this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025
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[–] Ek-Hou-Van-Braai@piefed.social 150 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (41 children)

In my opinion it's Type-F

Because:

  • It's bi-directional
  • It's grounded and ungrounded plugs use the same socket
  • It's already widespread (50+ countries) source
  • Your fingers can't touch the live wire as you're plugging in a wire
  • It's recessed
  • Low footprint
  • Accepts Type-C
[–] Localhorst86@feddit.org 64 points 4 days ago

Accepts Type-C

It took me a few seconds to realize you werent talking about shoving a USB Type C plug into there.

[–] kopasz7@sh.itjust.works 38 points 4 days ago (2 children)

What's the difference of C and F type?

[–] Ek-Hou-Van-Braai@piefed.social 50 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

C is mostly for low power devices

F is basically a heavy duty upgrade of C, it's got grounding on the side and can handle 16A (ovens, heaters etc.)

[–] Thedogdrinkscoffee@lemmy.ca 13 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Don't you get numpties plugging F appliances into C sockets then complaining to customer service that the induction stovetop doesn't boil water for tea fast enough?

[–] fullsquare@awful.systems 20 points 4 days ago

no, because it'll just trip fuse, and stoves are wired directly anyway

[–] AI_toothbrush@lemmy.zip 5 points 4 days ago

You cant the plug is thicker

[–] Strider@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

The type-C shown in the picture is also not the only form it has and maybe partly misleading, the plug usually is significantly smaller and flat, and power strips can feature multiple of those in less space.

[–] richardwonka@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Bi-directional is a double-edged feature.

It means that there is no reliable way of identifying line and neutral wire, which requires more complex double switches downstream.

Also, F is unnecessarily clunky and big and hard to make a weather-proof version of because of the complex shape.

[–] TIN@feddit.uk 8 points 4 days ago (3 children)

I see a lot of your comments about F being objectively same or better compared to G. The only thing I'd throw into the mix is the socket switch feels so logical, I'm really surprised it's not more standard.

High frequency use case: I don't need my microwave on all the time showing me the time, so I switch it off at the socket unless I'm using it

Low frequency use case: before going on holiday I switch all the electrics off at the sockets

[–] RaivoKulli@sopuli.xyz 3 points 3 days ago

Socket switch isn't really a feature of the socket itself. I've had schuko sockets with switches. It's just not as common

[–] Mac@mander.xyz 6 points 3 days ago

I never understood why every appliance in the kitchen needs to display the time. lol

[–] Tja@programming.dev 3 points 3 days ago

Why not switch off the fuse in the holiday case? More time efficient.

[–] LegoBrickOnFire@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

As the least biased swiss person. Type J (or type N, Idk) is so much better. We put three plugs on the same surface as you have 1. I am always frustrated to see how impractical your plugs are when I go to the EU

[–] Anivia@feddit.org 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Because:

  • It's bi-directional

This is very convenient, and not a problem in 99.9% of cases, but there are some devices where it's important to not have the hot and neutral wire swapped

[–] RaivoKulli@sopuli.xyz 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)
[–] Anivia@feddit.org 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

why should those plug into a normal outlet regularly? wouldn't that be a measure polarity and just leave it alone device?

[–] Nico_198X@europe.pub 9 points 4 days ago

Agreed. The best.

[–] azertyfun@sh.itjust.works 4 points 4 days ago

Furthermore, appliances compatible with Type F are almost always compatible with Type E as well, it's just a matter of including both grounding mechanisms which they all do to avoid designing multiple cords.

I haven't yet visited the UK so the only time I've had trouble plugging in something in Europe is in shudders Italy.

[–] Tja@programming.dev 2 points 3 days ago

And type-E. Most EU plugs are F-E compatible, because countries go about alternating them. Spain F, France E, Germany F, Poland E. You build a plug with a hole for the E ground bolt and a cutout for the F side contacts.

[–] Rinox@feddit.it 2 points 4 days ago

Hear me out, type L, the one in the middle, is the best socket, as it has all the things you talked about, but also accepts Italian plugs.

Type L bipasso (the one on the side) instead is the most space efficient, while retaining type C compatibility and grounding. Type L plugs also have plastic bits at the end to avoid contact with live wire (like UK one).

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