Electrical Outlets in Sweden; Travelling and Leisure

Most tours can be practically uninteresting without gadgets like the laptops, iPods, and cell phones. Nowadays, most passengers or tourists consider having these gadgets with them to lessen boredom. Before considering having your gadgets with you to any country, you should be conversant with the types of the electrical outlets present in that country so as to avoid staying offline due to lack of power. If you are planning to travel to Sweden, you should always consider checking if you require a travel adapter for the available power sockets (outlets) in the guest houses and restaurants so as to keep your tour busy and free from boredom.

• A standard Voltage of 230 V

• A frequency of 50 Hz

• The power sockets of type F

The electrical outlets differ by regions. Sweden uses the Type C and Type F sockets Europlug with two round prongs for electricity. Electrical outlets in Sweden accept 4.0 to 4.8 mm round contact plugs with an 18.5-19 mm spaced centre. They use the CEE 7/4 "schuko" socket which has a nonpolarized symmetrical design, allowing interchanging of live and neutral lines. The CEE 7/17 and CEE 7/7 Euro 2-pin plug which are used in most Scandinavian countries, Western and Eastern Europe is also compatible with this plug. The plug has two round 18.5 mm spaced prongs of 4 mm diameter. Most European travelers should are unlikely to encounter any compatibility problems because of the likeness in the shape of electrical outlets in Sweden with their devices. However, this may not be sufficient as you may be compelled to cut off your power plug and replace it with a suitable one. This will reduce its aesthetics, and you will inevitably have to replace it promptly. To avert this, it is prudent to carry a travel adapter to Sweden. Adapters are relatively affordable and can effortlessly be found in airport shops.

Electrical outlets in Sweden run at a voltage of 110 - 115, 400 or 230 volts and 50 hertz depending on the outlet used. Buildings in Sweden install different electrical outlets for different applications. The heavy electrical equipment uses 400 volts, standard outlets found in homes and hotel rooms use 230 volts which are an upgrade from the 220 volts initially used. Bathrooms have 110 - 115 volts outlets for shavers and other light equipment. It is, therefore, imperative to check your device for compatibility to avoid getting inconvenienced. Most laptops will work effectively with 220 volts. That means you'll only require changing the shape of your laptop’s power plug to fit in the outlet by an adapter.

It is recommended for travellers from the United States whose appliances are rated 110 to 127 volts and will surely get damaged when plugged into electrical outlets in Sweden. Modern appliances, e.g., shavers, laptop chargers, mobile phone charger, have an automatic voltage sensing feature; this gives them a wide voltage rating of 100 to 250 volts. This makes them operable on electrical outlets in Sweden. You might need a converter to be on the safer side. A converter is a device that will reduce the voltage from 230 volts to the rated voltage of an appliance. Converters are inexpensive and convenient; they are therefore portable and handy for travelers. The disadvantage of converters is; they are not devised for heavy duty or extended use, make them wear out fast because they use chips in their internal circuitry hence they are in the habit of getting damaged quickly when heated as a result of endless use.

Transformers are more reliable since they are can be operated with cumbersome equipment like blow dryers, television sets for extended periods. Transformers are also usable with modest electronics like chargers, laptops, shavers, etc. Be prepared to incur extra charges when traveling with transformers. The reliability of transformers is downplayed by their large size which reduces their portability. It is also necessary to check the frequency of your device before plugging it in since electrical outlets in Sweden run at a frequency of 50 hertz. Appliances with motors rated above or below can destroy them by making them go faster or slower as a result of the cycle inequities.

You should desist from carrying devices with the heating element like room heaters, dryers, etc. to Sweden because a discrepancy in voltage will not only result in the appliance getting damaged but also hamper with the electricity supply. These devices can be found in the local store, or you could ask your hotel or room for one.