Wholesale 220v power station in Monaco

Just like the rest of Europe, the voltage in Monaco is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. As the economy of Monaco is deeply intertwined with France's economy, it is no wonder that Monaco almost always follows French standards. Wall outlets and plugs are no exception. Monaco has standardized on type E sockets and plugs.

When you are going on a trip to Monaco, be sure to pack the appropriate travel plug adapter that fits the local sockets. But what do those electrical outlets look like? In Monaco, types C and E are the official standards. Since type F plugs are identical to type E plugs, they can also be used with French type E sockets.

Typically, type C plug sockets are not allowed to be installed in Monaco: these outlets are not earthed and are therefore considered dangerous. Only type E power points are permitted because they are grounded and therefore significantly safer. The only (and rare) exception to this rule, is that an old type C outlet should be replaced by a new one.

Obsolete type E plug, i.e. without top and bottom earthing clips nor plastic notches on the left and right. Most European countries don't have the same plug and socket standard as Monaco; they use the German type F system instead. This used to be a problem because type E plugs and sockets were initially incompatible with type F.

Wall outlets and plugs are no exception. Monaco has standardized on type E sockets and plugs. Type C and type F plugs can also be used thanks to their compatibility with type E sockets. However, it is not permitted to install type C nor type F wall outlets. But why is that?