HomeEurope → US
Do I need an adapter from Europe to US?
You need a Type A or B adapter for United States.
Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz → United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit United States's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter. United States runs at 60 Hz, not 50 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for US (on amazon.de)
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Why
Plug shape. Europe uses Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart) and Type E (two round 4.8 mm pins and a hole for the socket earth pin) and Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides). United States sockets are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. Europe is 230 V; United States is 120 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged.
Frequency. Europe is 50 Hz; United States is 60 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from Europe to US?
Yes. Europe plugs are Type C/E/F and United States sockets are Type A/B, so you need a Type A adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from Europe to US?
Only for single-voltage appliances. Europe is 230 V and United States is 120 V, so a Europe hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my Europe phone charger work in US?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type A plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, US to Europe?
See the US to Europe guide.