Originally Posted by
alexmt
Two pin unpolarised that looks similar to US is Japanese standard. And European type? There are MANY types in Europe - all fit a low current "Europlug" but for higher current or grounded applications, require their specific plug. (Note - while all standard European sockets FIT the Europlug on some level, they do not safely/legally/to code fit in BS 1363 sockets, though with a screwdriver to push the shutters open they CAN fit and function but it's unsafe and I do NOT recommend it)
I thought your comment were true for older plugs, but newer have all been adopted to the grounded Scandinavian/German plug, the Schuku. French plugs adapted this by having one of the grounds elongated to fit over the old french ground (the CEE 7/7). The Italians adopted it by having a modified Schuku were you could use the old plug and the new plug. I don't know how widespread any of these outlets are, but I'm thinking they are used for most new houses and has been available on my trips there.
I don't know were the limit for "high current" is but I think all of those a safe to use and should be grounded?
I thought the Europlug shouldn't fit the english socket at all. But that is pretty much one of few (I think that unlike the Schuku plug the Europlug would even fit and be safe to use in Swiss outlets? Is that true?).