Electrical Standards in Eastern Europe: Plugs, Voltage, and Frequency

Eastern European countries generally follow the Type C and Type F plug and socket standards, aligning with most of continental Europe. Below is a detailed overview:

1. Plug Types

  • Type C (Europlug):
    • Two round pins (4.0–4.8 mm diameter, 19 mm apart).
    • Unpolarized and ungrounded, suitable for devices requiring up to 2.5A.
    • Universally compatible with Type E, F, and most Eastern European sockets.
  • Type F (Schuko):
    • Two round pins + two grounding clips on the sides.
    • Grounded, supports higher-power appliances (up to 16A).
    • Dominant in countries like Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Note: Soviet-era GOST sockets (similar to Type C but with 4.0 mm pins) may still exist in older buildings in Ukraine or Russia, but most modern installations use Type C/F.


2. Voltage and Frequency

  • Voltage: 230V (±10%) AC, standardized across the EU. Some countries (e.g., Russia, Belarus) historically used 220V, but modern systems align with 230V.
  • Frequency: 50 Hz (uniform across the region).

3. Country-Specific Notes

  • Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria: Primarily use Type F; Type C is also common.
  • Ukraine: Transitioned from GOST to Type C/F. Older buildings may retain Soviet sockets.
  • Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia): Follow EU standards (Type C/F).
  • Russia & Belarus: Type C/F plugs; voltage is 220V/230V, 50 Hz.

4. Travel Tips

  • Carry a Type C/F universal adapter for compatibility.
  • Dual-voltage devices (e.g., laptops, phone chargers) work without converters.
  • Check high-power appliances (e.g., hair dryers) for voltage compatibility (230V input required).

Post time: Mar-27-2025