What is the Difference Between American and European Electrical Outlets?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
One of the exciting things about the history of electricity is that innovations in the development of electrical equipment often occurred concurrently around the world. As a result, there are some significant differences found among electrical outlets in North America and many countries in Europe. Most of the differences have to do with construction, but some involve the strength of the current that the outlets are constructed to manage.
One of the most immediate differences in electrical outlets around the world have to do with the voltage of the current that is used in various countries. The standard in North America is 110 to 120 volts, while the European standard is 220-240 volts. This necessitates a difference in the way outlets are constructed in Europe and in North America. Understanding the voltage of the current that is supplied by the outlet is very important, as travelers may find that appliances such as hair dryers and small appliances will not work with the electrical outlets.
Along with the different voltage, there is also a difference in the frequency, or cycles per second, of the electric power available in many parts of Europe and in North America. The standard in North America is 60Hz, while the European standard is 50Hz. This means that even if the voltage is compatible, there may still be a problem if the traveler uses an appliance that is not constructed to work with that particular frequency.
Beyond the voltage and frequency of electrical power, there are significant differences in the actual appearance of electrical outlets around the world. The United States and Canada tend to make use of only two versions of outlets. The basic usage outlet accommodates a two-pin construction, with one flat pin slightly larger than the other flat pin. For more heavy duty usage, there is a three prong design that adds a third pin that is rounded in nature.
Various countries in Europe make use of an eclectic blend of two and three pin electrical outlets. The pins may be arranged in just about every combination imaginable. This situation often means that adapters are necessary in order to use appliances that were manufactured in a different country even when the current level and type are compatible.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![Outlets in the United States and Canada generally use a two-pin structure.]()
By: thepoeticimageOutlets in the United States and Canada generally use a two-pin structure. -
![The voltage, frequency and design of European electrical outlets varies widely from those in the U.S.]()
By: chrisdorneyThe voltage, frequency and design of European electrical outlets varies widely from those in the U.S. -
![Europe-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should pack a voltage converter.]()
By: HappyAlexEurope-bound travelers who are bringing laptops or other electronic devices should pack a voltage converter. -
![Most of Europe uses a 220volt/50 hertz power system.]()
By: ilynx_vMost of Europe uses a 220volt/50 hertz power system.
Discussion Comments
First of all, let's make this simple. What size bulb do you plan to use and what size wire is currently on your lamp?
Can I use a US hired wire lamp in Asia?
I am not sure if US wire can sustain the 240V in Malaysia. I don't want to burn down the house.
The specs are for the US lamp: Socket Specs (maximum) = 250w/250v - Threaded for standard (E26) medium base bulbs
Bulb Max Recommended Wattage = 60 watt.
@eddiegrice: Regarding the comment "the Euro Lamp will only work at 230V so by plugging it into a 110V supply the bulb will only light up to approx half its power," this is actually incorrect.
The number of amps flowing through the device will halve, but power is Volts^2/Resistance. A 100W 240V light-bulb has an internal resistance of ~576 ohms, plugging it into a 110V socket will result in a total power dissipation of just 21W, barely enough to do anything.
Why does the voltage differ in USA and Europe?
eddie grice is wright. If a lamp draws 0.25W in Europe. it will draw the same amount at home USA. Just buy the Ohms law. But looks like we are going away from question. And the answer is, yes, you can use European lamps here at home. Just change the bulb and plug. Since all the threads are the same all around the world, a bulb socket from Europe will gladly accept a USA light bulb.
simply using thicker wires won't work. As stated, the Euro Lamp will only work at 230V so by plugging it into a 110V supply the bulb will only light up to approx half its power (ie a 100W bulb will only light up to about 47W).
You must purchase a transformer as stated in post no. 3 to convert the 110v into 230V.
Concerning current, the article is misleading here. The current drawn by the appliance is governed only by the appliance itself, i.e., if the appliance wants 1 amp it will only draw 1 amp. It is impossible for an outlet to provide more amps than is required.. This is simply Ohms law.
The lamp requiring 0.25 amps in europe will still require 0.25 amps in the USA. That said, because the voltage has changed the resistance of the cable will have changed (again simple ohms law). In most cases, it won't be a problem, as the tolerances used in flex cables are pretty wide.
All you need to do is buy a universal transformer from a building supply store and you should be fine.
Alternating current has been the worldwide standard for decades because it is easier to distribute.
Because of the higher voltage supplied in Europe, appliances there can draw less current. This means that they can have thinner wires than their American counterparts. In the case of the European table lamp being brought to the States, it may be necessary to rewire it with thicker cable and a new lamp holder and switch (if present), to prevent overheating.
Probably not. If the wiring of the lamp is not compatible with the current, you could have a problem. Check with an electrician before you do anything with the plug.
I brought a European table lamp to the States.
Can I use (leave on) it's electrical cord and just replace the wall plug with an American plug?
Thanks.
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