Which is live on a French plug?
Electrics and wiring in plugs in France The brown wire (live) always goes to the live side of the plug, where the fuse is found. In France, it is not so straightforward. The colours are the same, which is a start, but the blue and the brown wires can lead to either side of the plug.
Are European plugs polarized?
Consistent with this practice, the Continental European plug can be rotated to either of two positions and plugged into the socket. Thus, the common electrical system in Europe is unpolarized (i.e., line and neutral are connected at random). In fact, most plug types used in Europe are not polarized.
Does a plug have polarity?
On a standard American power plug, which is ungrounded and two pronged, identifying whether the plug is polarized is simple. If one of the blades on the plug is slightly wider than the other, the plug is polarized.
Are European plugs reversible?
Assuming that you are using a correct and supply authority-approved plug adapter, then it makes no difference at all which way round you insert the mains plug. These power supplies are double-insulated and are not earthed (grounded), so you won’t have to worry about any third pin either.
Do French plugs have an earth?
French (type E, CEE 7/5 socket, CEE 7/6 plug) The earth connection is made by an earth pin which protrudes from the socket, and engages with a hole in the plug (there are no side earth strips). The protruding earth pin means that the plug can only be inserted one way around, just like UK plugs.
Are UK plugs polarized?
The UK electrical system is polarised. The earth pin on 13A plugs is at the top, they can only be inserted one way and the live is always wired to the right hole (as you face a socket). As the live is always connected one way, appliances are wired with this in mind.
Why are some plugs not polarized?
Plugs with the two of the same-sized prongs are considered non-polarized because there is no clear distinction as to which prong is for the “hot” side and the “neutral” side.
How do you tell if a plug is polarized?
The simplest way to tell if your receptacle (electrical outlet) is polarized is if you are able to plug in a three-prong plug (NEMA 1-15 ground Type B) or if a two prong-plug (NEMA 1-15 ungrounded Type A) can only fit with the larger prong on the left.
Why are some plugs polarized?
Most appliances would work if they were plugged in “upside down.” But it provides a measure of safety for the appliance and house wiring to be aligned in terms of polarity. This is the reason why most appliance plugs are polarized—so they can only be plugged in neutral-to-neutral, hot-to-hot.
Can plugs go in upside down?
Have you ever wondered if you have upside down outlets? The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. It’s up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets.
Does it matter if plug upside down?
Correct Position of the Electrical Outlet Many outlet receptacle manufacturers recommend installing the electrical outlet in the position that so many consider ‘upside down. Rest assured, however, that no matter what position the electrical outlet is installed it will still function the same.
What kind of plugs can you use in France?
France has standardized on type E sockets and plugs. Type C and type F plugs can also be used thanks to their compatibility with type E sockets. However, it is not permitted to install type C nor type F wall outlets.
What kind of electrical plug is Type E?
Type E (FR electrical socket/electrical plug) This electrical socket is common in: Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Slovakia,… The Type E plug has two round pins (diameter 4.8mm, centers spaced 19mm apart) and a hole for the earth pin. The Type E plug is round, and the Type E socket has a round recess.
Is the French outlet protected against reverse polarity?
For the French outlets, it is protected against reverse polarity, and the French standard says: Looking into an outlet with the earth pin in the upper position, left is neutral and right is live. However, Poland uses the type E connector to, but to my knowledge, has no rules regarding polarity.
Can a Type F plug be used in an e socket?
Fortunately, type F plugs are fully compatible with type E sockets and the other way round. In the past, however, this wasn’t the case. The reason for the initial incompatibility was that grounding in the E socket is accomplished with a round male pin, which is permanently mounted in the socket.