Electricity Voltage in France

Mainland France and Monaco both operate on 220 Volts and 50Hz on AC. The electricity system in Andorra is slightly different, operating on a combination of 220 Volts and 125 Volts, both at 50Hz.

The US and Canada both operate on 120 Volts and a supply of 60Hz which means is you intend on taking any electrical appliances with you on vacation to France you’ll need to buy some continental electricity adaptors.

Electric voltage transformers for France

While it’s fairly easy to buy electric voltage adapters that enable American electrical appliances to work in France, it’s important to know the difference between voltage and Hz. Many electrical transformers will transform the voltage but not the Hz rate. The Hz rate, among other things, is responsible for determining the rate at which a motor in an electrical appliance works. This means if you are running an American electrical appliance in France with a transformer, there’s still a chance it wont work at the optimum rate it’s designed to.

Heavy & Light Electrical adaptors for France

There are generally two different types of electrical adaptor for France. The larger heavier adaptors are actually only designed to work for electrical appliances that operate at 35 watts or less. This includes small devices such as radios and shavers.

The smaller lighter electrical adapters can be used for appliances with a maximum watt rate of 1500. These electrical adapters are only for appliances with heating elements such as kettles and hair driers.

Electric Sockets in France

There are two types of electrical sockets used in France. All newer buildings have three fat prongs including a protruding earth prong. Many older buildings in France, however, still operate with electric wall sockets that only have two prongs.