TYPE E / EXPLAINED
How to recognize Type E
Look inside a Type E socket for its projecting metal earth pin. The matching plug has a hole that receives this pin. This is the key visible distinction from Type F, whose earthing contacts are at the sides of the socket recess.
- Common regions
- France, Belgium, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia
- Contact arrangement
- Two round power contacts; earth pin projects from the socket
- Common current variants
- 16 A
- Typical supply voltage
- Usually 220–240 V
- Standard family
- CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug
- Socket accepts
- E and suitable C plugs; E/F hybrid plugs where designed for both
Earthing, compatibility & common mix-ups
A modern CEE 7/7 hybrid plug supports both earthing arrangements. An older Type F-only plug without the necessary earth-pin hole must not be described as universally compatible with Type E. The two systems share round power pins, but their earth connection is different.
What the type letter tells you
The letter describes a recognizable connection family. It does not specify the complete wall plate, mounting box, shutters, terminal design or approval for a destination market. A plug's rated voltage is also different from the actual supply voltage at a location. An adapter changes the physical connection; it does not convert voltage or frequency.
Choosing a Type E socket for your market
Start with the destination country and the appliance connection you need to support. Then identify the exact national version within CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug, its marked current and voltage, and its earthing arrangement. The figures above describe common configurations; the supplied product's marking and technical documents define the actual model.
- Compare the complete contact pattern with the reference image, including the earth contact.
- Confirm the local supply voltage and frequency against the appliance input label.
- For a buying enquiry, include mounting format, current variant, quantity and required market documents.
Does physical fit mean the connection is suitable?
No. The earth connection, contact pressure, current rating, supply voltage and approved configuration all matter. Do not force a plug into a socket or remove an earth contact.
Reference image and initial type data: supplied global plug-and-socket workbook. Country context checked against Bel's World Plug and Input Voltage Guide. For South African configurations, see Interpower's SANS 164-2 guide. These recognition notes do not replace the applicable national standard or product documentation.