HomeEurope → US
Do I need an adapter from Europe to the US?
You need a Type B adapter for the United States.
Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz → United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type B plug adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the charger: 100–240 V works on 120 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the power supply: 100–240 V works on 120 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type B plug adapter. The United States runs at 60 Hz, not 50 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for US (on amazon.de)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why
Plug shape. Europe uses Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart), Type E (two round 4.8 mm pins and a hole for the socket earth pin) and Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides). Sockets in the US are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. Europe is 230 V; the US is 120 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged. Adapter or converter?
Frequency. Europe is 50 Hz; the US is 60 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from Europe to the US?
Yes. European plugs are Types C, E and F and sockets in the US are Types A or B, so you need a Type B adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from Europe to the US?
Only for single-voltage appliances. Europe is 230 V and the US is 120 V, so an European hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a step-up converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my European phone charger work in the US?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type B plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, the US to Europe?
You need a Type E or F adapter for Europe, plus a voltage converter for your hair dryer or straightener. Full US to Europe guide.