European outlets?

Question

Ok, so I've been wondering for a long time if Europe has different electrical outlets than the US??? Is this true?

Answer 1

yeah, the UK and continental europe uses 2 totally differnet outlets.

http://www.magellans.com/store/Adaptor_P...

For both outlet type, try this website.

Answer 2

Yeah, 220 Voltage

Answer 3

Yes.  In fact, there are many different types.  In Spain, you'll find one style, that has two round prongs, but a Spanish plug won't fit into a French outlet, which also has two prongs, and you would think it would, but the plastic part is a different size.  In England there's a different kind.  There's one kind of plug that has three long, thin prongs in a sort of triangle shape.  If you pick up (you don't have to buy one, of course, just look at it) an adaptor kit at any travel/luggage store/department, they usually have one of each of four different types.  That represents most of the common outlets.

You also need to know, that they use 220 direct current, and we, in the US use 110 Alternating current, and most electronics cannot be used without a converter.  It would blow up your phone battery or most laptops to plug them into a wall in Europe, and you REALLY don't want to put your curling iron or hair dryer into their walls, because they would blow up in your hand.  Many are sold in the US with dual voltage, but in most places in Europe, as in the US, there are hair dryers in the hotels, so you don't even need to worry about bringing your own.  My curling iron is automatic dual voltage.  I don't even have to flip a switch any more.

I had a friend who brought a clock to Spain and plugged it into the wall.  At first we thought it would work just fine, but then, about ten minutes later, we looked at it, and it was about an hour and a half fast!  Didn't work so well after all!

Answer 4

Yes.

Answer 5

You can see the different shapes of the outlets here:

http://www.travelapproved.com/content.ph...

A world travel adapter, as said above, will solve any problems. Try to buy one that will convert your plug to any other though, they are mostly about 20 to 30 bucks. Some more information about those adapters can be found here:

Good luck!

Answer 6

oh yes!! and England has different ones too!

Answer 7

Yes, the outlets r diferent. i just came back from europe, and the outlets have 2 circular holes instead of 2 rectangular holes to put the plug in. so yeah, it iz wayy different than in the U.S.!