Everything that matters, at a glance.
Pin layout, voltage, amperage, dimensions — the technical details for Type F in one tidy table.
The Schuko plug was invented in 1926 by Albert Buttner in Bavaria, Germany. 'Schutzkontakt' translates to 'protective contact' - referring to the grounding clips that were revolutionary for their time. The design became Germany's national standard and spread throughout Europe over the following decades. Nearly a century later, the original design remains virtually unchanged - a testament to its excellent safety and reliability.
Type F features side grounding clips that make contact with the socket before the live pins. The deeply recessed socket design prevents accidental contact with live parts and provides a secure connection. The 16A rating handles most household appliances safely.
Type F outlets accept Type C (Europlug) plugs for low-power devices like phone chargers. Type E/F hybrid plugs (CEE 7/7) work in both Type E and Type F sockets, making them the standard for most European appliances. The Schuko socket is one of the safest plug designs due to its recessed construction.
61 countries use Type F.
Mostly across Europe and Parts of Asia. Click any country for the full guide — voltage, adapters, and travel essentials for that destination.
Routes to and from Type F countries.
Country-to-country adapter guides for the most common trips involving Type F destinations.
Other plug types worth a look.
Neighboring plug types — same region, related shapes, or shared voltage zone. Useful when your trip has multiple stops.
Adapters travelers actually pack for Type F.
Three picks tested against Type F outlets — universal options that also work in 150+ other countries.
2 Pack European Travel Plug Adapter, International Power Plug Adapter with 3 Outlets 3 USB Charging Ports(1 USB C), Type C Plug Adapter Travel Essentials to Most Europe EU Spain Italy France Germany
Ceptics European Plug Adapter 4 Pack Set, USA to Europe, Italy, Germany, England, Spain, Italy, Iceland, France (Type C, E/F, G, L) - for Your Cell Phones, Tablets, iPhone, Camera (CT-EU-4SET)
Type F Schuko adapter with 2 USB ports. Perfect for Germany, Netherlands, Spain.
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Will my devices work? Run the check.
Type F runs at 220-240V, 50Hz. See exactly which of your devices plug in safely and which need a converter.
Every plug type, in one place. All 15.
Type A through Type O — what they look like, where they're used, which countries share them. The full reference our visitors come back to most.
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Side-by-side database with shape, voltage, countries.
Why some chargers blow up and others don't — the dual-voltage rule.
The 30-second test that tells you which devices need which.
How the world ended up split between 110V and 240V.
Tested picks from universal kits to single-route adapters.
110V vs 230V and what it means for your devices.
What is the Type F plug?+
Type F, also known as Schuko (from German 'Schutzkontakt' meaning 'protective contact'), is a grounded plug with two round pins (4.8mm diameter, 19mm apart) and distinctive grounding clips on the sides. It operates at 230V and can handle up to 16 amperes of current. This robust design is the standard in Germany and used across much of Europe including Austria, Netherlands, and many Eastern European countries, making it one of the most common plug types worldwide. The recessed socket design prevents accidental contact with live parts.
Which countries use Type F?+
Type F is used in Germany, Austria, Netherlands and across Europe, Parts of Asia, Parts of Africa. See the full list below.
Is the Type F plug grounded?+
Yes. Type F has a dedicated grounding pin for safe operation with appliances that require an earth connection.
Do I need a voltage converter for Type F countries?+
Type F countries operate at 220-240V, 50Hz. Modern dual-voltage electronics (phones, laptops, cameras labelled "100-240V") work everywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone need a converter.
Can I use my iPhone or laptop charger with Type F?+
Yes. Apple chargers and most laptop power supplies are dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in Type F countries with just a plug adapter — no converter needed.
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