What is Type E & Type F Plug ? What is CEE7/7 Plug ?

The Type E electrical plug features two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart, along with a receptacle for the socket’s male earthing pin. Its rounded shape and matching Type E socket with a circular recess ensure a secure and reliable connection. Type E plugs are commonly rated at 16 amps and are widely used in countries that follow this standard

The Type F electrical plug, also referred to as the Schuko plug, similarly uses two 4.8 mm round pins with 19 mm spacing. While its electrical characteristics resemble those of the Type E plug, the Type F design incorporates earth clips on both sides of the plug body instead of a socket earthing hole. This enables the Type F plug to provide robust grounding through contact with the socket’s earth clips. Type F plugs are also typically rated at 16 amps and are prevalent in markets where grounded connections are required for higher-power appliances.

Historically, many European plug and socket systems were harmonized through the CEE 7 series of standards—a set of specifications originally published by IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment). The full title of CEE Publication 7 is “Specification for plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar uses.” First introduced in the early 1950s, the CEE 7 standards unified electrical equipment approval rules across several continental European countries.

Among these, the CEE 7/7 plug was developed as a versatile earthed solution compatible with both Type E and Type F sockets. It combines earthing clips on both sides (for Type F Schuko outlets) with a female contact that accepts the earth pin of Type E sockets. This dual grounding feature allows CEE 7/7 plugs to function safely in regions using either socket type, simplifying manufacturing and distribution for global markets.

In contrast, the CEE 7/17 plug represents the unearthed version of CEE 7/7. It retains the same pin spacing and dimensions but omits grounding features, making it suitable for appliances that do not require an earth connection.

🔗 IEC – World Plugs Reference
https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs