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Power Plug adapters, voltage converters?

Thank you in advance for your advice. This forum has helped me tremendously regarding my visit to Switzerland later this year.
As I continue my planning, I am a little confused about the adapters. I notice that Switzerland has its own plug. Will the European Universal Adapter work? Do we need to get one for just Switzerland? We are only planning to bring our cell phones and possibly a camera. Do we also need voltage converter? Thank you!
Bob

Posted by
20090 posts

I don't remember using a different plug adapter for Switzerland, but then I have one with several choices, but I think the British one is the only major difference.

99.9 % chance that your cell phone and camera chargers are universal voltage. Just look carefully at them and you should see "110-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz", then you'll know for sure.

Posted by
32757 posts

As Sam says, you gotta read. Carefully.

Yes Switzerland has a different configuration. Most hotels - maybe all, but I haven't checked all to be sure - will have loaner adapters to Swiss from German and French plugs.

Which "European Universal Adapter" do you mean? How universal is it?

Posted by
8889 posts

Does your adapter have 2-pin or 3-pin plugs?
If the answer is 2-pin (and things like phone chargers are 2-pin) and it is the correct shape for a Europlug (some adapters aren't), then the same adapter will work in Switzerland. If it has 3-pins (i.e. it also has an earth connection), then you need a different adapter for Switzerland.
Do not attempt to force a German (Schuko) or French 3-pin plug into a Swiss socket. The pins are bigger and you may break the socket.

Voltage is the same as the rest of Europe. If your appliance will take 110-250V 50/60 Hz AC (and again all phone chargers I have ever seen will, but read the small print on the charger) then you are OK. If it just says 110V 60 Hz AC, you will destroy it if you plug it into any socket in Europe.

Posted by
32209 posts

Bob,

"Do we also need voltage converter?"

You'll need to check each charger that you'll be travelling with to determine if it's designed for "world" operation. Look for the words "Input Voltage". If this says "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz." then you won't need to worry about Voltage Converters. THIS is an example of what to look for.

Most (if not all) of your Chargers will probably only be equipped with a two pin plug, so you'll be able to use inexpensive Euro Plug Adaptors like these - https://www.amazon.com/Ckitze-EU-Europe-Power-Adapter/dp/B0012S304W/ref=sr_1_15?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1516432322&sr=1-15&keywords=travel+plug+adapter+for+europe

It's hard to tell from the website picture, but the Plug Adaptor shown appears to have the smaller pins, which is appropriate for Switzerland. I'd suggest packing at least two Plug Adaptors, as they're small and easily misplaced.

If you find that some of your appliances require a three-pin (grounded) connection, you'll require this type of Plug Adaptor - https://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Switzerland-Travel-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0080SG1SY *(these can also be used with non-grounded devices).

Posted by
8889 posts

To add to what Ken said, the picture he posted of a 2-pin adapter ( https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41HJT5mmnrL.jpg ) is hexagonal (triangular ends). This is the correct to fit into recessed sockets Europe-wide.

However the 3-pin adapter he posted ( https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ggA402unL._SL1454_.jpg ) has rounded ends and is WRONG. It will work on older non-recessed sockets, but not in the newer recessed ones.
This is what I meant in my original post by "it is the correct shape for a Europlug (some adapters aren't)".
If you compare it with this photo of a correctly-shaped Swiss plug and socket: https://www.worldstandards.eu/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/electricity-tiles-type-J-200-px.jpg
You will see it needs the triangular (not round) ends to fit into the recessed socket. Some adapters made outside Switzerland are the wrong shape. You may be lucky and find older non-recessed sockets in your room, or you may be unlucky.

Posted by
32209 posts

Chris F,

Thanks for the correction. I knew about the triangular ends but missed that when I posted the link. I don't believe it's necessary to use those goofy and often expensive "Universal Adaptors" as a cheap and basic Adaptor works just fine.