5d ago

I want to replace an old multi-socket but the majority of the ones sold today don't have this pin? Why is that and does that mean they are not connected to the ground?

I've always known these with pins, or are they replaced by those two tiny plates on the side?

Edit: example of one of the most sold models https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/387671120546

33 comments

It's two variants of the European socket (type E and type F), nowadays most plugs are compatible with both versions so you can buy either one. Just check your plugs before.
Here is an illustration of both sockets:
Type E
Type F

Are there any disadvantages of schuko sockets against the French/Belgian/Polish ones? If I ever can afford my own apartment, I would like to install schuko sockets instead of the ones with the pin which are standard in my country.
- Before you buy the other plug standard for your place, please check legislation and insurance terms. It may affect liability if you install a nonstandard plug
  Most devices I have are compatible with both, perhaps because Netherlands and Belgium are similar markets (because Flanders) and Belgium uses French plugs, so loads of products made for the Dutch-Belgian market will be compatible with both plug types. The only product I own that isn't French-compatible is from Germany, not sure if that's an exception or the norm there, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that it might also simply not matter which one you install since it's easy and common to make universal plugs for these two socket types

If you don't know what you're doing I suggest you don't buy a jukebox online but at a local store. That way you're probably on the safe side. The link one looks like the German version and your post pic is France/Belgium. They're not (edit: always) compatible. Plugs are a non-EU-standardized mess.
- They're sometimes compatible. I have French style plugs in Belgium, but most of my devices have both a hole and side connectors to be cross-compatible.
  
  I've moved from Belgium to the Netherlands (so the standard you show to the one with 2 grounding things at the top and bottom). Every single plug was compatible and usable without issue. The ONLY issue with the plugs here is that they can't handle as high of a load as the Belgian ones. The best part about these are that you can plug it in both ways which is soooo convenient!

You need to buy the one that corresponds to the standard where you live. The same as the ones on your walls. If you buy the wrong one it will work most of the time but create massive frustration every once in a while.

Hello, the pin showed in the image is the ground. Though the one with the benl link is also with a ground. You can see it in the picture its a piece of metal shown in the inner diameter of the female plug. You should be aware that if your male plug is not provided with this connector, your either can't connect it to this socket or you will not have a ground.

Buy them in Czech Republic. On the other hand, must plugs support grounding from the side.

33 comments