Popularly known as the Europlug, the Type C electrical plug is a two-pin unearthed plug used throughout continental Europe, parts of the Middle East, and much of Africa, South America, central Asia, and the former Soviet republics.

Why do some countries have 2 pin plugs?

In most countries in the world, 2-pole mains sockets have been replaced with earthed sockets which can accept both 2-pole and 3-pole plugs. In order to provide safety, an earth connection had to be fitted to 2-pole plugs for these devices. In all plug types, this earth connection was fitted as a 3rd pin.

What type of equipment uses a 2 pin plug?

With it came a new connector. Hence the 2 pin plug you find on the charging stands for electric toothbrushes and to power other things like electric shavers, which are most commonly used in the bathroom. These sockets are often known as shaver sockets because this is what is commonly connected into them.

Why do Europe have 2 pin plugs?

The Europlug is a flat, two-pole, round-pin domestic AC power plug, rated for voltages up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. 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.

Does France use 2 pin plugs?

For France there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the sockets male earthing pin. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Are 2 pin plugs safe?

The main reason two-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous is due to their lack of grounding. Grounding is how electricity is safely transferred in the case of an unstable current. This increases the chance of electrical shock during short circuits, ground faults, and electrical overloads.

Which countries use three pin plugs?

This electrical socket is common in: GB, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, The Type G plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and includes a fuse (usually a 3A fuse for smaller appliances, such as computers, or a 13A fuse for larger appliances, such as heaters).

Are 3 pin plugs safer?

A plug is a device that attaches to the end of an electrical wire and fits into an electrical current socket, usually situated in walls. 3-pin plugs also limit the amount of power that can flow through the circuit, as compared to a 2-pin plug. Hence 3-pin plugs are safer as compared to 2-pin plugs.

Does Germany have different plugs?

For Germany there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Why does Europe use 220V?

Once AC was widely accepted as being superior to DC for power distribution, 110V became the standard for AC distribution presumably because it used the safer Voltage level of the DC system. After metal filament lamps became feasible, 220V became common in Europe because of the lower distribution costs.