in 76 countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra. 10 countries use both, including Canary Islands, Chad, Denmark, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Faroe Islands.
How can you tell a Type E plug from a Type F plug?
A Type E plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter) plus hole for socket grounding pin, and is grounded. A Type F plug has two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm long) with grounding clips on sides, and is grounded. The quickest tell is pin size and spacing — compare the two pin configurations above.