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France Heavy duty plugs and sockets |
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| In hardware stores in France you can find three types of heavy duty plugs and sockets rated at 400V, the common voltage for three-phase devices (see nos. 3, 6 and 7). Also two single phase devices will withstand this voltage, but they can also be used in a standard domestic 230V network (see also the adapter plug no. 2). Manufacturer of each of the items shown below: Legrand, Limoges. |
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| 1, 5 | Socket and plug rated at 20A, 250-400V (single phase). |
| 2 | Adapter plug which makes a 20A socket (no. 1) accessible for CEE 7/6 16A plugs, the French standard domestic type of plug. |
| 3, 7 |
Socket and plug rated at 20A, 400V, three-phase. Single phase 20A plugs (no.5) do not fit in three-phase 20A sockets. |
| 6 | 20A, 400V three-phase, 4-pin plug.
Omission of neutral contact is no problem when a balanced load (L1, L2
and L3) is assured. The plug does not fit in socket no. 3, because plug no. 6 has a 8.2 mm wide earth pin, rather than 6.5 mm for plug no. 7. {FB} |
| 4, 8 | Socket and plug rated at 32A, 250-400V (single phase). |
| note |
Sockets and adapter outlets have to be equipped with child safely shutters according to French regulations, effective from 2001. |
| Classic
French three-phase plugs and sockets In the past there was almost no standardisation among three-phase plugs and sockets. A variety of of examples is shown in a separate gallery. Click image or Next button for classics. |
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