this post was submitted on 06 Jan 2024
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Mildly Interesting
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The majority of Europe uses two types of outlets and plugs. One bigger that's usually grounded and bulkier and one smaller. The smaller one is always ungrounded and is compatible with either outlet.
The french bulkier outlets are also slightly different that what is common elsewhere. Their ground connection is a prong in the outlet while the rest of Europe has two clip things in the outlets. Most modern plugs accept both outlets though.
Bulkier plug image
Bulkier outlet image
Bulkier french outlet
Smaller (euro)plug image
Smaller outlet (plus bonus bulkier one)
Sometimes the smaller outlet isn't actually smaller..
The bulkier European plugs and outlets are very safe. It's impossible to short the pins during insertion and they never go out from the outlet without you intending for it to do so.
Ah yup! The French one is exactly what I was thinking of. I didn't realize that there are different outlets in different EU countries. That's gotta be annoying when traveling.
It's impossible to short the US ones too. Plugs only go in one way if they're polarized, or if they're grounded. Some devices aren't polarized and they can be plugged in right side up, or upside down.
I honestly don't travel too much but I don't imagine it would be a big deal.
Pretty much all phone chargers use the smaller version plug that fits in almost all outlets in Europe.
And the modern bulkier plugs usually have both a hole in the buttom to fit french outlets and the clip things to fit other European outlets.