What should I be aware of when offering products with a power connection? December 01, 2021 12:46 Updated Switzerland has its own standard for plugs and sockets. This makes the sale of electrical appliances with a mains connection more complicated, but not impossible. We would like to explain the effects of this peculiarity briefly and precisely here. The Similarities: FIg 1: Europlug CEE 7/16 Appliances that have an Europlug (CEE 7/16) can be sold in Switzerland without any adaptations. The Euro plug is designed for a maximum load of 250 V operating voltage and a current of 2.5 amperes. It is used with protective-insulated devices, i.e. devices that have been constructed in such a way that they can be operated safely without a protective-earth connection. Due to the maximum load, however, the plug is only used for appliances with low power (<575W). Protective insulated devices can be recognised by the corresponding symbol: Fig 2: Symbol for protective-insulated devices The Differences: As soon as a device needs a protective-earth connection - or needs more power than can be transmitted by means of an Europlug, the differences begin. Fig 3: SN 441011 type 12 The Swiss standard plugs (SN 441011 type 12) are designed for a maximum load of 250V operating voltage and a current of 10 amps. The SchuKo (CEE-7/7) plugs that are relatively widespread in the rest of Europe, on the other hand, are dimensioned for 250V and up to 16 amps. This means that appliances with an output of between 2300W and 3000W, which are equipped with a SchuKo (CEE-7/7) plug, are only suitable for distribution in Switzerland to a very limited extent. This is because they have to be operated with a special T-23 fixed adapter - and the corresponding sockets are hard to be found in normal households. Operating such powerful appliances with a T-12 fixed adapter is illegal, as this could, in the worst case, lead to a fire. In general, appliances with the main connection that are sent to Swiss customers must be accompanied by a fixed adapter - or if the power cable can be disconnected from the device, the matching Swiss power cable (cordset) must be enclosed. A fixed adapter can be connected once to a SchuKo plug (CEE-7/7) or a contoured plug (CEE 7/17). Afterwards, the adapter cannot be removed and thus guarantees a safe power connection for the customer. The permanent use of a travel adapter is prohibited. The use of a fixed adapter on a cordset that can be disconnected from the device is also prohibited. Fig 4: CEE 7/17 (unearthed plug) The 2-pole fixed adapter matching the CEE 7/17 can be found here. Matching cord sets are available from a number of manufacturers. Larger quantities can be ordered inexpensively from the manufacturer Max Hauri or similar suppliers. We only use the IP44 version to avoid any discussion about plug protection. Fig 5: CEE 7/7 (SchuKo) The 3-pole fixed adapter that fits the CEE 7/7 can be found here. Matching cord sets are available from a number of manufacturers. Larger quantities can be ordered inexpensively from the manufacturer Max Hauri or similar suppliers. We recommend always using the IP44 variant. See below a graphic for easier decision-making: Fig 6: Decision Matrix Power Plugs Version 01.12.2021
