HomeUS → Europe
Do I need an adapter from the US to Europe?
You need a Type E or F adapter for Europe.
United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz → Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type E/F adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type E/F adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 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 E/F plug adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the charger: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type E/F adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the power supply: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type E/F adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 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 E/F plug adapter. Europe runs at 50 Hz, not 60 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for Europe (on amazon.com)
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Why
Plug shape. The US uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). Sockets in Europe are 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). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. The US is 120 V; Europe is 230 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. The US is 60 Hz; Europe is 50 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 the US to Europe?
Yes. US plugs are Types A and B and sockets in Europe are Types C, E or F, so you need a Type E or F adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from the US to Europe?
Only for single-voltage appliances. The US is 120 V and Europe is 230 V, so an US hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a step-down converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my US phone charger work in Europe?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type E or F plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, Europe to the US?
You need a Type B adapter for the United States, plus a voltage converter for your hair dryer or straightener. Full Europe to US guide.